Frequently Asked Questions

You may already know what an Alpaca is. If you do, you may be aware of the tax advantages. For us, they are much more. Our focus is on breeding for superior fiber and on supporting and enhancing the North American fiber market. We believe they are a lifetime commitment as they have an average lifespan of 15-25 years.

If you don't know what an Alpaca is, here are some facts and figures

Physical Characteristics

  • Two kinds of Alpacas: Huacaya (pronounced wah-KI-ya) and Suri (pronounced surrey)
  • Huacaya fiber is short, dense, crimpy and gives a woolly appearance
  • Suri fiber is silky and resembles pencil-like locks
  • Short and low set tail
  • Have soft padded feet with two toes
  • Do not have horns, hooves or claws, incisors, or upper teeth
  • Eat grass and chew cud
  • Adult Alpacas generally weigh between 150 and 200 lbs.
  • Average height is 36 inches at the withers
  • Have three stomachs
  • Adaptable to any climate

History

  • Members of the Camelid family (Vicuna, Guanco, Llama and Alpaca)
  • Native to Andean Mountain range of South America. Primarily found in Peru, Bolivia, and Chile
  • Provided clothing and transportation to the Incas
  • First imported to the United States in 1984
  • Domesticated for over 5,000 years
  • Current figures note about 100,000 registered Alpacas in North America

Reproduction

  • Average lifespan of an Alpaca is about 20 years
  • Gestation is 11.5 months.
  • Female Alpaca normally gives birth, without assistance, in the daylight hours
  • Baby Alpacas are called crias
  • Have single births. Twins are extremely rare. Most recent figures note 1 in 2000 is a twin

Behavior

  • Alert, intelligent, curious, and predictable
  • Social animals that seek companionship
  • Communicate by softly humming
  • Also communicate with neck posturing, ear and tail positioning and head tilt
  • Deposit their odorless bean-like pellets in concentrated areas

Maintenance/Care

  • Sheared without harm every 12 to 18 months
  • Require minimal fencing. They can be pastured at 5-10 per acre
  • Virtually disease-resistant animals
  • Require annual vaccinations with tetanus and other locally appropriate vaccines
  • Need routine parasite control
  • Need occasional nail and/or teeth trimming

End Products

  • Main end-product is fiber
  • In ancient times, Alpaca fiber was known as the "Fiber of Gods"
  • Soft as cashmere and lighter and warmer than wool
  • Hypo-allergenic and contains no lanolin
  • Comes in 22 natural colors