About Alpacas

Alpacas are members of the camelid or, camel family. There are six different kinds of camels, all with different personalities and reasons for their existence. Some are used for transportation and conveying goods while others, like alpacas, produce exceptionally soft, warm and durable fleeces which make heirloom quality garments and other products.

There are two types of alpacas as well: the Huacaya, the most common type, which produces the fluffy, wavy fleece and the Suri, which produces the long, luxurious "hanging" type fleece.

Alpacas are indigenous to South America, especially the countries of Chile, Peru, and Bolivia. During the mid 1980's, these countries agreed to export alpacas to various countries, among them, America. From 1984 to 1998 there was large-scale importation of alpacas into the United States and qualifiedd animals were issued pedigree registration by the Alpaca Registry, Inc. (or ARI). This certification traces the colors, dates of birth, bloodlines and other information about each alpaca. The information is verified through DNA blood testing to ensure complete accuracy. In 1998, American breeders voted to close the registration of imported alpacas with the ARI, which essentially stopped any further imports of alpacas and has preserved the value of the American bred alpacas. (As I was writing this, I got an e-mail from the ARI announcing the 100,000th registered alpaca in the U.S.)

Alpacas are raised for their incredibly soft, warm and strong fleece. They are sheared once a year, typically in the spring. Alpaca fleece does not contain the lanolin that sheep's wool has and has been compared to cashmere in it's softness and luxurious feel but is less expensive and more easily acquired and processed. Alpaca fleece comes in some 22 different natural colors but readily accepts dye and can be combined with other fibers to make some exceptionally interesting and useful blends. Alpaca fleece is also used in the creation of rugs, draperies, furniture upholstery and other home fabrics and fashions where its renowned durability can be showcased.

Alpacas are very easy to care for. They require at least a three-sided shelter to shield them from inclement weather and 2" x 4" no-climb perimeter fencing that is 5 feet tall to keep predators and dogs out. Alpacas eat grass or hay with a daily feeing (one cup) of "treats" containing mineral supplements. They process their food very efficiently, producing "pellet" type feces, which they usually confine to one or two small piles used by all herd members. (This "by-product" makes excellent fertilizer!). On average adults stand about 36" tall at the shoulder and weigh up to 200+ pounds.

Alpacas are generally very gentle and rarely spit at or kick humans, despite the reputation their larger cousins have. They seem to have a natural curiosity about the comings and goings of humans and are especially gentle and curious about small children. Alpacas do not have "hooves" but rather two toes which have hard toenails on top with soft pads on the bottom. This means they do not damage the soil or pasture like a horse or cows would. Raising alpacas does not require much land. Usually 3-8 alpacas can be comfortably accommodated per acre depending on terrain, rain amounts and the availability of pasture. Alpaca life expectancy is around 15-20 years. Finally, there is incredible tax advantages in owning alpacas, especially those used for breeding purposes. Consult your tax advisor or we will be happy to put you in touch with ours for further information.