Everything you wanted to know about alpacas.....

Q.  How are alpacas different from llamas?

Alpacas and llamas are both members of the Camelid (camel) Family, but there are distinct differences.

Weight: Alpacas are much smaller with an average adult weighing between 140 – 200 lbs, while an average adult llama weighs 250-450 lbs.

Height: Alpacas are much shorter being 32-39 inches tall at the withers, while llamas are 47-57 inches tall.

Ears: Alpaca ears are smaller and “spear-shaped,” while llama ears are longer and curved or “banana-shaped”

Fiber: Alpacas have a single coat type, while llamas have a double coat type

Use: Alpacas are primarily raised for their soft luxurious fleece, while llamas are used for carrying loads, or guarding other livestock.

Herd: Alpacas are herd animals that should only be kept with other alpacas, while llamas may be solitary or kept with out livestock

Attitude: Alpacas are curious and friendly but tend to be shyer and more nervous than llamas who may appear braver.

Domesticated from: Alpacas are domesticated from the Vicuna, while llamas are domesticated from the Guanaco

Q.  Are alpacas easy to care for?

Alpacas are relatively small (average adult weighs 120-200 lbs) and relatively easy to handle livestock. Alpacas need basic shelter which provides protection from heat, rain, and extreme cold.  Pasture, hay, minerals and fresh clean water are essential and should always be available. Parasite control, and annual vaccines should be provided as recommended by a local vet.  Alpacas also require annual shearing and their toenails trimmed on an as-needed basis.

Q.  What do alpacas eat?

Alpacas mainly eat grass or hay requiring approximately 2-3% of their body weight per day. Alfalfa may also be fed to alpacas but only in moderation and not as the only source of food.  Grain or mineral supplements should be provided to address what the forage is not supplying or what is needed at the various stages of life or environmental conditions they are exposed to.  Alpacas require access to fresh, clean water.  Alpacas will also browse shrubs and trees.

Q.  How do alpacas eat and digest their food?

Alpacas are pseudo-ruminants with a single stomach divided into 3 compartments. Alpacas produce rumen and chew their cud which allows them to process food very efficiently.  Alpacas have 2 sets of teeth – 1) Front teeth – only on the bottom with a  hard gum (dental pad) on the top to bite and crush grain, grass, and hay.  2) Molars – in the back of the jaw to chew their cud.  Alpacas are easy on pastures compared to other livestock as they tend to “nibble” on the tops of grass instead of ripping it out of the ground.  Male alpacas also have "fighting teeth" once they reach the age of about 3 years old.  These are not for eating, but for fighting with other males and should be ground down to prevent injuries.

Q.  How many acres do you need to raise alpaca?

Compared to other livestock, alpacas have less of an impact on pastures, and overall require less food and water than traditional livestock. Productivity of the pasture needs to be able to support the number of alpacas. Ensuring access to food, water and shelter remains essential which can also be influenced by the behaviour or attitude of the alpacas.  Some like to share, others do not.

Q.  What type of shelter and fencing is required?

Shelter requirements for alpacas vary depending on the weather in your area. Alpaca need protection from intense heat, rain, icy winds, and extreme cold.  In Alberta, we have 3-sided shelters that we can further enclose during the winter if we need to and an extended overhang to provide extra shade.  Fencing is more determined by what you want to keep out vs keeping the alpacas in.  We use woven, no-climb fence (2”x 4” openings), 6’ high on the perimeter and 5’ high between pastures.  Woven works better than welded fence as some alpacas like to rub on the fences.

Q.  Can alpacas survive in locations that get really hot and really cold – typical Alberta weather?

Generally, alpacas are adapted to a wide range of temperatures. In hot weather they need shade and fresh, cool water.  Many of our alpacas enjoy the sprinkler and will even drink from the hose.  Although they like sprinklers, they do not like rain!  It is important to annually shear the alpacas early enough in the year to avoid carrying a heavy fleece during hot weather.  In cold weather alpacas enjoy the snow, but they do need protection from icy winds.

Q.  Can you train an alpaca?

Alpacas are very smart and curious animals, although a bit nervous. We have alpacas that open latches and gates just out of curiosity. It is best to start training when they are young so they get used to a halter and lead.

Q.  Are alpacas dangerous?

Alpacas are generally easy to handle and pleasant to be around. They do not have horns or hooves like other larger livestock.  Average adult alpaca weighs 140 – 200 lbs. If startled from behind they may kick out with a hind leg.  If they did happen to kick, they have a 2-toed, soft-padded foot which may create a bruise.  They are graceful, agile, quick animals and therefore very unlikely to run over or into anyone.  Males, around 3 years old do develop “fighting teeth” that are a hazard, however, these teeth are removed to prevent injuries to other male alpacas.  All livestock should be treated with respect, common sense and caution to ensure a safe environment for everyone.

Q.  Are alpacas clean livestock?

Alpacas are much cleaner than most livestock. They tend to use a communal dung pile located in a couple of places throughout the pasture.  This makes it easier to cleanup and reduces the risk of parasites.

Q.  Do alpacas make noises?

Alpacas are mostly very quiet. They communicate by way of a humming sound, or moms will make a clucking-kissing sound to their cria.  Alpacas do “alarm” when they are afraid or spot something of concern.  This sound warns the herd to all come together.  Male alpacas make a unique “orgling” sound to initiate breeding with the females.

Q.  Do alpacas spit?

All members of the Camel Family (camels, alpacas and llamas) can spit. However, alpacas generally do not spit at people. They do get possessive of their food and space and may spit at other alpacas to keep what is theirs.  Spitting at each other is a form of communication between alpacas.  Sometimes people may get caught in the crossfire.

Q.  Do alpacas go into “heat” to reproduce?

Alpacas have a very unique reproduction cycle.  Females are induced ovulators, with no “heat” cycle which means they can breed and conceive any time of the year.  The physical act of breeding causes ovulation which is also why artificial insemination is not common in alpacas.  Male alpacas make a unique “orgling” sound to initiate breeding with the females.

Q.  How long are alpacas pregnant (what is the gestation period)?

Gestation is on average 340 - 345 days or 11 months. It can last as long as 12 - 12.5 months.

Q.  How many offspring do alpacas have at 1 time?

Females almost always give birth to a single cria (baby alpaca). Twins do occur, but it is fairly rare.

Q.  How big is a newborn cria (baby alpaca)?

Size of a cria varies, they are mostly legs and neck. Most newborns weigh between 15 – 18 lbs.  Our smallest cria was 14.8 lbs and our largest cria was 24 lbs. 

Q.  How long do alpacas live?

Lifespan of an alpaca varies, but they generally live between 15 – 20 years. The longest lifespan of a registered alpaca in Canada was 28 years.

Q.  What do you use alpaca for?

Alpacas are primarily raised for their soft, luxurious fleece. Annual shearing produces on average 5 – 10 lbs of fleece per animal per year.  Fleece is recognized for many of its characteristics such as but not limited to its fineness, softness, lightweight, moisture wicking, anti-microbial, hypo-allergenic and excellent thermal qualities.  Fleece can be used to make a variety of products including yarn, hats, scarves, sweaters, blankets, etc.  Fleece can also be felted to make insoles, dryer balls, quilt linings, or used for stuffing to make bird nesting balls.   Other business models include breeding and selling animals and agritourism.

Q.  Is alpaca a good source of meat?

In South America alpaca meat is fairly common and in Australia the meat is also quite popular as a delicacy. In North America it is not as common, but there are select farms and vendors that sell different specialty products.  Raising alpaca just for meat production is not overly practical.  At full-size (which takes 2 years) you may get approximately 60 lbs of meat.  When a herd is culled, the meat and leather may be a byproduct.  Alpaca meat is considered a mild (not gamey), slightly sweet, tender, lean meat that is high in protein and extremely low in cholesterol levels.