About Alpacas
Alpacas are members of the camelid family and are a cousin to the llama. They are raised for their fiber, one of the
finest in the world. They are mild-tempered, gregarious animals
with an inquisitive nature.
While relatively new in North America,
alpacas have been domesticated in South America for
about 5000 years. Alpacas played a major part in the Inca
civilization.
There are two types of alpaca: the huacaya
and the suri. The fleece of the huacaya grows out from
the body and has a fluffy appearance, somewhat like that of
sheep. The suri fleece grows in defined pencil-like locks. Both
types produce very fine, soft fiber. Many products are made from this
fiber. It’s unique qualities make garments that are lightweight,
yet warm, strong, water and dirt-resistant, and virtually
itch-free. Baby alpaca is considered to be hypo-allergenic.
Alpacas live between 15 and 25 years.
They weigh 100 to 180 lbs. And are about 36” at the withers (shoulders). Their
gestation period is 11 to 11 ½ months and they have only one cria (baby) each
year. These gentle animals require minimal care, and as many as 10 can graze
happily on a single acre, making it possible for small acreage owners to become
alpaca ranchers.
As an investment or just a treat to
enjoy, alpacas provide a relaxing rural lifestyle. For those wanting to take
advantage of the investment opportunity but not able to make the move to the
country, agisting, or boarding, is available.
Alpacas –
the World’s Finest Livestock
Investment
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