Alpacas are members of the camelid (or camel) family. They are mild tempered, gregarious animals with an inquisitive nature and a penchant for bringing delight to their owners. There are two breed types, huacaya (wah-KI-ya) and suri  (surrey). Huacaya fleece has a crimp giving huacayas a soft fluffy teddy-bear  like appearance. Suri fiber clings to itself forming beautiful pencil locks that  hang down from the body in gentle cascades.

How many offspring do alpacas have?
Alpacas reproduce slowly. A female breeds for the first time between 18 and 24 months. Gestation is usually 11 ½ months and almost always ends with the birth of a single cria.

Do you need a lot of land to raise alpacas?
Five to ten alpacas per acre do quite well depending upon terrain. Many breeders dry lot them.

How big are alpacas?
Alpacas stand about 36 inches at the withers (the area where the neck and spine come together) and weigh between 100-200 pounds.

What do alpacas eat?
They require only modest amounts of food. Approximately 1 ½ to 2% of their body weight per day. They also require access to free choice minerals and fresh water. Some owners supplement with additional grain or pellets based on specific  nutritional needs or preferences.

Are alpacas easy to handle?
Yes! Alpacas are very intelligent animals that respond to a variety of training and handling techniques. They learn to halter and lead in just a few training sessions. They are easy for children to handle.

Why own an alpaca?
Alpacas are raised for their soft luxurious fleece being harvested once a year. They are a green alternative livestock perfect for small acreages.

Why do many people call them the perfect alternative livestock?
Around the world alpacas are in strong demand, and people pay higher prices for them. They are scarce and unique and the textiles produced from their fleece are known in fashion centers in New York, Tokyo, Paris, and Milan. There are profit opportunities and tax benefits available to alpaca breeders.

Who buys alpacas?
Alpaca breeders come from many walks of life. Increasingly alpacas are becoming sources of income for many people. Young couples may own three or four alpacas and enjoy caring for them. Retired couples are often owners. A family whose members include a hand spinner might own a small fiber herd. Several breeders are veterinarians. Some are couples who have one partner who works while the other tends the farm. There are even city dwellers who own alpacas and  board them elsewhere. There are a few large ranches with over 500 alpacas and  small ranches with 3-4 and everything in between. The average herd consists of  10-20. Most start small and grow to the size that fits the breeder’s ranch and  financial goals.