Alpaca Information File

Alpacas: Just the Facts
by Geoff Scott

Background Basics:

Alpacas are members of the camel (camelid) family. Camelids
originated on the central plains of North America. 3 million years
ago, the ancestral camelids migrated to South America. By the end of
the last ice age, camelids became extinct in North America. The
ancestral camelid developed into the present day wild vicuna and wild
guanaco of the Andean highlands (Peru, Bolivia, and Chile) of South
America. About 5,000 to 6,000 years ago the natives began the
domestication of the vicuna into the present day alpaca as a fiber
producing animal. They developed in the aplaca the following
characteristics:

Very fine, soft, dense fiber.

Medullated, or hollow fiber, with very warm insulative properties.
Fiber that is almost free of guard hair and is "no-itch fiber".

A small, very gentle, submissive animal for ease of shearing.
Over 20 natural colors that would not have to be dyed.

The International Lama Registry is active in registering and blood
typing alpacas in the US and Canada. The blood typing helps to insure
the purity of the breed.

Physical Facts:

Life span: About 18-20 years; average height: 3 feet at the
shoulder and 4.5 feet at the head.

Average weight: Adult, 150-185 lbs. Baby, 16-20 lbs at birth.

Average gestation: 11 months.

Birth:

A baby is normally delivered without human assistance during
morning daylight hours. Twinning is extremely rare. The babies
(called crias) are normally up and nursing within 90 minutes. They are
weaned at 6 months.

Reproduction:

Females are first bred at 14-18 months of age. Alpacas are
induced ovulators and can be bred at any time of the year.

Color:

Fiber colors range from a true non fading black to brilliant white
with roans, pintos, browns, reds, fawns, rose grays, charcoal grays,
and others.

Fiber Production:

The average production is about 4 lbs. per year per adult alpaca
and sells (in a clean state) for about $3 to $6 per ounce. Shearing is
recommended every 1-2 years depending on climate.

Health:

Alpacas are very hardy, healthy, and easy to care for. In most
cases you will only have your Vet out twice a year for shots and other
maintenance procedures (depends on your area, ask your Vet).

Frequently Asked Questions:

What are they used for?

They are used for breeding stock, fiber producers, pets, light
pack animals, therapy, and investments.

Are they intelligent?

Alpacas are intelligent and easy to train. In just 4-5
repetitions they will pick up and retain many skills such as
accepting a halter, being led, and loading in and out of a
vehicle.

Who do you sell their fiber to?

Handspinners, yarn shops, and weavers are the major market for
clean alpaca fiber. They love all the various colors of alpaca.

What and how much do they eat?

Alpacas are ruminants with three compartment stomachs. They chew
their cud like cattle and sheep. They are very efficient and only
eat 2-3 bales of grass hay per month. In most cases, they require
mineral supplements (ask your Vet).

Where can they be raised?

In almost any climate. In very hot climates, yearly shearing is
required along with misting or sprinklers and shade. In very cold
climates, closed barns are recommended. In most climates, a
3-sided shelter is all that is required.

What is their personality like?

Alpacas are very gentle and curious. They are social animals and
can be pleasantly dependent on humans. With a little training
they become great pets. Alpacas will occasionally spit at each
other when they are competing for food or trying to establish
their pecking order. Alpacas will not spit at people unless they
have been abused by people.

What sounds do they make?

Alpacas communicate with a series of ear and tail positions and
body postures as well as a humming sound and a shrill alarm call
when threatened by predators.

How much do they cost?

(as of early 1994) Pet or fiber males begin at $1,000 (US) with
stud quality males beginning at $4,000 and many selling for
$10,000 or more. Weanling females begin at $13,000 and bred
females at $16,000.

How can they be transported?

They can be transported in a small station wagon (Subaru has been
used) for short trips of an hour or so. They require larger
vehicles such as a mini-van, full size van, small trailer, horse
trailer, or large truck depending on how many and how far you are
transporting them.

Where can I get more information?