Alpaca Facts
Some Things You May Want to Know About Alpacas:
First Some Facts:
- Alpacas are a member of the camelid family.
- The two types of alpacas are Huacaya and Suri.
- The Average Lifespan of an Alpaca is 15-25 years.
- Average Gestation is 335 days; with birth weight around 15-19 pounds.
- The height at the shoulders if approx. 36 inches.
- The weight of an adult is 150-175 pounds.
- Alpacas are environmentally friendly, with their padded feet on the earth.
- They have lower teeth, and a upper dental pad.
- Most important of all they produce a luxurious fiber that is sheared annually, not harming the animal.
Fiber Facts:
- Each animal produces approx. 5-10 lbs annually.
- Alpaca fiber is warmer, lighter and more resilient than wool, and is considered to be hypoallergenic.
- Crimp is the natural curl in Huacaya fiber.
- The blanket is the fiber from the sides and back of the alpaca, which is the highest quality
- Seconds are from the neck and bib which can be shorter and coarser then the blanket fiber.
- Fiber can be affected by nutrition, climate and overall health.
Alpacas as a Business:
- Supply of alpacas is limited. The U.S. registry is closed to further importation.
- Almost 50,000 Alpacas in the U.S. currently
- They produce slowly 1 cria a year. Mass production is not permitted by ARI.
- 50/50 male to female ratio.
- Alpacas are becoming a household name.
- Don't forget Alpacas are insurable.
- Offspring retained in your herd will produce offspring.
- Of course there is also Tax-Deferred wealth building.
- Feed, Fertilizer, vet expenses and even a guard dog can be written off against your income.
Alpaca Communication:
- Humming is used for stress, curiosity, contentment, fear, and distress.
- Snorting is used if another alpacas comes to close or to familiar.
- Grumbling signals food trough territory.
- Screaming is a fright sound.
- An Alarm call warns the herd of danger.
- Orgling is a male vocalization during mating.
- Of course there is spitting as a defense. What else can they do if they have extreme displeasure?
Routine Care and Schedule
Daily
- Fill water buckets
- Inspect and clean up Dung.
- Feed
- Observe
Weekly
- Fiber inspection
- Pasture inspection
- Record Cria weights
MONTHLY
- Record adult weights
- Foot inspection, trim toenails if necessary
- Dental inspection, trim teeth if necessary
- Worm
ANNUALLY
Remember: Alpacas are Herd Animals. Always Keep at Least Two Together.
