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 alpaca 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.
Today there are about 40,000 alpacas in the
U.S. and Canada.
Almost all of these alpacas have been registered and blood typed
with the International Lama Registry. 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.
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