Welcome to our Frequently Asked Questions page.  Please click on any of the questions below for an answer, or use your right scroll bar to scroll down to read through all of them. 

Alpacas are adorable, but what else? 

Are they expensive?  Currently, price is directly related to the individual breeding potential and the potential quality of offspring. Pet quality alpacas (those that cannot reproduce) can be purchased between $500 - $1500.  A high quality male with proven offspring has a higher earning potential and may not only be worth many thousands of dollars, but may also command a high stud fee.  Female prices will vary depending on the quality of the female, the age, breeding history, and to which stud she is bred. Females can be worth a several thousand dollars to tens of thousands of dollars.  It is also important to note that for both males and females, the color of the animal affects the price as well.

What do you do with an alpaca?  Alpacas provide an excellent investment opportunity. They are also the source of one of the most luxurious natural fibers in the world.  The fleece is known for its fineness, light weight, and luster.  It is stronger, warmer and lighter than wool. Alpaca woolen products are known around the world. 

Besides producing fiber, what else do alpacas do?  Alpacas make excellent companion animals and show animals. They are very lovable, gentle, and they enjoy being around children. They are also easily handled and trained by both adults and children .

What do you call an alpaca? A baby alpaca is known as a cria.  Weaned crias are known as weanlings.  Adult males are known as sires, exceptional adult males are known as herdsires.  Unbred females are known as maidens, females that have given birth are known as dams. 

Are alpacas related to Llamas?  Yes, alpacas are very closely related to Llamas. They are both from a group of four species known as South American camelids.  Llamas are generally twice the size of an alpaca, and  have banana shaped ears. 

What if I do not want to breed alpacas, can I have one as a pet?  Most alpacas make very good pets. Like any pet, they must be treated well, have proper food, shelter and care.  It is also important that the owners be realistic in their expectations.  With any livestock, the more handling they receive when they are younger, the friendlier they are as adults. While it is possible to have a single alpaca, it is not a pleasant existence for the animal, nor is it recommended.   Alpacas are herd animals and they attain security and contentment from having at least one alpaca for company.

Are alpacas dangerous?  Certainly not! They are safe and pleasant to be around. Since they do not have upper teeth, biting is not a concern. They have soft, padded feet. They do not have claws, or horns to enable them to do any serious injury.

Alpacas spit, right?  Yes, alpacas spit. It is one of the few defense mechanisms an alpaca has and it works well as an effective deterrent. While it may have a distinct and somewhat offensive odor, it is only recently chewed grass and it brushes off when dry.  However, it’s best to avoid being a target! It’s rare that alpacas spit at people.  Normally, spitting is among alpacas.

Do alpacas kick? Alpacas are sensitive around the legs and if they sense a threat from the rear, they will instinctively kick backwards. Most alpacas do not kick at humans, but some alpacas can be quickly identified as being prone to kicking.  Fortunately because their foot is a soft pad, injuries to humans are minimal.

Are alpacas smart?  Amazingly so! They are very smart, alert animals, that can quickly be halter trained.  They communicate with each other through body language such as posture, tail and ear movements.  They also make a variety of sounds, the sound most often heard is a soft humming.

Is it difficult to care for an alpaca?  Alpacas are small and easy to maintain.  Alpacas should have basic shelter for protection against heat and foul weather.  They do not challenge fences.  They need daily feed and water, scheduled   worming and vaccinations, plus yearly shearing.

What do they eat?  Alpacas are ruminants – they chew a cud like a cow or a deer.  They survive well on different kinds of low protein hay or pasture grass with a balanced mineral content. There are several commercial alpaca grain mixes available which provide a daily supply of vitamins and minerals. Alpacas also need access to fresh drinking water.  

How much acreage is needed to raise alpacas?   Alpacas are an ideal livestock for those with smaller plots of land.  You can comfortably have five to seven animals per acre.  For those who only have a few acres of land but want a healthy return on investment with a small herd, alpacas are an ideal livestock choice.

            What sort of fencing do alpacas need? Any boundary fencing that keeps sheep contained is satisfactory, preferably 
            without barbed wire. Fencing should be high enough to keep other animals out of the pastures. Alpacas do not jump
            fences.   

How do you transport alpacas?  Because alpacas load and travel calmly, they can be transported in the family mini van, station wagon, utility vehicle or horse trailer. Once enroute, the alpacas will usually lie down and enjoy the ride.

Do alpacas get diseases?  Alpacas are relatively disease free when compared to other livestock.  However, vaccination programs are necessary and vary by geography.  It is best to check with your veterinarian.  It is also advisable to keep them away from poisonous plants as you would with any livestock.  

How often must alpacas be sheared?  Alpacas are shorn once per year, usually in the spring.  Shearing is the biggest maintenance required.  Shearing in not harmful to the animal.  An experienced alpaca shearer can shear one alpaca in about five to ten minutes.  For those purchasing their first alpacas, we recommend that you bring your alpacas back to our farm on shearing day.  This will allow you to participate in your first shearing with experienced alpaca owner and allow you to see shearing first hand, ask questions, understand the shearing process and learn valuable information. 

What do you do with the fleece?  Alpaca fiber is processed into high quality fashion garments such as suits, jackets, skirts, coats, capes and shawls.  Sweaters knitted from alpaca are soft, light and warm.  The international market for alpaca product is enormous. There are several fiber co-ops that you can join as well.  Some breeders prefer to home spin their fiber, and produce sweaters, scarves, socks & gloves themselves. Learn more at our "Fleece to Fashion" page.

What is the age at which alpacas can begin breeding? Females become sexually mature at around 18 to 24 months of age and once they reach 90 – 100 pounds in weight.  Males can display sexual interest at young ages, but are not sexually active or fertile until 18 months to 3 years of age.  Keep in mind, these are general guidelines, some alpacas may fall outside these age ranges.

              How long is gestation?  The average gestation period is 11 ½ months, but it is not uncommon for some pregnancies to go for over a year.

  Do alpacas have multiple babies at one time?  Multiple births (twins) are extremely rare in alpacas. 

               If I want to breed alpacas, how do I start?  We recommend talking to several breeders as you will gain useful information from people who have experience.  Consider attending a local alpaca show – many offer free or low cost seminars.  Check out on-line resources, as well as books on alpacas.  Visit our “How to Learn More” page.

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Last modified: 02/07/2006