Alpacas are intelligent, beautiful and gentle animals that are members of the camelid family (related to the camel, vicuna and llama); native to Andean Mountain range of South America and found primarily in Peru, Bolivia and Chile. They have been domesticated for more than 5,000 years and their fleece provided clothing for the royal Incas. Alpacas were first imported into the United States in 1984 with more than 50,000 registered animals here today.
 Alpacas stand approximately 36 inches tall at the withers (the point where the neck and spine come together).
Adults generally weigh between 100-200 pounds and live for approximately 20 years. Alpacas have a short and low positioned tail, and soft padded feet with two toes (no hooves) that walk gently on the earth. Without horns, claws, incisors, or upper teeth, alpacas eat grass or hay, chew cud and are adaptable to any climate.
 Female alpacas are bred and gestation is 11.5 months with birth occurring without assistance in the daylight hours. Baby alpacas are called crias. Alert, intelligent, curious, and predictable, alpacas are social animals that seek companionship and communicate by softly humming.
There are two kinds of Alpacas--Huacaya (pronounced wah-KI-ya) and Suri (pronounced surrey). Huacaya fiber is short, dense, and crimpy where Suri fiber resembles pencil-like locks. Pacific Breeze Alpacas focuses on the Huacaya. Annually, an adult alpaca may produce 50-90 ounces of first-quality fiber as well as 50-100 ounces of second or third quality fiber. Hand-spinners and fiber artists buy raw fleece. Knitters often purchase alpaca yarn. In its raw state, alpaca fiber can sell from $2.00-$5.00 per ounce. Soft as cashmere, lighter and warmer than wool, alpaca fiber is hypoallergenic, contains no lanolin and comes in 22 natural colors. In ancient times, alpaca was known as the "Fiber of Gods”.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who raises alpacas?
Alpaca owners and breeders come from every type of background--from doctors, lawyers and educators to cattle ranchers and farmers. Some raise alpacas as a full-time business, others commit part-time or sometimes just as a hobby since alpacas make practical pets because they are clean, safe, quiet and intelligent.
Why do people raise alpacas?
Alpacas offer a very attractive business and farming opportunity with considerable tax advantages no matter where one lives. Urban dwellers often agist
(board) alpacas at nearby farms or ranches. Owning a small
herd of alpacas yields impressive financial returns and
provide a satisfying addition to one’s investment
portfolio. The chart below shows the potential for herd
growth over ten years:
How much acreage does it take to raise an alpaca?
Because the animals require minimal pasture and food, you can usually raise two to eight alpacas per acre, depending on terrain, rain/snowfall amounts, availability of pasture. Alpacas can also be raised on dry lots and be fed grass hay.
What do alpacas eat?
The main thing alpacas eat is just grass or hay, and not much of it--approximately two pounds per 125 pounds of body weight per day. A single, 60-pound bale of hay can generally feed a group of about 20 alpacas for one day. All alpacas require access to free-choice mineral supplements and plenty of fresh water to drink.
 Are alpacas easy to care for?
They are a small and relatively easy livestock to maintain. The alpacas need basic shelter and protection from heat and foul weather, and being livestock, they do require certain vaccinations and anti-parasitic medicines. Toenails need to be trimmed every couple of months and the fleeces sheared off at least once a year. For shelter, alpacas do need at least a three-sided, open “barn” where they can escape inclement weather. If predators are present, a minimum of 5-foot high, 2 ’x 4’ no-climb fencing. Alpacas establish small communal dung piles that are easy to manage.
How do you transport an alpaca?
If traveling for short distances, they can be transported inside vans, SUVs or other larger vehicles. Most of the time, however, the alpacas will cush (sit down) for the journey. Longer distances generally require transport in a livestock trailer.
 Do people show alpacas?
Yes! Alpaca shows and festivals are found in all areas of the country and make great family-friendly events. In Southern California, one of the most popular is
Alpaca Fest West held every October at the Firestone Ranch in the Santa Ynez Valley. |
