 Raising
alpacas...
Alpaca Characteristics:
Alpacas are intelligent and can be trained easily.
They are sociable, herd oriented animals who spend their time
grazing, sleeping or pronking (jumping around for fun or to
keep warm). Alpacas are smaller than llamas, weighing between
120 and 200 pounds at their adult weight. They are low-maintenance,
easy to care for, easy on the land, and have reasonable feed
requirements. They make a humming sound to communicate.
Alpaca Origins:
Alpacas are originally from the Andes mountains
in the South American countries of Peru, Bolivia, and Chile.
They are domesticated members of the camelid family.
The Alpaca Market:
Slightly over 100,000 alpacas live in the United
States. Only offspring of currently registered alpacas can
be registered with the Alpaca Registry, Inc. As the gestation
period is approximately 11.5 months, the growth rate in the
US is fairly slow. Alpacas have maintained consistent sales
values since the mid-1980's.
Caring for Alpacas:
Alpacas need a roofed shelter to protect them
from the snow in the winter. They need fencing to keep them
in and predators out. They eat pasture grass, hay, and camelid
pellets supplemented with minerals and should have a constant
supply of fresh, clean water. Up to 5 alpacas per acre of
pasture or more depending on the lushness of the pasture and
whether you supplement with hay. Regular de-worming and vaccinations
are needed. Occasion toenail trimming or teeth trimming may
be needed. Health certificates are required for interstate
travel. They need to have their fleece shorn once a year in
the springtime.
 The
Alpaca Lifestyle:
The alpaca lifestyle consists of living on a
farm, raising gentle, beautiful animals with minimal care
requirements, watching crias be born and grow to maturity,
and meeting other interesting and friendly alpaca breeders
at educational events and possible shows. Hmmm....?
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