Here is a collection of some of the most frequently asked questions, by people like yourself, about Alpacas!

Please feel free to browse our list of facts to answer any questions or concerns you might have about these adorable animals.

WHAT IS AN ALPACA? An alpaca is a member of the camelid family, though alpacas are much smaller than a camel and approximately one-half the size of a llama. Their weight can vary from 90 to 200 pounds and they measure 30 - 36 inches tall at the withers. Alpacas are prized for their thick, lustrous fiber which is considered one of the finest in the world. Alpacas come in many colors, but the eight basic colors are: black, white, caramel, fawn, coffee, silver, red, piebald. There are two types of alpaca; huacaya and suri. The huacaya has thick, crimpy fiber, while the suri has penciled locks with a wonderful luster.

WHAT DO YOU DO WITH THE FIBER? An alpaca is sheared once annually. The fiber can be used in many different ways to make sweaters, dresses, all types of outerwear, rugs, wall hangings. Currently in the United States there is only a cottage industry for the fiber. Many breeders market their fleeces to local spinners. A fiber co-op has recently been developed to manage the pooling and processing of fleeces to manufacture end products for sale.

HOW HARD IS IT TO RAISE ALPACAS? Compared to most types of livestock, alpacas are very easy to raise and maintain. They require small acreage for grazing and are very easy keepers. Alpacas are ruminants with three stomachs and very efficiently convert hay and grass to energy. Their basic care includes shearing, worming and vaccinations. They do require basic shelter to protect them from intense heat or extreme cold however these animals originate from the Andean Mountain ranges and are very hardy.

HOW MUCH LAND DO I NEED TO RAISE ALPACAS? One acre of land can easily accommodate 6-10 animals. This makes alpacas the livestock of choice for individuals or families who have only a few acres and still want the pleasure and investment potential of raising alpacas.

WHAT ABOUT THE MANURE? Alpacas manure is relatively easy to clean up. The herd will utilize one or two spots in the pasture as their waste area. Because alpacas digest their food efficiently the waste is small, but very rich in nutrients and can be used for lawn and garden fertilizer.

ARE ALPACAS HARD TO TRAIN? No. They are easily trained to halter and lead. Many people enjoy training alpacas for competition in agility classes where the alpaca and the handler face many obstacles such as water hazards, hurdles, backing up a path and free hand loading into mini vans.

DO ALPACAS SPIT? Alpacas will spit at one another in defense of their babies and food, or to negate the advances of a breeding male. They will rarely spit on people.

WHAT KIND OF TRANSPORT DO YOU NEED FOR ALPACAS? Alpacas are easy to load and travel calmly. They can be transported in mini vans, station wagons, four wheel drive vehicles and vans or trailers. Typically an alpaca will "kush" (lie down) and enjoy the ride.

DO ALPACAS MAKE ANY NOISES? Yes, when an alpaca is upset or unsure about its’ surroundings it may emit a soft humming sound. Sometimes if an alpaca is alarmed either by a predator or a strange animal it will emit a shrill alarm bugle to warn the herd of the stranger.

WHAT KIND OF FENCING IS REQUIRED FOR ALPACAS? There are many different types of fencing you can use for alpacas. Many breeders use a 4’ wire mesh with posts placed every 15 to 20 feet. Other breeders prefer wood board fencing. The importance of good fencing is ensure that predators, (dogs, coyotes) cannot enter the pasture to chase or harm herd members.

DO ALPACAS GET ALONG WITH OTHER ANIMALS? Yes, they are quite curious and will usually approach any animal or person that comes near the fence or enters the paddock/pasture. Most breeders will tend not to graze their alpacas with other livestock mainly due to their value.

WHAT IS THE GESTATION PERIOD FOR AN ALPACA? The gestation period for an alpacas is 11 months.

GET FREE INFORMATION: Another great resource for alpaca information is our national organization AOBA (Alpaca Owners & Breeders Association). Please feel free to visit their website and request information.