Introducing Alpacas

Introducing Alpacas is a tall order even for such a small sized animal. These fascinating creatures are so curious, good-natured and easy to raise that we might just be highlighting the topic of Alpacas. This introduction of Alpacas will cover general Alpaca information, statistics, care requirements, breeding/hygiene, fiber and showing Alpacas.

General Alpaca Information

Most people get llamas and Alpacas confused a bit. They are both domesticated animals of the South American camelid. Predominately llamas are larger and have been bred as pack animals. Whereas Alpacas are smaller in stature and bred for their wool. Alpacas are naturally docile animals, easily managed and can be trained to obey voice commands. Overall, they are mellow and very easy to raise in comparison to other types of farm animals. They are primarily raised for their wool produced yearly.

Alpacas are herding animals that thrive in small family groups. Families are made up of an alpha male, his females and all of their young. The young are called crias, which means 'creation'. When provoked by predators the herd can react as a group by kicking and spitting. Alpacas feed requirements are simple requiring hay, pasture grasses and small amounts of mineral supplements.

Statistics of Alpacas

Alpacas can be purchased as huacaya or suri types. Huacaya is the most common type found for sale and generally costs much less than the suri. The fleece of the huacaya is dense, woolly, crimpy and shorter in length than that of the suri. Suri Alpaca produce fiber, which grows rather long in pencil styled locks and is exceptionally soft. The fleece from both types of Alpacas is highly desired and commands good prices.

Mature Alpacas are 3 feet at the height of the shoulder and unsheared weigh in at about 100 to 175 pounds. They have two toes on each foot with soft pads, which are easy on pasture lands. Alpacas enjoy a 20-year life span on average. They come in several different colors including shades of brown, black, gray, silver or tan. Besides having no hooves they have no claws or horns. Very adaptable to almost any climate and feeding requirements make them ideal for small sized acreages.

Care Requirements of Alpacas

Alpacas require a shearing each year and a place outdoors for protection from the elements. A simple 3-sided shelter is more than adequate for protection from snow, rain, wind and sun. Alpacas need regular vaccinations, de-worming, shearing and toe nail trimming.

Breeding/Hygiene of Alpacas

Males are ready for mating at one to three years. Females are ready for mating anywhere between one to two years of age. They easily conceive in most cases after the first initial breeding and bear on average one cria (baby) yearly. Their gestation period is just shy of one year. Babies at birth are about 15 to 20 pounds. Females can even be bred as early as two weeks after they give birth.

Alpacas are known to be very clean animals so much so that they all participate in using a community dung pile. The Alpaca designates a separate area for their dung pile away from grazing space. Unbelievably, some Alpacas are even totally house-trained.

Alpaca Fiber

Alpacas can produce five to about fifteen pounds of fleece each year. Obviously, the quality, cleanliness and weight of the fleece will vary per animal. Generally, their fleece sells for $150 to $400 per shearing each year.

The Alpaca fleece is very soft, glossy and silky, is not scratchy and is actually warmer than sheep's wool. In addition, it is hypoallergenic and contains no lanolin. Alpaca fibers come in 52 natural colors or more. Fiber is sheared, prepared, carded, spun and weaved into many beautiful, useful pieces. Much of the Alpaca fleece is spun into yarns used to make sweaters, hats, shoes, suits, gloves, blankets, scarves, ponchos, socks and bedding.

Showing Alpacas

Alpacas are shown at several locations within the United States, where they are judged on their conformation or fiber attributes. Winners of competitive shows go on to command higher prices for their fleece and stud fees. Categories are sectioned by not shorn and shorn, ages, color and sex.

Alpacas can be purchased for as little as $100 each or more based upon their lineage, sex, breeding history and show qualities. I hope that "Introducing Alpacas" gave you an informative start to exploring the world of Alpacas.

Sources:

http://www.alpacas.com/AlpacaLibrary/IdealAlpaca.aspx

http://www.alpaca101.com/types.asp

http://www.homestead.org/VictoriaVarga/Alpacas.htm

http://www.ilovealpacas.com/facts.shtml