A Little Alpaca History

The fiber of the alpaca is one of the finest and most luxurious in the world. By three years of age the alpaca is in it's prime. Shorn once a year, the alpaca yields up to an average of 10 lbs. of fiber. Alpaca fiber is warmer than lambs wool, softer, without the annoying itchiness of lamb's wool, and naturally hypo-allergenic. It is no wonder that alpaca fiber was the choice of Kings centuries ago, and is finally making an impact in the United States as well as throughout the rest of the world.

Alpacas originated on the high Andean Plateau and other surrounding mountains of South America. Alpacas have been domesticated for over 5000 years, and were a large part of the Incan culture. Unlike Llamas, alpacas are not pack animals. They are primarily used for their fine fiber.

Alpacas are clean and safe animals that are very intelligent. They are gentle and easy to handle. They have an excellent disposition and are great around children and can make very good pets. They do not bite. The alpaca's split toe padded feet make it an animal that leaves very little environmental impact. This member of the South American Camelid family comes in 22 naturally recognized colors.

Alpacas need shelter from the wind, rain, and the extreme cold and also shelter from the hot sun during the summer. In most conditions a 3 sided shed is adequate, but a closed barn is preferred. Alpacas do not challenge fences, so they are easy to fence in, but effort must be made to fence predators out . 4 to 8 alpacas can graze on an acre of improved pasture. They require a constant supply of fresh water, a small amount of grain daily, and quality mixed grass hay.

Some vaccination, and routine worming for parasites is required. Because alpacas have only been raised in the United States since 1986 there are a limited number of vets that are truly familiar and knowledgeable with the care of alpacas. Careful research must go into the alpacas before starting a farm of your own. Alpacas can be transported in small livestock trailers or vans. The alpaca will lie down (cush) when riding and will remain very calm.

Alpacas communicate by a series of soothing humming and clicking sounds, but have a very distinct and loud alarm call when there are predators or other threats about.

Alpacas are a herd animal and need the companionship of other alpacas. When purchasing an alpaca you should always start with a minimum of two. The alpaca can also share a pasture and run with sheep, goats and other animals that do not present a physical threat to them.

There are two types of alpacas, the Huacaya and the Suri. The life span of the alpaca is about 20 years and the gestation period is 11½ months. Alpacas eat grass and hay and chew a cud. Manure clean-up is easy since alpacas deposit in only a few communal places in the paddock. They are about 36 inches tall at the shoulders and weigh around 150 to 175 pounds.