Alpaca Frequently Asked Questions:

What is an Alpaca?

An Alpaca is a mammal that belongs to the camelid family. They are a distant relative to the camel, without the hump, and more closely related to llamas, guanacos, and vicunas, from South America.  The alpaca produces fine wool fiber that is used in the weaving and manufacturing of blankets, sweaters, suits and dresses.  

  • There are two types of Alpacas – Suri, and Huacaya. The difference between the two is their fiber. Huacaya alpacas have soft, crimpy fiber that usually produce a higher yield (in pounds). Their fiber type gives them a "fluffy" look. Suri alpacas have long pencil-like locks that are silky and lustrous, giving the animal more a slender, "sculpted" look.  

  • Alpacas are usually sweet-natured creatures that hum when they are inclined to make a noise.  They have no upper teeth. The top of the Alpaca’s mouth is a hard dental pad against which they grind their food. They also have a short tongue, so unlike sheep, which have longer tongues and have a tendency to wrap around the plants and pull them out of the ground, the alpaca nips the grasses off close to the ground, thus much easier on the pastures.

  •  

  • How long do they live?

  • The life span of an Alpaca is 15-25 years.  It is about one-third to one-half the size of a llama and weighs between 100 to 175 pounds.  The gestation period, or the length of time it takes for an Alpaca to create a baby (a Cria), is about 335 days, or about 11 months.  

  •  

  • Where do Alpacas come from?

  • Alpacas are native to South America, specifically the Andes regions of Peru, Bolivia, Argentina, and Chile. They have been raised for centuries by different cultures and civilizations where they were valued mostly for the soft fiber. Today, alpacas are raised worldwide.

  •  

  • How do you care for Alpacas?

  • Alpacas are efficient users of feed.  An acre of good pasture land support 4-8 alpacas.  They do well on pasture and grass-type hay.  Overfeeding can be unhealthy for them..  Alpacas are generally a hardy and disease resistant animal. They adapt well to a variety of climates.  An open shelter, or three sided barn is sufficient protection in adverse weather.  In the warm summer months care must be taken that they don’t overheat. Alpacas share a common dung area, which makes cleaning up after them much easier than a lot of other animals. Alpacas are considered a "split-hoofed" animal. They have two toes on each foot. Their toenails need to be trimmed occasionally.

  • Can an alpaca be kept in the same pasture as horses?

  • Yes, alpacas can be in the same pasture but it is not recommended. Only because horses weigh around 1000lbs. while alpacas weigh only 150lbs, and if there is any "horse play" your alpacas could be hurt.

  • Why should I consider an Alpaca?

  •  

  • The Alpaca industry in the United States is a growing cottage Industry.

  • Alpacas are shown and judged on the confirmation, and fleece.

  • Alpacas are very smart and can be trained to halter and lead. They also do well in obstacle training.

  • Alpaca give you a wonderful tax break. 

     

    • UPDATE June 2003 -- There are some very exciting new tax laws that were just recently passed that directly affect the Alpaca Industry.  The Section 179 deduction was recently raised from $24,000 to $100,000!  In addition there have been favorable changes in the treatment of the sale of long-term capital gains, and the additional 30% depreciation that took effect beginning September 11th, 2001 has been increased to 50%.  Consult your tax advisor about these and other very important new laws, and see the IRS publication linked below!
    • http://www.irs.gov/formspubs/article/0,,id=109879,00.html