Alpacas are part of the camelid family. They come from South America and are raised for their fiber (fleece). An alpacas lifespan is about 20 years and their gestation period is 11 to 12 months. There are two breeds of alpacas: Huacaya and Suri. Huacayas look like fluffy teddy bears while the suris fleece gathers into locks and hangs close to the body resembling a mop head.
Alpacas are very clean, gentle animals. Much like a cat, curiosity gets the better of them. While most alpacas are unsure of new visitors and have a tendency to keep their distance, don't be surprised if you find one or more at your back when it is turned. If you are known for storing tools or other items in your back pocket while working on fencing or just cleaning pastures, beware you just might find a pick pocket behind you. Some alpacas are even so bold as to steal a hat right off of your head.
Yes alpacas do spit but not very often. They only spit when they feel threatened or to protect their food from the other alpacas while eating. In most cases you will hear a gurgling sound in their throat that will let you know to beware.
Alpacas fiber is soft and luxurious. It is used in the same fashion as wool but has better qualities such as it is warmer, softer, does not itch like wool, and is hypo-allergenic because it does not contain lanolin. Alpacas are shorn once a year. Their fleece is used to make yarn, hats, gloves, scarves, socks, blankets, sweaters, teddy bears,felted items, etc. Alpacas come in a variety of colors: white, fawns, browns, blacks, and grays.
Alpacas are easy to care for. You can fit 6-10 alpacas per acre. They have bottom teeth and a top palate so they break off grass rather than pull it out by the roots. They do not eat a lot, they require a little grain once or twice a day and hay if pasture is not available. Alpacas have one or two designated areas to go to the bathroom which makes cleanup much easier. It is not uncommon to see an alpaca waiting in line for his or her turn to use the restroom.
For our area shots are needed once a month to protect against the meningeal worm which is passed on from the white tailed deer. Other areas of the country have different threats and therefore will have different vaccinations and schedules. Alpacas also require good fencing for protection against predators. They have no real means of defense, although they can kick it is not hard enough to cause any damage. A guard dog is used as added protection, one of the most common is the Great Pyrenees. Based on the size of the farm or the potential of threat more than one guard dog may be needed.
Alpaca babies are called crias. Because of the harsh temperatures of their native land, alpacas have adapted to having their cria during the daylight hours, when temperatures are warmer. Alpaca breeders have their alpacas bred to deliver during the mildest temperatures of the year. For our area that is the spring and fall. A cria weighs between 16 and 20 pounds when it is born.
