About Alpacas

Alpacas were a cherished treasure of the ancient Inca civilization on the high Andean Plateau and in the mountains of South America. They have been domesticated for over 5000 years. Alpacas produce one of the world's finest and most luxurious natural fibers. Softness like cashmere, yet warmer, lighter and stronger than wool, they come in more colors than any other fiber producing animal. Their fleece was once reserved for Incan royalty, but is now enjoyed by spinners and weavers around the world.

Alpacas make good investments. They are clean, safe, quiet, intelligent and disease- resistant. Alpacas have soft padded feet, are gentle on the land and can be easily transported in the family van. They make wonderful companions and great 4-H projects for a child.

The financial returns of owning a small herd of alpacas are generous. Alpacas can provide a satisfying addition to one's investment portfolio. Owners enjoy a strong and active National Breed Association with a growing number of Regional Affiliates, a developing wool co-op and committees addressing every aspect of the industry.

What do Alpacas eat? Pasture grass, hay and grain mostly. The Alpaca is a ruminant animal with multiple compartments in their stomach. They take in grass or hay and then sit down to relax and chew their cud. To ensure all their natural nutritional needs are met we also supplement them with daily grain and minerals which they see as a "treat".

Of course they weather and the season will change their daily requirements, but on average they eat about 2 bales of hay and 20 to 30 pounds of grain per month. On an annual basis Alpacas are relatively inexpensive to feed, usually requiring less than your large breed household canine. We have a couple of rescued GreyHounds who can put away the food.

What type of housing do Alpacas like? Alpacas thrive in a variety of weather conditions. The need protection from "stormy" weather and direct sun (heat) of summer. A three sided shelter with a roof is usually their preference. They are not terribly happy being locked up in a barn where they cannot see out. A "run in" shed is perrfect.

In the summer we provide fans (strapped to the ceiling) to help keep the air moving. We, also hose them down (on the under belly and legs only) if it gets really hot ... most of our Alpacas love the water and it is as much a cooling treat for them as an entertainment treat for us to watch them jostle for a position in the water. The winter months are usually easier, but make sure they always have fresh water that is not frozen. Since they have thier own winter coats they do very well in the cool/colder months.

Alpacas are small and easy to care for. They are perfect for samll amounts of acreage and their gentle, loveable personalities make thm great companions. Alpacas produce a luxurious fiber which is comparable to cashmere in its fineness and luster. Alpaca fiber is very soft, extremely warm, easy to handle and process. Hand spinners and knotters love to work with Alpaca fiber.

There are a limited number of Alpacas in the United States and importation of new ones is closed. Alpacas can produce only one cria per year which keeps the numbers of Alpacas low and not likely to rapidly increase in the near future. This limited supply and increasing demand makes the Alpaca a great financial investment. Starting with an intiial investment in "foundation" stock animals, an investor can reasonable expect to recapture the initial investment through the sale of offspring.

Always here to share our experience. Please feel free to contact us for additional details. Your interest in our farm and the Alpaca lifestyle is always welcome.

Alpaca Personality Alpacas are very gentle and curious creatures. They do not bite or butt. They do not have horns, hooves or claws. Alpacas are safe and gentle by nature. They are very alert and curious. They can be taught to halter and lead. They communicate with each other by using a soft "humming" sound for normal conversation or a high pitched yell for danger alert. Alpacas do not spit as much as their cousins (the Llamas and the Camels) and usually only spit at each other. It is rare for them to spit at a person unless threatened. Since they are herd animals, they do have a social order, with some animals being in charge and others who follow the pack. Family units (mom and cria) remain strong for several generations. Alpacas form strong bonds with their "friends" in the herd.

How much care is required? Alpacas are livestock and handle most things for themselves. Since they are fenced in and held captive, they do require a few things from us. Most Alpaca owners learn how to perform these relatively simple tasks themselves.

Annual sheering -- this is to harverst their fiber and help keep them cool during the warm weather months.

Vaccinations -- Rabies, CDT, deworming (shots and paste). Except for the rabies, most of these can be handled by the Alpacas owner.

Toe nail trimming -- Alpaca toe nails continue to grow. If you have a cement or stony area the nails will stay short naturally. If not they will need to be trimmed occasionally.

Transport -- Alpacas are easy to transport and will ride comfortably in a minivan or SUV for 2 to 4 hours. A small trailer may be required for longer distances.