Information

Alpacas were domesticated in South America over 5,000 years ago, only Inca royalty were allowed to wear the fine cashmere like clothing produced from alpaca wool. It is possible that alpacas are the worlds first domesticated animal.

First imported into the United States in 1983 the alpaca market has grown steadily with a strong national organization and registry. The fashion industry covets alpaca wool and the demand for high end apparel made from alpaca wool continues to grow.

Alpacas are the leading edge in livestock investment in America today. They are easy to raise and care for, they are gentle yet surprisingly hardy. They make excellent companion animals as well as show animals with high appeal. Children can easily lead and handle the lovable Alpaca.

Why Alpacas?

-Excellent investment vehicle with a strong stable market and prices.
-A few animals can provide a good return.
-They are friendly, calm, intelligent and easy to train.
-Alpacas only require a small amount of land.
-Alpacas are low-maintenance, easy to care for and are exceptionally clean animals.
-They are "earth friendly" and easy on the environment.
-Alpacas produce one of the finest fibers in the world.
-A well-established breeders association is available and is a good means of support and guidance.

About the Fleece

-Alpaca fleece is valuable due to its many positive commercial attributes. Mother nature designed the ideal fiber for man's use and placed it on the gentle Alpaca.
-Alpacas come in 22 distinct colors.
-The fiber is very strong and resilient, it's strength does not diminish as it becomes finer. Evolving at high altitudes in the freezing cold, Alpacas have more thermal capacity than almost any other animal.
-Alpaca fleece is soft, supple and smooth to the touch.
-Alpaca fleece is easily dyed and retains it's natural luster

FAQ

Q. How long do alpacas live?
A. Life expectancy is 20 to 25 years.

Q. Do alpacas Spit?
A. Yes, all members of the camel family can spit, usually in a dispute with another alpaca Alpacas rarely spit at people.

Q. How often do they have babies?
A. Alpacas have one baby a year. An alpaca baby is called a cria (cree-ah) the gestation period is about 11 months and the mother rebreeds three to four weeks after giving birth. Twins are extremely rare.

Q. What do alpacas eat?
A. Alpacas are cafeteria browsers and do well on low protein hay or pasture grass. They are ruminants and chew a cud. They are very efficient in utilizing food and cost about as much to feed as the family dog.

Q. Are they hard to care for?
A. Alpacas are smart and are good at avoiding getting hurt. They require basic shelter from the worst winter weather, shade and a good breeze in the heat. They respect fences and do not damage them. They need protection from predators, yearly shearing and inoculations

Q. How big do they get?
A. An adult alpaca weighs about 150 pounds.

Q. Why do alpacas hum?
A. Because they don't know the words. <G>