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Alpacas are a domesticated member of the
camel family. This family of animals originated on the
plains of North America thousands of years ago. Today
there are about 3.5 million alpacas in the Andean highlands,
most of which can be found in Peru. The North American
herd has increased from a few alpacas in zoos and private
collections to over 100,000.
Alpacas are popular internationally for their luxury fiber and as pet,
show, and investment animal in Canada, England, Australia,
Israel and Europe, as well as the United States.
Reproduction, Birth & Babies
Male alpacas reach sexual maturity at about 2½ years of age.
Females are first bred at 16 - 20 month of age. Like other
South America camelids, alpacas do not have a heat cycle and
can be bred any time of the year. An average gestation of
335 days produces a single baby (cria) which is usually
delivered from a standing position during daylight hours.
Breeds, Fiber & Color:
The two breed types are the huacaya and the suri. Both fleeces are soft
and free of guard hair. Ninty percent of alpacas are huacaya,
with full, puffy fleeces whose crimp ore curvature is in the
individual fibers. The lustrous, straight fiber of the suri
hangs straight down, giving the suri alpaca an entirely
different appearance. Fibers of both types are
considered luxury fibers in the textile trade because of
their unique qualities. Yearling alpacas provide the finest
fleece. The eight basic colors are white, fawn, caramel
(light brown), black, grey brown (coffee), red and piebald
(colored blanked on a white body).
No animal which produces fiber for textile use has such a
variety of colors as alpacas. Their luxury fiber is compared
to cashmere, it is about four times warmer than wool and not
itchy. It is well tolerated by people who suffer allergies.
Physical Facts:
Life Span: 15 - 20+ years
Height: 32" - 39" at the shoulder
Birth Weight: 10 - 22 pounds
Adult Weight: 100 - 190 pounds
Health:
While hardy and generally disease resistant, basic care of early
vaccination, worming and regular toe and occasional dental
care is recommended. Alpacas are shorn every year to harvest their exquisite fleece, and for
health and management purposes.
Frequently asked questions:
What are alpacas for?
Alpacas are shorn for their valuable fleece. Its compact size contributes
to easy management and to a desirability as a companion
animal. Alpacas easily learn to lead, jump in and out of
vehicles kush (sit down) , and obey other simple commands.
They are popular show animals.
What do they eat?
Alpacas are modified ruminants. They rank high in digestive efficiency
and do well on good quality, low protein forage and hay.
Occasional supplemental feeds vitamins and minerals are
provided. An alpaca costs far less to feed than most
traditional domestic animals.
What is their personality like?
Alpacas are alert, curious, calm and predictable. They need the
companionship of other camelits, and will huddle together or
move en masse when frightened or wary.
How do they communicate?
Alpacas express themselves with a soft hum, with other
vocalizations, and with body language, such as neck
posturing, ear and tail posturing and head tilt. They have
excellent eyesight and hearing, it will alert the herd and
their human keepers with a staccato alarm of perceived
danger. Alpacas rarely spit at people unless frightened or
abused, but will use this form of communication with each
other to register a complaint.
Are they registered?
About 95% of North American alpacas are Canadian or US
registered, some are both. DNA technologies verifies
lineages. |
