Alpacas are members of the camel family, Camelidae, which is comprised of six living species: Dromedary camel, Bactrian camel, Guanaco, Llama, Vicuna, Alpaca. The wild progenitor of the Alpaca is the Vicuna.

There are two breed-types of alpaca: the huacaya (pronounced: “wah-Ki-ya”) and suri (pronounced: “surrey”). The main difference between them is their fleece: Huacaya’s have a wavy, crimp which gives them a fluffy appearance, whereas Suri’s have no crimp, and individual stands of fiber that look like “pencil locks.”

What do you do with alpacas?

•  Alpacas are raised exclusively for their luxurious fleece, which is comparable to cashmere.
See our Alpaca Boutique Page.

•  They provide excellent investment opportunities.
See our Tax Benefits Page.

•  Alpacas are not eaten in North America and unlike llamas, are not used as “pack animals.”

•  In addition to raising alpacas for their fiber, they are also raised as breeding livestock that are wonderful animals to train and show. Their gentle nature and calm dispositions provide all types of people with an alternative lifestyle, offering peaceful and rewarding living.

Alpaca Facts:

•  Average Lifespan: 15 to 20 years.

•  Average Height: 36” at the withers (the point where their neck and back meet).

•  Average Weight: 100 to 180 pounds, depending on age and gender.

•  Average Gestation (Pregnancy): 335 days or 11 months.

•  Baby Alpacas: Are called cria. Alpacas only give birth to one cria. It is rare for them to birth twins.

•  Herd Instinct: Alpacas are a social, herd animal. Their only defense is flight. As they feel safest in numbers, and have such strong herding instincts, it is best not to own just one alpaca. Providing the companionship of at least a second alpaca will help your alpacas to thrive.

•  Color: There are 16 official colors recognized by the Alpaca Registry. There are more than 22 variations of these colors produced in the natural shades of alpaca fleece.
Click here to view A.R.I. color chart

•  Shearing: Alpacas are shorn once a year for their fiber as well as to provide relief from the hot weather.

•  Food: Alpacas are modified ruminants, with a three-compartment stomach, and chew cud, similar to a cow, sheep or deer. They graze pasture; eat hay and a grain which is formulated for alpacas. They are able to process and utilize food very efficiently, as compared to other ruminants.

•  Acreage: Alpacas are an ideal livestock for those people who only wish to own a few acres. Five to six alpacas can comfortable graze on one acre, with proper field and pasture rotation.

•  Transport: Alpacas are small enough to transport in a family mini-van or horse/alpaca trailer.

•  Safety: Alpacas are extremely gentle animals and can be handled safely by children. They do not bite or butt, and actually have only a gum palette, not teeth, on their top, front jaw. They have two-toed padded feet rather than hooves or claws. They are intelligent animals and learn quickly.

•  Spitting: Everyone asks “Do they spit?” Yes, alpacas spit at each other as a way of establishing their herd hierarchy. They do not spit at people unless you provoke them.

•  Lastly: Alpacas are wonderful, lovable animals, sure to touch your heart!