Alpacas: Just the Facts  by Phil Switzer Switzer Land Farm

Background Basics:

     Alpacas are members of the camel (camelid) family.  Camelids originated on the central plains of North America.  3 million years
ago, the ancestral camelids migrated to South America.  By the end of the last ice age, camelids became extinct in North America.  The ancestral camelid developed into the present day wild vicuna and wild guanaco of the Andean highlands (Peru, Bolivia, and Chile) of South America.  About 5,000 to 6,000 years ago the natives began the domestication of the vicuna into the present day alpaca as a fiber producing animal.  They developed in the aplaca the following characteristics:

Physical Facts:

     Life span: About 18-20 years;

     Average height: 3 feet at the shoulder and 4.5 feet at the head.
     Average weight: Adult, 150-185 lbs.  Baby, 16-20 lbs at birth.
     Average gestation: 11 months.

Fiber Facts:
     Very fine, soft, dense fiber.
     Medullated, or hollow fiber, with very warm insulative properties. Fiber that is almost free of guard hair and is "no-itch fiber".
     A small, very gentle, submissive animal for ease of shearing. 
     Over 20 natural colors that would not have to be dyed. Fiber colors range from a true non fading black to brilliant white with roans,  pintos, browns, reds, fawns, rose grays, charcoal grays, and others. 
      The average production is about 4 lbs. per year per adult alpaca and sells (in a clean state) for about $3 to $6 per ounce.  Shearing is recommended every 1-2 years depending on climate

Birth:

     A baby is normally delivered without human assistance during morning daylight hours.  Twinning is extremely rare.  The babies
(called crias) are normally up and nursing within 90 minutes.  They are weaned at 6 months.

Reproduction:

     Females are first bred at 14-18 months of age.  Alpacas are induced ovulators and can be bred at any time of the year.

Health:

     Alpacas are very hardy, healthy, and easy to care for.  In most cases you will only have your Vet out twice a year for shots and other maintenance procedures (depends on your area, ask your Vet).


Frequently Asked Questions:

What are they used for?

     They are used for breeding stock, fiber producers, pets, light  pack animals, therapy, and investments.

Are they intelligent?

     Alpacas are intelligent and easy to train.  In just 4-5 repetitions they will pick up and retain many skills such as
     accepting a halter, being led, and loading in and out of a vehicle.

Who do you sell their fiber to?

     Handspinners, yarn shops, and weavers are the major market for
     clean alpaca fiber.  They love all the various colors of alpaca.

What and how much do they eat?

     Alpacas are ruminants with three compartment stomachs.  They chew their cud like cattle and sheep.  They are very efficient and only eat 2-3 bales of grass hay per month.  In most cases, they require mineral supplements (ask your Vet).

Where can they be raised?

     In almost any climate.  In very hot climates, yearly shearing is required along with misting or sprinklers and shade.  In very cold
     climates, closed barns are recommended.  In most climates, a 3-sided shelter is all that is required.

What is their personality like?

     Alpacas are very gentle and curious.  They are social animals and can be pleasantly dependent on humans.  With a little training
     they become great pets.  Alpacas will occasionally spit at each other when they are competing for food or trying to establish
     their pecking order.  Alpacas will not spit at people unless they  have been abused by people.

What sounds do they make?

     Alpacas communicate with a series of ear and tail positions and      body postures as well as a humming sound and a shrill alarm call when threatened by predators.

Thanks to for compiling this FAQ.
Contact Phil at: Box 3800, Estes Park, CO  80517     (303) 586-4624