Alpacas are a great investment and a fun lifestyle!!!
Alpacas are members of the Camelid family. They are mild-tempered, with an inquisitive nature and will win your heart once you look into those big soft eyes!
There are two different breed types: the huacaya (wah-ki-ya) and the suri (surrey). Both types are physiologically nearly identical except for the fleece. Huacaya fleece has a degree of "crimp" or waviness thus giving them a fluffy teddy-bear-like appearance. Suris have no crimp, but beautiful curling locks that hang down from their body.
The alpaca is indigenous to South America, and raised for it's soft fleece. The fleece is sheared once a year, yielding roughly 5 to 10 lbs. After minimal preparation, it is ready to be spun into yarn for knitting, crocheting and weaving, or used to make felt for hats, cloth or moccasins.See our gifts page.
They stand about 36 inches tall at the withers (top of the "shoulders") and weigh between 100 to 200 pounds. They require only modest amounts of food (approximately 1.5 to 2% of their body weight in hay per day), free access to fresh water and free choice minerals.
Are Alpacas easy to work with?
Yes, they are very intelligent animals that respond to a variety of training and handling techniques.They learn to halter and lead in just a few training sessions, even children find them safe and easy to handle.
They rarely kick and occasionally spit. Their feet have soft pads, not hooves, making them easy on the land.
Are there organized exhibitions and competitions for Alpacas?
Yes, there are many Alpaca shows held throughout North America, where owners can showcase their animals and fleeces.
Is it ok to just have one Alpaca?
As a general rule, the answer is no. Alpacas have very strong herding instincts and need the companionship of other Alpacas to thrive. It is best to provide each Alpaca with a companion alpaca of the same gender (or a gelding).
Do I need a lot of land to raise Alpacas?
No. The answer is variable and contingent on such factors as type of terrain, amount of anual precipitation, seasonal factors, availability of pasture and/or hay, etc. For arid climates, animals are usually fed on "dry lot" with little or no pasture feeding. In this instance, the number of animlas that can be raised is generally between two and six per acre. In milder, wetter climates with abundant fresh pasture available, ten or more alpacas per acre may be the norm. They require a three sided shelter to protect them from the elements. The fence is to keep predators out, alpacas won't challenge fences. The biggest threat to alpacas are dogs. There is also the option of boarding or "agisting" your alpaca at a farm such as ours, where you would pay a fee of $3/day.
How much do they cost?
The price of an alpaca will depend on its quality (conformation and fleece qualities); its bloodlines; positive traits proven to be heritable in its offspring; whether it is male or female; age; breeding history; and a host of other traits and factors.You should talk to a variety of breeders before making a purchase decision. For most breeders, the purchase of alpaca breeding stock offers many favorable tax advantages, as well as the potential for significant income generation.
Visit these links for more information:
Alpaca Owners and Breeders Association
Kentucky Alpaca Association