Basic Alpaca Facts
What is an Alpaca?
Alpacas are modified ruminants, with a compartmentalized stomach rather than several separate stomachs. They are members of the camel family, which includes the African Dromedary camel (the one hump camel), the Asian Bactrian camel (the two hump camel), as well as the alpaca’s closer South American relatives – the llama, the vicuna and the guanaco. There are two types of alpacas—(1) Suri which has tightly-wound fiber that looks like dreadlocks, and (2) Huacaya pronounced (wak-eye-a) has fine, crimpy fiber that stands out from their body giving them their “teddy bear look”
SURI ALPACA HUACAYA ALPACA
Lifespan: 15-25 years
Average Height: 36” at the withers
Average Weight: 100 to 175 pounds or about one-third the size of a llama
Average Gestation: 335 days (11 months)
Birth Weight: 12-20 pounds
Colors: 22 natural solid colors with many shade variations and color combinations
Acreage Needs
Due to the fact that alpacas have soft pads on their feet, along with the fact that they do not pull up the grass by the roots when grazing, they are very easy on the environment. Although they seem to graze most of the time, they actually eat very little. They prefer very short tinder grass, which accounts for the continuous grazing. When grazing requirements are adequately met, 8 alpacas per acre works well. Please check with your local zoning regulations, before any long term plans are made.
Shelter
The alpaca is native to South America Andean Mountains at 10,000-14,000 feet. Their fleece provides adequate insulation and protection. A three-sided shelter will provide enough protection, with close care and attention being taken during extreme heat and cold. A closed in barn or stall is recommended for sick animals and new born crias.
Fencing
A four-foot-high mesh fence would be perfect for the alpacas, but unfortunately that is only inviting predators like stray dogs, and coyotes in for a quick meal. Fencing should be tall enough and strong enough to deter any of your local predators. We use five-foot welded 2” X 4” wire. This wire is commonly referred to as no-climb dog wire. Often guard animals are used to protect the alpacas. At FRA we have chosen the “GREAT PYRENEES”. These gentle giants have great protectors for our alpacas. You can learn all about the great pyreneese by logging onto www.dogbreedinfo.com/greatpyrenees
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Herd Management
Shearing should be done once a year. This helps protect the animal against heat stress, and gives the added value of gathering the shorn fleece for roving and yarn production.
Worming/Vaccinations should be done according to your vets recommendations for your own area. In dryer climates a once-a-year vaccination and twice-a-year worming program may be sufficient, but in wetter climates, monthly worming is strongly recommended.
Do Alpacas Spit?
Yes, at each other! If they feel threatened, if they are protecting their young, or if they are arguing over their feed, they will sometimes use the only defense that they have. Humans must be mindful of their location at all times to avoid any unnecessary accidents.
Tax Advantages
Alpacas are considered a capital asset and can be depreciated over 5 years. Farm expensed such as feed, vet care, advertising, etc. can be deducted as a business expense. Additionally, there are new tax advantages for 2009. Please check with a reputable C.P.A. about receiving all of the tax advantages that are available.
Purchase Prices
Yes, because of supply and demand ALPACAS are expensive. Fiber-quality males can be purchased for as little as $350.00. But if you are making an investment in your future and wish to capitalize on the growing market, then quality-females range from $10,000-$30,000. Package deals are usually available upon request from most farms. With the purchase of one quality breed female, with a cria by her side, and a young Jr. herdsire, you are on your way to becoming the next alpaca owner, with a vision of a way to invest into your future, make a profit, and have fun while doing it.
ALPACAS ARE THE LOVEABLE, HUGGABLE INVESTMENT