If you are considering owning alpacas, this site is worth looking at , even though it is intended for those considering alpacas as pets: pet-alpaca.com
Are alpacas easy to care for?
Yes! They are hardy animals that require minimal care. Toenail and teeth trimming, and occasional worming are usually done by the owner and training the animals to halter and lead is easy because they are quite intelligent.
Isn't an alpaca just like a small llama?
The alpaca and the llama are cousins. A llama might weigh 300-500 pounds whereas the alpaca usually weighs between 100-150 pounds. The llama is also used for packing while the alpaca is primarily a fiber producing animal.
What do alpacas eat?
Alpacas do quite well on a diet of grass hay, with some supplemental grain for lactating females or growing weanlings. I can feed 42 alpacas about two bales of hay per day. (Yes, two bales for 42 animals!) Because of the harsh environment and scarce forage in their native environment the alpaca has become an extremely efficient eater.
Do they spit?
Occasionally alpacas will spit at each other if they are being fed in close quarters or to tell another alpaca they are having a bad day - but they rarely spit at humans.
How long is their gestation?
A female will be pregnant for an average of 345 days. After delivering a cria, a female will be ready to be breed again in about two weeks.
How long do they live?
Lifespan of an alpaca is about 20 - 25 years.
How do you transport alpacas?
Alpacas are easily transported in a horse trailer or in a minivan. I have had the delightful pleasure of driving for more than 5 hours with six alpacas in the back of a Dodge Caravan! (three were crias)
How smart are they?
Quite smart! They know my daily routine, they know which pen they belong in, they know that a plastic bag usually has carrots in it, and they will come into the barn if I clap my hands. Visitors usually comment that you can see the intelligence in their eyes.
Are alpacas friendly?
An alpaca cannot hurt you because they only have bottom teeth in front, they do not have hooves or claws and they are very gentle animal. However, they do not usually like to be cuddled like a dog or cat might. Our alpacas will let us handle them because we work at having them trust us.
Do alpaca make good pets?
If you want something to cuddle with, probably not. Better to visit the local pound and give a needy dog or cat a new home. If you want a fascinating animal to share your life with and have room for several, then maybe alpacas are right for you!
How often do you shear them?
We shear our herd once a year, and we prefer to do it around the end of May. Then they will enjoy the months of July and August more without a heavy blanket and they will be ready for the colder temperatures of October with enough fleece by then to keep them nice and warm.
What is the big deal about their fiber?
click here for more information on alpaca fiber
for more information an raising alpacas see our recommended reading list
for a list of recommend supplies click here
Getting ready to have your own alpacas? click here
A slide show of some of our alpacas. Many pictures have been sold , but we can still brag about them. :)
