Frequently Asked Questions About Alpacas

What are Alpacas?

Alpacas are one of the four South American camel species - llama, guanaco, vicuna and alpaca. They have a padded foot similar to their distant relative, the camel. This foot structure combined with their small size allows them to step very lightly, leaving most terrain undamaged. Alpacas are a perfect species for small farms with limited space or hilly terrain that is easily damaged by other animals. Alpacas live between 18-25 years.

What do you do with an Alpaca?

Historically, alpacas have been raised for their extraordinary fiber. They have more recently become beloved for their sociable and gentle nature.

How big are they?

The average height of an alpaca is 33-35 inches at the shoulder, and weigh between 120-200 pounds, or about 1/2-1/3 the size of a llama.

What Kinds of Care and Shelter do Alpacas Require?

Feed: Alpacas are modified ruminants. This means they have a three compartment stomach. They convert grasses and hay to energy extremely efficiently, and eat much less than typical farm animals - roughly four pounds of hay per day. (We recommend that you have your hay analyzed and send that analysis to Dr. Norm Evans who will create a pellet formula which will supply the balancing nutrition.).

Pasture: Alpacas pasture requirements are minimal. They can be pastured at 5-10 animals per acre. The health of the herd and pasture are the ultimate factors when deciding how many animals to pasture per acre.

Shelter: Alpacas are very hardy, and in most portions of North America only require a three-sided structure for their shelter needs. Relief from heat is very important so shade is necessary in the summer. Here, in a very warm region of California we also make use of misters around the shelters to give relief from temperatures that often reach mid 90's and above.

Fencing: Alpacas are herd animals, preferring to remain in groups and seldom challenge fencing. However adequate fencing is important for their security. Exterior fencing should be able to keep out potential predators, including dogs and coyotes.

Health Care: Alpacas are generally disease resistant but do need preventive medicine and ready access to veterinary services. In area with whitetail dear populations, an inexpensive monthly injection of Ivermectin to prevent meningeal worm is necessary. Essential minerals to the species including, selenium and phosphorus should be provided. Nail care and trimming is important and should not be allowed to grow long and curl.

Types of Alpacas

There are two types of alpacas, huacayas and suri's. Huacayas , comprise approximately 90% of the alpaca population. Their fleece has crimp, is woolly in appearance, and is easier to spin and knit than sheep's wool. There are only an estimated 40,000 huacaya alpacas in the U.S. today. Suri’s alpacas are distinguished from huacayas by their fiber, which is finer and straighter. It tends to fall in locks and part along the length of the spine, much like the hair on an Angora goat. There are approximately 9000 Suri’s in the U.S.