Physical Facts

                                                                         Huacaya

Reproduction
Male alpacas reach sexual maturity at about 2 1/2 years of age. Females are first bred at 16 - 20 months of age. Like other South American camelids, alpacas do not have a heat (estrus) cycle and can be bred any time of the year. An average gestation of 335 days produces a single baby (cria) which is usually delivered from a standing position during daylight hours. Twinning is extremely rare and rarely compatible with life.

Alpaca Health
While hardy and generally disease resistant, basic care of yearly vaccinations, worming, and regular toe and occasional dental care is recommended. Alpacas are shorn every 12 to 18 months to harvest their exquisite fleece, and for health and management purposes.

                                                                              Suri
Fiber
The two coat or breed types are huacaya and suri. Both fleeces are soft and free of guard hair. Ninety-five (95%) percent of alpacas are huacaya, with fiber that grows perpendicular to their body and with crimp or crinkle found throughout their fleeces. The lustrous, straight fiber of the suri fleece hangs down in "dreadlocks", giving the suri alpaca an entirely different appearance. Both types of fibers are considered luxury fibers. Tuis or yearling alpacas provide the finest fleeces.

Frequently Asked Questions
What are alpacas used for?
Alpacas are shorn for their valuable fleeces. Their compact size contributes to easy management and to a desirability as a companion animal. Alpacas easily learn to lead, jump in and out of vehicles, kush (sit down), and obey other simple commands. They are popular show animals. Alpacas can also be seen at fairs and fiber fests throughout North America. No other animal which produces fiber for textile use has such an enormous variety of colors. As in ancient days, alpacas are important to Andean herders, providing luxury fiber and meat.

What do they eat?
Alpacas are modified ruminants. They rank high in digestive efficiency and do well on good quality forage and hays. Occasional supplemental feeds, vitamins, and minerals are provided when required. An alpaca costs far less to feed than most traditional domestic animals.

What is their personality like?
Alpacas are alert, curious, calm and predictable. Some animals will be more friendly and others will be aloof. They need the companionship of other camelids, and will huddle together or move as a group when frightened or wary.

How do they communicate?
Alpacas express themselves with a soft hum, with other vocalizations, and with body language, such as neck posturing, ear and tail positioning, and head tilt. They have excellent eyesight and hearing, and will alert the herd and their human keepers with an alarm call of perceived danger. Alpacas rarely spit at people unless frightened or abused, but will use this form of communication with each other to register a complaint.

How much do they cost?
Costs vary throughout the United States and Canada. Today the price structure for females range between $12,000 to $30,000. Pet quality males generally start at $1,000; top-end herdsires may reach $250,000. As in other markets, alpaca prices are influenced by supply and demand and general economic conditions.