Frequently Asked Questions About Alpacas...

What are Alpacas?
Alpacas are the smallest members of four South American camelid species. Cousins to llamas, they are still rare in North America. 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 even the most delicate terrain undamaged.  This makes them a very favorable 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?
Alpaca's have historically been renowned 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 withers (shoulder), and weigh between 120-175 pounds (1/2-1/3 the size of a llama).

What Kinds of Provisions 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, and about a half-pound mixture of grain and mineral pellets).  Their common ancestry with the camel means they can, at times, live on lesser amounts of water but abundant water is necessary for survival.

Pasture:  Alpacas pasture requirements are minimal. The species 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:  Because of their origins in the Andes mountains, the breed is very hearty, 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. 

Fencing:  Alpacas are herd animals, preferring to remain in groups and do not challenge fencing. However adequate fencing is important for their security. Exterior fencing should be able to keep out potential predators, including dogs and coyotes. 

Predator Security:  Like llamas, alpacas also have an instinctual defense mechanism and will charge and "spit" at predators, but self defense is limited. 

Health care:  Alpacas are generally hardy and disease resistant but benefit greatly by preventative 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 in a grain mixture. Nail care and trimming is important and should not be allowed to grow long and curl. 

Types of Alpacas   
Within the species, there are two types of alpacas, huacayas and suri's.  Huacayas (pronounced wa-ci-a), 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 30,000 huacaya alpacas in the U.S. today.  Suri’s are born of a recessive gene in the species.  They 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 Afghan hound. There are approximately 7000 Suri’s in the U.S.  


A Brief History of Alpacas

Alpacas, like the llama, are thought to be descendants of the wild vicuna.  It is thought their evolution began in North Central America about 40 to 50 million years ago(1).  Early ancestors migrated south to the Andes Mountains of Peru, Chili and Bolivia adapting and thriving along the borders of perpetual snow.  They also moved north through Asia,  finding their way into Africa to eventually become the camels commonly thought of today. 

Andean Indians domesticated alpacas more than 5,000 years ago. The Inca Empire further refined alpaca husbandry in the 11th and 12th centuries.  To the Incas, Alpacas were the most valuable of all domestic animals.  They were so important to the Empire that a royal organization of nobles ran the breeding program which selected for fiber production and the perpetuation of the species. Alpaca husbandry thrived up until the time of the conquistadors, when, to make way for their own domestic livestock herds, South American camelids were nearly wiped out of existence.  


(1)  Source: Medicine and Surgery of South American Camelids - Murray E. Fowler, DVM

Copyright © 2000 - 2003 DCF-LLC  All rights reserved. Last updated: January 29, 2004.
Site Design by - DCWeb. Questions should be directed to info@alpacaplanet.com.
All other products mentioned are trademarks of their respective companies.