What is an Alpaca?
Alpaca are members of the South American camelid family which includes vicunas, guanacos, llamas, and camels. They were first imported in 1984. The importation of alpacas to the United States is now closed. The alpacas are primarily a fiber producing animal.
What do you do with alpacas?
Alpacas are an excellent investment opportunity. Alpacas are raised for their cashmere-like fiber, which is recognized worldwide. Alpacas fiber is stronger, warmer, and lighter than wool with no itch. It comes in twenty-two natural colors.
Are they easy to care for?
They need only yearly shearing, vaccinations, worming and toe trimming. A simple three sided shelter from heat or foul weather is all that is needed. They do not challenge fences.
What do they eat?
Alpacas do well with a diet of grass and hay with supplemental grain for pregnant females and growing yearlings. Because these ruminants developed in harsh conditions they utilize their food efficiently. They cost about as much to feed per month as a dog.
Are they friendly?
Gentle, intelligent hardy animals they make an ideal family business. Without horns, hooves, or claws they are safe to be around. With their padded feet they are also friendly to the pasture.
Why Invest in Alpacas?
- They are easy to care for and maintain.
- There is a strong market for alpacas with stable prices.
- They require small amounts of land. One acre of pasture can easily support five to ten animals.
- There are established national and regional oganizations and breed associations.
Other facts
- Alpacas live between fifteen to twenty-five years.
- Alpacas are about thrity-six inches at the withers and weight about 150 pounds.
- One baby or "cria" is born after an 11 1/2 monthy gestation period.
