·   WHAT IS AN ALPACA? Alpacas are members of the camel family. Recognized by their much smaller size, soft fiber, long necks and ears that typically point slightly outward.  Their padded feet have two toes from which nail grow out and down.  Alpacas lack upper front teeth. Their weight can vary from 100 to 200 pounds and they measure 30 - 36 inches tall at the withers. Alpacas are prized for their thick, fiber which is considered one of the finest in the world.

·   HOW LONG DO ALPACAS LIVE? Typically to be about 18-20 years old.

·   WHAT DO YOU DO WITH THE FIBER? Shearing is done once a year. Currently in the United States there is only a small market for the fiber, mostly to yarn spinners. Fiber co-op's have been developed to manage the pooling and processing of fleeces to manufacture end products for sale. We have sold ours both raw and after being processed into yarn.

·   HOW HARD IS IT TO RAISE ALPACAS? Compared to most types of livestock, alpacas are very easy to raise and maintain. They require small acreage for grazing. They only require basic shelter to protect them from intense heat (fans are a must have item) or extreme cold. These animals originate from the Andean Mountain ranges and are very hardy.
 

·   HOW MUCH LAND DO I NEED TO RAISE ALPACAS? One acre of grass can easily handle 6-8 alpacas. This makes alpacas the livestock of choice for individuals or families who have only a few acres and still want the pleasure and investment potential of raising alpacas.
 

·   CAN YOU MAKE MONEY WITH ALPACAS? YES, raising alpacas provides for several different revenue streams. First is from fiber sales...alpacas are shorn once a year, normally in April/May. Your fiber sales should/could off-set the feed and basic maintenance of your alpacas for the year (making money w/o having to slaughter the animal). Second is the federal tax code known as section 179. Contact us directly, or your tax professional for more information on sec. 179!! Third is breeding...herd building is where you have the best opportunity to make money. The U. S. alpaca herd just passed the 100,000 mark in the past year....many more are needed for the alpaca fiber industry to move forward and bring the prices of alpaca products down.

·   DO ALPACAS SMELL? No.  Alpacas are never bathed, and they still have no odor....even when wet....try that with just about any other mammal!!!! 
 

·   ARE ALPACAS HARD TO TRAIN? No. They are easily trained to halter and lead. Many people enjoy training alpacas for competition in agility classes where the alpaca and the handler face many obstacles such as water hazards, hurdles, backing up a path and free hand loading into mini vans. Many compare their intellect to that of a house cat.
 

·   DO ALPACAS SPIT? Alpacas will spit at one another in defense of their babies and food, or to negate the advances of a breeding male. They will rarely spit on people.
 

·   WHAT KIND OF TRANSPORT DO YOU NEED FOR ALPACAS? Alpacas are easy to load and travel calmly. They can be transported in mini vans, station wagons, four wheel drive vehicles and vans or trailers. Typically an alpaca will "kush" (lie down) and enjoy the ride.
Ours are much easier to transport than our 5 lb poodle!!!
 

·   DO ALPACAS MAKE ANY NOISES? Yes, when an alpaca is upset or unsure about its’ surroundings it may emit a soft humming sound. Sometimes if an alpaca is alarmed either by a predator or a strange animal it will emit a shrill alarm bugle to warn the herd of the stranger.
 

·   WHAT KIND OF FENCING IS REQUIRED FOR ALPACAS? There are many different types of fencing you can use for alpacas. Many breeders use a 4’ wire mesh with posts placed every 15 to 20 feet. Other breeders prefer wood board fencing. Alpacas do not challenge fencing.  The importance of good fencing is imperative to ensure that predators, (dogs, coyotes) cannot enter the pasture to chase or harm herd members. We use a 5' "V" mesh no climb.
 

·   WHAT IS THE GESTATION PERIOD FOR AN ALPACA? The gestation period for an alpacas is around 11 months with each female and time of year being different.
 

·   ARE ALPACAS HARD ON THE GROUND? Alpacas have soft padded feet (like a dogs) which is easy on the ground. They do not leave divots in the ground like hoofed livestock.
 

·   WHAT DO ALPACAS EAT?  They eat hay, some grain (1/2 a cup per day per alpaca-summer/winter 1 cup) and tender grasses like orchard grass, which it does not pull up by the roots.
 

·   ARE ALPACAS SAFE? Yes. Alpacas don't bite or butt. Even if they did, without incisors, horns, hoofs or claws, little harm can be done.  They can kick if provoked, but rarely do more than get your attention with their padded feet....you may or may not get a bruise out of it! Alpacas are great with children and tend to trust them. They are very curious, and like to be around people.  Alpacas are very lovable animals but tend to be on the shy side. They have very distinct personalities and like all other animals...some are just sweeter than others.

We really enjoy having farm visits and talking alpacas!!!
Whether your interest is in raising them yourselves or just
visiting with them...give us a call...we are here to help!!!!