An alpaca is a member of the camalid family originating in South America especially Peru, Chilie, and Bolivia where they have been domesticated for over 5000 years. In the United States there are about 45,000 alpacas.
- What does an alpaca look like?
An alpaca is similar to a llama except smaller in stature and does not have the long banana shaped ears that a llama has. Alpacas stand approximately 36 inches at the withers and weigh between 100 and 200 pounds. There are two types of alpacas. Huacaya alpacas have crimpy fiber with teddy bear like appearance. Suri alpacas have long pencil-locks or silky cascades.
Alpacas require approximately 1 1/2 to 2 percent of their body weight in hay per day plus fresh access to water. Diet may be supplemented with small amounts of grain for pregnant and nursing dams to keep up with their increased caloric needs. Grain also increases their interaction with humans when hand fed to them as a treat. Because alpacas have evolved from such harsh conditions, they are able to maximize nutrient absorption with their three stomaches.
- Are alpacas environmentally friendly?
Yes, alpacas are very easy on the environment as well as very clean. Alpacas eliminate in one area making clean up much easier than other livestock. In the Andes mountains the pastures are scarce and alpacas have evolved with padded feet to allow them to graze without damaging the environment.
- What is the reproductive cycle of an alpaca?
Females start breeding at about 18 months of age and males at about two years of age. Females are induced ovulators and therefore release an egg at the time of breeding. The female will have one baby a year after a gestational period of 11 1/2 months for the next 15-20 years. Twins are a rare occurance.
No, alpacas are docile and gentle spirited creatures by nature. Alpacas are herd animals and happiest when in the company of other alpacas. Eventhough they do not like to be touched, they enjoy human company out of arms reach. They are easily trained to lead and gentle enough for children to handle.
Alpacas commonly make a soft humming sound to communicate. The mothers make a clucking sound to call their babies and the males will cluck to attract the attention of a female. They also make a high screeching sound to encourage the herd to huddle together when they sense danger.
