Alpaca Facts
We Hang Out With Friends
Our Breed-Type Is Huacaya
The Alpaca Family
Alpacas belong to the camel family (camelid) and are South
American relatives of the domesticated llamas. There are two
different breed-types of alpacas: the huacaya (wah-KI' -ya) and
suri (surrey). Both breed-types are physiologically nearly identical;
however, they differ in fleece. The huacaya fleece is somewhat
wavy and gives a fluffy, "teddy bear-like" appearance; whereas,
the suris have no crimp in their fleeces. Instead the suris fiber
forms beautiful "pencil Locks" that hang down from their body in
gentle, silky cascades.
Why Do People Raise Alpacas?
Raising alpacas can be a very profitable business. Alpacas can
be raised to sell as breed stock and can be raised for their soft
and luxurious fleece. No other animal which produces fiber for
textile use is available in such a large variety of colors as the
alpaca. Alpacas are sheared once a year and produce between
five and ten pounds of fleece. After just a little preparation, the
fleece is spun into yarn or made into felt. The yarn is used for
knitting, crocheting, and weaving. The felt is used for making
hats, cloth, or moccasins.
Are Alpacas Easy To Raise?
Alpacas are a true delight to their owners. They are intelligent,
mild-tempered, gregarious animals with a very inquisitive nature.
Some alpacas work with disabled people and others work at
nursing homes, schools, 4-H, and fairs. Alpacas require only
modest amounts of food (grasses, hay, grains) plus free access
to fresh water and free-choice minerals. They weigh between 100
and 200 pounds and measure about 36 inches at the withers
(the area where the neck and spine come together).
Is It Okay To Have Just One Alpaca?
As a general rule, alpacas need the companionship of other
alpacas to thrive. Neutered llamas sometimes successfully bond
with an alpaca; otherwise, it is best to provide each alpaca with a
companion of the same gender.
How Do Alpacas Communicate?
Alpacas make "humming" sounds with other vocalizations to
express themselves. Body language, such as neck posturing, ear
and tail positioning, and head tilt is also used for communication.
Are They Registered?
About 95% of North American alpacas are registered by The
Alpaca Registry.
Alpacas belong to the camel family (camelid) and are South
American relatives of the domesticated llamas. There are two
different breed-types of alpacas: the huacaya (wah-KI' -ya) and
suri (surrey). Both breed-types are physiologically nearly identical;
however, they differ in fleece. The huacaya fleece is somewhat
wavy and gives a fluffy, "teddy bear-like" appearance; whereas,
the suris have no crimp in their fleeces. Instead the suris fiber
forms beautiful "pencil Locks" that hang down from their body in
gentle, silky cascades.
Why Do People Raise Alpacas?
Raising alpacas can be a very profitable business. Alpacas can
be raised to sell as breed stock and can be raised for their soft
and luxurious fleece. No other animal which produces fiber for
textile use is available in such a large variety of colors as the
alpaca. Alpacas are sheared once a year and produce between
five and ten pounds of fleece. After just a little preparation, the
fleece is spun into yarn or made into felt. The yarn is used for
knitting, crocheting, and weaving. The felt is used for making
hats, cloth, or moccasins.
Are Alpacas Easy To Raise?
Alpacas are a true delight to their owners. They are intelligent,
mild-tempered, gregarious animals with a very inquisitive nature.
Some alpacas work with disabled people and others work at
nursing homes, schools, 4-H, and fairs. Alpacas require only
modest amounts of food (grasses, hay, grains) plus free access
to fresh water and free-choice minerals. They weigh between 100
and 200 pounds and measure about 36 inches at the withers
(the area where the neck and spine come together).
Is It Okay To Have Just One Alpaca?
As a general rule, alpacas need the companionship of other
alpacas to thrive. Neutered llamas sometimes successfully bond
with an alpaca; otherwise, it is best to provide each alpaca with a
companion of the same gender.
How Do Alpacas Communicate?
Alpacas make "humming" sounds with other vocalizations to
express themselves. Body language, such as neck posturing, ear
and tail positioning, and head tilt is also used for communication.
Are They Registered?
About 95% of North American alpacas are registered by The
Alpaca Registry.
We Have Modest Appetites
 | |  | |  | |  | |  |