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What is an Alpaca?
Alpacas are very curious and gentle animals. They were first imported to the United States in 1984. Imports are now closed. This gives the North American breeder an opportunity to continue to improve and refine the North American herd. Alpacas belong to the Camelid family along with camels, llamas, vicunas and guanacos. They are a herd animal and need the companionship of at least one or two other alpacas to keep them happy.
What do Alpacas Eat?
The alpaca is a modified ruminant with a three-compartment stomach. It converts the grass and hay it eats very efficiently with little waste. They do best on low protein hay and good pasture grass. In addition to this they need to be given supplements of grain that contain vitamins and minerals. We offer free-choice hay, clean water, and a grain ration once or twice a day.
Are Alpacas Easy to Maintain?
Yes. Compared to most livestock, alpacas are very easy to care for. With routine herd management, alpacas live long (20 years or so) and healthy. Good herd management includes regular vaccinations and de-worming, and shelter from the weather. Shearing is done in the spring. Alpacas deposit droppings in only a few places in the paddock - so clean up is easy. Alpaca "poop" makes a great fertilizer that is clean and easy to use around most vegetation including fruits and vegetables.
What about Alpaca Fiber?
Alpacas are shorn once a year in the spring. It is clipped from the animal without injury to the animal. The Fiber can be sent out to be processed and made into various products. Alpaca Fiber can also be sold raw, (which means straight from the animal); or made into rovings, yarn, or felt - or it can be processed further into garments such as scarves, gloves, hats, sweater, blankets,coverings, even fine suits and formal dresses. Alpaca Fiber is warmer and lighter than wool, softer than cashmere,and yet it is much stronger and more durable. Alpaca Fiber comes in approximaately 22 basic colors/shades - from white to black and varying shades of grays and browns. Another important feature of Alpaca Fiber is - if you have an allergy to wool or find wool to feel prickly or itchy - switching to garments made with Alpaca Fiber may be your answer. Garments made from Alpaca Fiber are hypoallergenic, soft, warm, and luxurious because of the fine fibers that are silky and without the prickle.
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