About Raising Alpacas
Here are some of most frequently asked questions (FAQ) about raising alpacas and their answers. (Click the plus symbol to expand and read an answer. )
What is an alpaca?
Alpacas are rare, exotic animals imported from countries in South America and raised primarily for their fiber. Alpacas generally produce from two to twelve pounds of fine alpaca fiber each year. Their fleece is exquisite, comparable to angora and cashmere. Alpaca farms breed alpacas to profit from the sale of their offspring and for their fiber. They are related to llamas, but they are smaller, and generally produce more fleece. Alpacas have straight ears, while llamas have very distinctively curved, banana-shaped ears.
Are alpacas friendly? (Do they SPIT?)
Alpacas can learn to be comfortable around humans from frequent contact and training. They can spit like llamas, but generally do not spit at people. They spit at each other when fussing over shared food. There are a couple of reputable organizations in the U.S. that offer training services for alpacas and their owners. See the heading "Alpaca Training" on our page of links and resources.
Why raise alpacas?
An alpaca herd has a bit of the exotic magic and appeal of the Incas and the Peruvian Andes mountains. And among the fiber-producing animals, alpacas are some of the most profitable to breed. They eat only a small fraction of the food that would be consumed by a larger animal such as a horse or cow. They are not hard on the environment, and a lot easier to raise than a food crop!
How much do alpacas cost?
Registered, breeding-quality alpacas generally cost from $1,000 to $10,000 dollars each. Remember that their offspring sell for that much, too. That's why breeding them can be so profitable. The price range varies due to a wide range of factors including:
- the quality of the alpaca's fiber (based on fiber uniformity, fineness, staple length, luster or brightness, crimp, density, shear weights, and sometimes color),
- the alpaca's physical characteristics (proportion of body/neck/legs, angle of the teeth, angle of the legs),
- genetic heritage (such as lineage from award-winning or famous alpacas who have produced other top-quality or show-winning alpacas),
- show results (the alpaca's physical and fleece characteristics as assessed by a judge in a show ring), and
- whether or not they are breeding quality or pet quality alpacas.
How much land do they need to live on?
Alpacas consume much less hay than the same number of horses and cows; they are much smaller. The number of alpacas that can be comfortably raised per acre of land varies with herd management practices. Dozens of alpacas can live on one or two acres if their poop piles are frequently cleaned up, they have regular worming medication, and plenty of access to clean water and shelter. Be sure to check with your local government agencies to be sure that there are no laws preventing your ability to raise livestock on the land in question. Some areas have limitations on the number of livestock per acre.
How do you raise an alpaca (raising alpacas)?
Check with your local veterinarian to establish a schedule of periodic vaccinations and worming medications appropriate for your area. Most alpaca farmers provide a shelter from the winter storms and the summer sun. They need hay or access to grazing year-round. This is normally supplemented with a grain (from your local feed store) and salt minerals. Here is an excellent article on the details of exactly what and how much to feed: What do Alpacas Eat?
There are several books available on all aspects of caring for alpacas from neonatal care to veterinary practices to setting up your farm. There are many informational organizations and web sites. Refer to our list of alpaca resources.
There are several books available on all aspects of caring for alpacas from neonatal care to veterinary practices to setting up your farm. There are many informational organizations and web sites. Refer to our list of alpaca resources.
Shearing Alpacas
Alpacas' fleece is shorn off once a year in a process that does not harm the alpaca. Here are some photos of alpacas on "shearing day" at the farm.
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Transporting Alpacas
Alpacas can be transported in livestock trailers. Transport services can be obtained from professional alpaca transporters.
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