Why would you own alpacas?

Alpacas are highly valued for their wool and for quality breeding stock.  They are typically gentle, clean, and healthy animals.

Do they spit or bite?

Alpacas usually spit at each other more than they spit at humans.  The typical situation usually involve food.  They do not bite, either.

Do they require a lot of work?

My alpacas take less of my time than my dogs.  I feed and water them twice a day and clean up the pasture several times a week, depending on the weather and the amount of daylight.  On occasion, I take them out of their ordinary pasture to graze elsewhere.   They require at least two vet visits a year for deworming, shots,  and toe-nail trimming.  

What do they eat?

They prefer the grass in the pasture.  They also get grass hay.  And there are special llama chows available in feed stores.  I also supplement them with minerals.

Where do they come from?

Alpacas come from the Andes in Bolivia, Chile, and Peru.

Can you pet them?

It depends on genetics and how well the owner socialized them when they were young.  Some animals are very skittish.  Others don't mind being petted or having their necks scratched.

Can you own just one of them?

No, they are herd animals and become stressed when alone.  You should at least have another animal, like a goat or sheep for company.  Sheep farmers often use llamas as guards against predators.

How much acreage do you need?

Five to ten animals can live on an acre depending on rain and terrain.  It also varies on how much supplemental hay and grain you want to feed them.

Can you make money on them?

In 2 1/2 years, I made back my original investment and enough profit to run the business for another year.

How much do they cost?

This is another 'depends' answer.  It depends on age, sex, and quality of the animal and geographic location.  Pet/fiber quality animals cost anywhere from $150 to $1000.  Breeding quality females start from $5000.  Junior herdsires cost $2500 and up.  These are Oregon prices.  

How long are females pregnant?

The gestation period is 11 1/2 months.  And they can only get pregnant through mating.  Artificial insemination does not work.

How many pounds do the babies weigh at birth?

The babies (cria) weigh typically weigh between  16 - 20 pounds a birth.

How long do they live?

In South America, most alpacas do not have the luxury of dying of old age.   Once they are no longer valuable, into the stewpot they go.   The best estimate is 15 - 20 years.

What are the differences between llamas and alpacas?

They are from the same family - camelids.  Llamas weigh at least twice as much and are used primarily as pack animals.   Alpacas are raised for their wool.  Llamas have banana shaped ears, longer noses, and bigger tails.  They have the same behaviors.  One of my llamas is an excellent guard and companion to weanlings.

How often do you shear them?

Alpacas are typically sheared once a year before summer.  

Can you ride alpacas?

Alpacas are too small to ride.  A child up to 60 pounds can ride a llama.

Where can I get more information?

www.alpacainfo.com is the official AOBA website.

Last modified: August 20, 2009