Frequently Asked Questions
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Some Fun Facts
about Alpacas
- Alpacas were developed in
South America and are members of the camel family.
- Alpacas were most likely
domesticated from a wild animal called a vicunya.
- Alpacas are raised for their
fiber which is a luxury fiber like cashmere and comes in more
natural colors than any other fiber animal.
- Alpacas eat grass or grass
hay and are not expensive to keep.
- Alpacas are herd animals and
do not like living alone.
- Alpacas are shy and their
main self defense is to run away if they get scared.
- Alpacas can live in small
pens and tolerate a stocking rate of 10 per acre.
- Alpacas are sheared once a
year.
- Alpacas live for twenty years
or more.
- Alpacas have one baby per
year; gestation is 11 to 11.5 months.
- Alpacas are great with kids
and are a wonderful animal for the small farm.
What
are alpacas used for?
Alpacas are shorn for their
valuable fleeces. Their compact size contributes to easy management and
to desirability as a companion animal. Alpacas easily learn to lead,
jump in and out of vehicles, cush (sit down), and obey other simple
commands taught all domestic members of the camelid family. They are
popular show animals. Alpacas can also be seen at fairs and fiber fests
throughout North America. No other animal which produces fiber for
textile use has such an enormous variety of colors. As in ancient
days, alpacas are important to Andean herders, providing luxury fiber
and meat.
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What do they
eat?
Alpacas are modified ruminants.
They rank high in digestive efficiency and do well on good quality
forage and hays. Occasional supplemental feeds, vitamins, and minerals
are provided when required. An alpaca costs far less to feed than most
traditional domestic animals.
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What is
their personality like?
Alpacas are alert, curious, calm
and predictable. They need the companionship of other camelids, and
will huddle together or move en masse when frightened or wary.
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How do
they communicate?
Alpacas express themselves with a
soft hum, with other vocalizations, and with body language, such as neck
posturing, ear and tail positioning, and head tilt. They have excellent
eyesight and hearing, and will alert the herd and their human keepers
with a staccato alarm call of perceived danger. Alpacas rarely spit at
people unless frightened or abused, but will use this form of
communication with each other to register a complaint.
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Are they
registered?
About 95% of North American
alpacas are registered by
The Alpaca Registry. DNA
technology verifies lineages.
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How much do
they cost?
Costs vary throughout the United
States and Canada. For most of the 1990's the price structure for
females ranged between $12,000 to $30,000. Pet quality males generally
start at $1,500; top-end herdsires reached $90,000. As in other
markets, alpaca prices are influenced by supply and demand and general
economic conditions. Contact a local breeder for advice and pricing as
it applies to your area.
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