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ABOUT ALPACAS
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For those of you new to the world of alpacas this is a very brief introduction: Their History Alpacas are members of the camelid family (which includes llamas, vicuñas, guanacos and of course camels) and have flourished in South America for several thousand years. Able to live high in the Andes Mountains, they were already domesticated when the Roman Empire was young. The Incas selectively bred these wonderful animals to produce an array of colours and very fine, dense fibre.Their Fibre Alpaca fibre is stronger and several times warmer than wool and yet it is incredibly soft and wonderfully fine. The fibre is semi-hollow making it extremely lightweight and giving it the remarkable quality of thermal warmth, unlike other natural fibres. There are 22 natural alpaca colours but the basic ones are: black, caramel, coffee, fawn, grey, silver and white. The animals are shorn once every 12-18 months giving a fleece of 2-3 kgs.Their Characteristics An average male measures approximately 90 cm to the shoulders and weighs up to 80 kgs (females are slightly smaller and lighter). Alpacas are much smaller than llamas and the two can be easily distinguished by their ears which in the alpaca are spear shaped and in the llama are banana shaped. Alpacas live to between 20-25 years old. They give birth once a year to one baby, called a cria, after a gestation period of 11 months.Their requirements Alpacas are easy animals to care for. They are ruminants and survive very well on low protein hay or pasture grass. They are ideal animals to have on a small area of land, ½ hectare of land can easily support between 6 to 12 animals. Although extremely hardy animals, they do require a basic shelter from the elements. Their camelid ancestry allows them to thrive without consuming very much water - this should however be available at all times. They require worming every 3 months, a teeth and nail trim every 6 months and vaccinations once or twice a year.Alpacas as pets Alpacas make excellent companion animals. They have a lovely temperament, can be trained to lead and are gentle enough to be handled by children.They are extremely clean animals, always using the same area for their waste. This controls the spread of parasites and makes it easier to collect. Alpaca manure is a superb 100% natural fertilizer. Alpacas are not dangerous, they do not bite or butt and will only spit at humans if truly provoked. They are timid yet curious animals that will happily eat from the hand.They are too small to ride or pull any kind of cart but their fleece is sufficient to make several luxurious jumpers each year and their manner and temperament brings a smile to the face of anyone who comes into contact with these loveable, cuddly creatures. |