About Alpacas
Type theAbout Alpacas
Alpacas originate from South America and are a domesticated species of the camelid family (which also includes llamas and camels). They were first imported to United States in 1984 from the Andes Mountains of Southern Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador and Chili.
Alpacas are smaller than llamas and were bred specifically for their fiber. They are herd animals that have an average height of 36 inches at the withers (shoulders) and weigh between 100 to 180 pounds. They are not fond of being touched but can be trained to being handled and to walk on a halter.
Females can be bred at approximately 18 months and have a normal gestation period of 345 +/- 15 days (around 11 months). Alpacas usually have one baby, called a cria, at a time, weigh approximately 15 to 20 pounds at birth.
Alpacas generally eat a good quality, fine stemmed orchard grass hay or natural pasture grass. They are often supplemented with specialized alpaca or llama pellets.
Alpacas can live up to 20 years.