Alpacas are part of the Camelid family and are native to South America. The Camelid
family also inlcudes llamas, vicunas, guanacos and the Bactrian and Dromedary
camels. There are two types of alpacas; huacayas and suris. The suris have long
draping fiber that resemble dreadlocks. The huacayas look like very soft, fuzzy
sheep or teddy bears. We breed only huacaya alpacas at our farm.
Alpacas are a social animal and reside in herds. A single animal will not be easy
in the pasture. We recommend at least three animals for companionship. Male geldings
or non-reproductive females can be great companions for your production herd. They
are curious creatures and remind us of our cats. Just when you want them to leave
the barn you find them looking over your shoulder and watching what you are doing.
Just in case one of us happens to have a treat for them.
Fiber
Alpacas are a species prized for their luxurious fiber. The practice of growing
and utilizing alpaca fiber goes back to before the Incan period. Some antique cloth
has been dated at 2,000 years old. Even then these wonderful animals were a prized
posession. It was once considered the 'Fiber of the Gods' and was reserved for
only the higher class members of society.
The alpaca fiber
is often compared to other luxury fiber like cashmere for it's soft feel. The
other major benefit of the alpaca fiber is it's thermal warmth; even a
lightweight garment provides great warmth on a chilly day. One of the main differences between
alpaca fiber and other natural fiber like sheep's wool is that alpaca fiber contains no lanolin. Lanolin
is the ingredient that makes some sheep's wool feel scratchy and making it
unwearable. Alpaca fiber is considerd
to be naturally hypoallergenic because it does not contain the lanolin and can often
be worn by people with sensitive skin.
Alpaca fiber comes in a wide range of natural colors. It is the most naturally
diverse fiber in color having a wide variety of natural shades. By combining different colors
during spinning, the yarn that is produced is exquisite. Alpaca fiber also excepts
dying very well. Some of the most brilliant colors can be produced using alpaca
fiber.
One of the amazing characteristics of alpaca fiber is that it contains tiny air
pockets. These air pockets trap air and produce an insulating factor. This is
why alpaca fiber is considered warmer than other natural fibers for a garment of
equal weight. Even a lightweight sweater provides great warmth.
Basic Stats
Alpacas live on average between 15 and 25 years of age. Alpacas first entered
the US in 1984 with the last import in 1998. We often don't know the exact age
of the imported animals so we only have the existing US data to guide us on
lifespan history.
The alpaca is considered a ecologically friendly animal. Their feet have two soft
pads and do not tear up the pastures like a horse might do. Their manure is low
in nitrogen and can be used fresh from the field for non-edible plants. Manure
that is high in nitrogen can burn a plant and must be composted first. We recommend
that you compost the alpaca manure for a period of several months if you are using
it on edible crops.
Alpacas are smaller than their llama cousins. A female alpaca weighs between 130
and 150 pounds on average. The males are approximately 140 up to 200 pounds. Despite
their smaller size, alpacas are a strong, hardy animal. The cria (baby alpaca) birth
weight is between 15 and 21 ponds on average.