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Alpacas are native to the Andes Mountains of Peru, Chile, and Bolivia.  They were first brought into the United States in 1984 but are no longer imported.  Alpacas belong to the camelid family, though alpacas are much smaller than the camel and llama.  Their weight can vary from 100-175 pounds and they measure 30-36 inches tall at the withers.  The lifespan of an alpaca is about 15-20 years.  Alpacas usually come in solid colors.  There are 22 basic colors with many variations and blends. The popularity of the alpaca in the U.S. has grown steadily over the last few years.  These cute and curious animals offer a wonderful lifestyle and an investment potential that is financially rewarding. There are two types or breeds of alpaca: the Suri, which has a lustrous fine fiber with no crimp, and the Huacaya, whose fleece has a crimp or wavy quality. The alpaca fiber is sheared once per year.  This fiber is strong, resilient, light weight and luxurious.  It is best known for its soft, silky feel and incredible warmth.  Some breeders send their fiber to regional or local cooperatives.  Others sell the fiber to local hand spinners.  The price ranges from $2-$5 per ounce of raw fiber. Another option is to send the fiber to local mills to be processed and spun into yarn. The products made from alpaca fiber (sweaters, hats, mittens, scarves, blankets) are extremely soft and warm.  To view some  products made from alpaca fiber go to our Farm Store page. It takes approximately one acre of pasture to raise 5-10 alpacas.  Alpacas need shelter to protect them from the heat and bad weather.  They require no special fences or barns.   Fences should be designed to keep out dogs and coyotes.  Alpacas eat pasture or hay, plus a small amount of commercially available grain each day.  They may also have free-choice access to trace minerals Alpacas require minimal maintenance and vet care.  An annual vaccination is required as well as periodic worming and toenail trimming.   Most of this work can be done without the need of a vet.  Pregnant females are tested for progesterone level to confirm pregnancy.  An ultrasound may also be given as further assurance of pregnancy.  The female can produce one baby (cria) per year.  Twins are extremely rare.  The gestation period is approximately 11 months.  Birthing usually is quick and trouble-free.  Alpacas generally give birth in daylight hours.  Two weeks later, the female is ready to be bred again.  Thus, she will spend most of her productive life pregnant.  For additional information about alpacas please give us a call.  Or you can visit the Alpaca Owners and Breeders Association web site at www.alpacainfo.com.

To Contact Us: Steve & Beth Myers          Phone: (518) 493-6163 62 Mayott Road                E-mail: BSDAMyers@aol.com Altona, NY  12910