Alpacas, llamas, guanacos and vicunas are collectively known as New World Camelids. Originally they all came from Central America. They are all members of the camelid family and are related to Bactrian and Dromedary camels.
There are two varieties of alpaca, the woolly, teddy bear looking huacaya which is the type bred by us, and the suri, which is distinguished by the fleece hanging in long, separate, distinctive locks. The suri is rare in the UK and consequently more expensive.
All camelids are naturally herd animals and should preferably not be kept in isolation. They will live happily with other animals. Average stocking rates are 6-8 alpacas/acre (0.5ha).
Alpacas were domesticated from the wild vicuna into alpaca six to seven thousand years ago. The Incas were very successful in further refining the alpaca for better fibre quality. When the Spanish invaded Peru in 1532, they destroyed the breeding programmes and the alpacas were decimated in numbers and quality in favour of sheep.
Smaller than the llama, alpacas stand about 3ft (0.92m) at the shoulder and weigh, on average, 150lb (68kg). They produce a superb, heavy fleece of fine, strong fibre which will grow down to the ground if not clipped. Their fleece also grows thickly on their legs and faces, giving them an extremely attractive appearance. They are gentle by nature and, with patience, are easily managed and trained. Like llamas, alpacas are found in a variety of colours, from solid white to black and with varying shades and mixes of brown and grey.
The normal gestation period of the alpaca is eleven and a half months, the baby being called a cria. The mother will only have one cria at a time, which is nearly always born during daylight hours. Alpacas ovulate on stimulation by the male, that means that they can breed at anytime in the year although in the UK it would be best to mate from between April to September to give the cria a good start. Alpacas are very good mothers and the cria will grow strong and fast.
Although smaller than llamas, alpacas are powerful animals. They require physical handling in order to undertake normal husbandry tasks. It is important that you check their feet and teeth at regular intervals. Some alpacas, particularly those with white fleeces, have toes that seem to grow a lot faster than others, so keep a good check. Beware that 'full' males can start to grow what is known as 'fighting teeth' from about three years. These are very sharp and require additional trimming. You must also ensure that your animals receive their regular worming treatments and vaccinations. Provided you are prepared to put the time and effort in your alpacas will make delightful companions. One of life's pleasures is to see alpacas gamboling and skipping around the field at dusk.
Although they are hardy animals, alpacas do not like strong winds or heavy rain (their fleece is not waterproof) so an open fronted shelter is essential. They can fall prey to the same sort of diseases as sheep so it is essential that you learn to spot a sick animal. It is interesting to note that fly-strike in alpacas is rare - we have never had a case ourselves.
Be wary if have to hand rear a male alpaca (or if you buy one). You need to ensure its place in the herd rather than it seeing you as its companion. An over friendly youngster may seem attractive when it is small but a full grown alpaca rearing up on its hind legs even in play is quite intimidating!
Alpacas' luxurious fibre makes wonderfully soft and warm garments and is particularly appreciated by hand-knitters. An annual shearing will produce between 1-6lb (0.8kg-2.8 kg) of very fine fibre. We have a quantity of natural coloured fibre available. Please contact for further details.