Frequently asked Questions
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Where do Alpacas come from?
Alpacas come from Peru, Bolivia, and Chile, in the high plains areas called the “Altiplano” (elevation: 8,000′-15,000′ ). Alpacas were imported much more recently, beginning in the ’80s. Llamas and alpacas were domesticated from their wild counterparts, the Guanaco and Vicuna. 6,000-7,000 years ago by the Quechua Indians and their fibre and structure were improved by the Incas.
What kind of personality do Alpacas have?
Alpacas by nature, are very intelligent, gentle animals. They have an inquisitive nature. They can be easily halter trained with a little time and patience. The more you handle them the tamer they become, they can enjoy having their necks stroked and some of them enjoy a shower or a paddle when the weather is warm.
Do they spit?
Yes, they do spit, but usually at each other. This being over disputes about food primarily. A pregnant female alpaca will spit at advances from a male alpaca. Spitting is a form of defense, so an alpaca may spit if it feels threatened.
What do you do with an Alpaca?
There are six main uses for an alpaca, many compatible in the same animal.
- A pet and companion
- A source of excellent fibre
- An animal trained to pull a cart
- A show competitor
- A competent guard animal, very effective against small predators
- A breeding animal, as a source of income
What’s the difference between alpacas and llamas?
Size and fibre quality. Llamas were primarily bred to be a beast of burden, and alpacas were bred primarily as fibre producers. An average alpaca standing 34″-36″ at the withers, where llamas stand 42″-48″ at the withers. An adult alpaca will generally produce between two and a half to three kilos of premium fleece each year dependent on the density of the fleece. Alpacas produce a superior fleece that is extremely soft and strong, being a hollow fibre it is also incredibly warm, Alpacas come in a range of 22 beautiful natural colours.
How much space do they need?
Alpacas would generally need to be kept at a stocking ratio of 4-6 to the acre, depending on the grass quality.
Do they bite or kick?
They do not usually bite their handlers, but the older males will try to bite each other if they are kept together without having them castrated. Adult males have very sharp fighting teeth. They can kick, this is usually a defense mechanism when an Alpaca feels threatened.
Is their manure good fertilizer?
Their manure is excellent fertilizer and may be applied to the garden immediately. Because they are not nomadic (stay in an outlined territory), and mark their territory with their dung piles, they usually wait to get to a dung pile to defecate or urinate.
How long do alpacas live?
Alpacas have a life expectancy of approximately 20 years, as with all species this can vary.
When do they reach breeding maturity?
Breeding capability is reached by 16-24 months. Some breeders may start females at 14 months, with most breeders waiting until 18 months to allow for the females to mature, if females are left open for too long it can take longer for pregnancy to happen. Males usually don’t reach sexual potency until 24 months, with the rare one becoming potent as early as 12 months.
Alpacas have a gestation period of 335 to 343 days although they can birth several weeks either side of this timescale. Ovulation is induced so they can be mated at any time of the year although spring – summer births are favourable so that the cria benefit from the better grazing and the summer sun.
Alpacas have a gestation period of 335 to 343 days although they can birth several weeks either side of this timescale. Ovulation is induced so they can be mated at any time of the year although spring – summer births are favourable so that the cria benefit from the better grazing and the summer sun.