Alpaca Facts

What is an Alpaca?

Alpacas are modified ruminants that are members of the Camel family. There are two types of alpacas: Suri has long dreadlock-styled fiber that is characterized by high luster and little or no crimp that hangs straight down from their body. Huacaya alpacas have crimpy fiber that stands out from their body creating a fluffy “teddy bear” look.

Acreage Needs

Alpacas are herd animals that are very easy on the environment. The soft pads on their feet don’t compact the soil and they don’t pull up grass by the roots when grazing. Depending on county zoning, neighborhood covenants and/or regional climate, 5-15 alpacas per acre works well. Many new breeders may board their animals.

Shelter

Alpacas are very hardy animals whose native home is the South American Andean mountains at 10,000-14,000 feet. Their fiber provides excellent insulation and three-sided shelters provide adequate cover. Shade for intense summer heat is prudent and shearing is a necessity for quality fiber production and health. Barns are great to protect newborn crias in cold weather, but garages and other outbuildings can work too.

Fencing

Alpacas typically do not challenge fencing. In most cases, four-foot-high mesh fencing works great. Fencing is designed to protect against predators. If you live in a location with mountain lions, your fencing requirements would be greater.

Herd Management

• Shearing — Alpacas should be sheared every year for fleece quality and the comfort & health of the animal.
• Pregnancy — Gestation length for alpacas is 11 months. Alpacas are mature enough to breed between 12-18 months of age. Females are rebred 14-21 days after delivery. Alpacas seldom have any birthing complications.
• Worming/Vaccinations — Your climate, ranch activity, and other parasitic cocerns in your area will detemine your worming/vaccination schedule. Typically, a once-a-year vaccination and twice-a-year worming program is sufficient, but, in the east, monthly worming is required.

Do Alpacas Spit?

Yes, at each other! They will sometimes spit when threatened or when protecting their young or their feeding station. Alpacas are typically gentle creatures, but humans may get caught in the cross-fire of alpacas “communicating” with each other!

Tax Advantages

Alpacas are considered a capital asset and can be depreciated over 5 years or approximately $19,000 can be depreciated the first year of ownership. Farm expenses such as feed, veterinary care, advertising, etc. can be deducted as either a business expense or a capital item. Additionally, there are new tax advantages for 2003!

Prices

Yes, they are expensive! Fiber-quality males can be bought for $750-$2,000. Investment-quality females range from $10,000-$30,000. At this time, due to the limited number of suri alpacas, they command a bit higher price than huacaya alpacas.