Learn All About Alpacas

How many different types of alpacas are there?

Alpacas come in two varieties depending on their type of fiber. Huacaya alpacas, the most common kind, have crimpy fleece that stands out from their bodies, somewhat like that of an unclipped poodle. Suri alpacas have lustrous fleece that hangs from their bodies in the form of locks, almost like a moving curtain. The fleece exhibits a broad range of color, from white and fawn, through reddish and dark brown, to gray and black.

How big do alpacas get?

The adult alpaca is approximately 3 feet tall at the shoulder and weighs an average of 150 lbs.

How friendly are alpacas?

Alpacas are extremely lovable, intelligent, and trainable. Their gentleness and beauty, as well as their easy care requirements, make them a great favorite of families with children, working couples, or people who have had careers other then farming and wish a change in lifestyle. Curious and friendly, they can look you right in the eye or give you a kiss.

How long do they live?

Their life span is about 20 years.

What do alpacas eat?

Alpacas graze happily all day on grass which can be supplemented by hay, alpaca grain, and minerals. Gestation, ususally trouble free, is 11 months with one cria (baby), weighing about 15 lbs., being born per year. They have padded feet so they are easy on pastures.

How easy is it to care for an alpaca?

They are also very clean animals, having almost no odor, and they share common dung piles. Cleaning the pastures is an easy task, and the dung makes excellent fertilizer!

Are alpacas native to the United States?

Alpacas have been domesticated for 5,000 years and are native to the high plateau of the Andes (Peru, Chile, and Bolivia) of South America. They are physically hardy and extremely adaptable. Their wonderful fleece and their scarcity make them like precious jewels!

Diane & Leon Rosenberg 3071 Lawrenceville Rd. Lawrenceville, NJ 08648 meadowgatealpaca@aol.com

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