Alpacas are one of two domesticated breeds of the camel family and have been domesticated for over 5,000 years.
The alpaca is thought to have descended from the vicuna (another member of the camel family) and is closely related
to the llama (the other domesticated member of the camel family). Most of the worlds 3 million alpacas live in large flocks
in the Andes mountains of southern Peru, northern Bolivia, and northern Chile at altitudes of 14,000-15,000 feet and are
raised primarily for their high quality fiber. Alpaca fiber is warmer than sheep wool and lighter in weight. It is much
softer than sheep wool, as well, and has a feel comparable to cashmere. There are 22 internationally recognized natural
colors of alpaca fiber; however, 95% of the worldwide alpaca production is white. There are two types of alpaca; huacaya
(pronounced wah-KI'-ya) and suri (pronounced surrey). The main difference between the two is the appearance of their
fiber which is very wavy and fluffy in the huacaya and silky and dreadlock appearing in the suri. Alpaca fiber is considered
a specialty fiber and handspinners may pay as much as $3.00-7.00 per ounce. Alpacas are typically shorn once a year and
can yield 5-10 pounds of fiber per shearing.
Alpacas are very social herd animals and prefer to remain in the presence of other alpacas. They are gentle animals and
not aggressive but are cautious and nervous if they feel threatened. They can and will spit, but will generally spit at
each other and not humans. Alpacas are relatively easy to care for and require little beyond toe-nail trimming, worming as
needed, and vaccinations. Alpacas are grazing animals and will get most of their needed nutrition in this manner.
Nutrition supplements are commonly used, however, to increase their protein, vitamin and mineral intake and increase the
quality and improve the health of their fiber. Alpacas deposit their manure in common dung piles which helps with parasite
control and clean-up and is also a great addition to flower beds and gardens. An adult animal will weigh approximately 100-150
pounds and stand approximately 36 inches tall at the shoulder. Females will typically produce a single baby (cria) during a
pregnancy which generally lasts 11-12 months. Alpacas will usually deliver their cria during the day and the delivery does not usually
require human intervention. The average life-span of an alpaca is 20 years and females may be productive for a majority of
that time.