ALPACA FACTS
Alpacas are members of the "Camelid" family, originating from South America
There are 2 types of Alpacas - Huacaya - whose fleece has crimp and is similar to sheep fleece Suri - whose fleece is long and in twisted strands
Alpacas come in 16 natural colours with the 5 main colours being, Black, White, Brown, Fawn and Grey
- A Newborn Alpaca is called a CRIA
- A Weanling is called a TUI
- An Adult Male is called a MACHO
- An Adult Females is called a HEMBRE
- Castrated Males are called WETHERS
Alpacas are a herd animal and have a life expectancy of 15 to 20 years
The average birth weight of a Cria is 6 - 9 kgs with an average weight of an Adult Alpaca being 50 - 80 kgs
The average Gestation period for a female is 320 - 345 days, resulting in a single birth. Twins do occur, but are not common
Alpacas are an enviromently friendly animal as they have soft padded feet like a dog's which create less damage to the ground and have gentle non-tugging grazing habits
Alpacas are low maintenance and easy to handle, they require Shearing annually, Injections of 5 in 1 twice yearly and AD & E injections through the winter months
Yes Alpacas do spit, but seldom at humans. They spit to establish a pecking order. There is always the chance of being caught in the middle of a dispute
Alpacas wethers have been successfully been used as herd protectors for lambing ewes, kidding goats and even chickens. For best results it is recommended that the wethered alpaca be at least 18 months old
Alpacas make wonderful pets, but as they are a herd animal, they are happiest when they are with at least one other alpaca