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