ALPACA FACTS
Alpacas will live for about twenty to twenty-five years
An adult alpaca will grow to about 36 inches at the withers (shoulders) and weigh between 130 and 175 lbs. Some large males may weigh in at 200 lbs.
Alpacas are originally from South America and therefore can be Chilean, Bolivian, or Peruvian depending on their origin. Chilean alpacas tend to have a looser fiber with more color, while the Peruvian tend to be white or fawn with a dense, crimpier fiber. The color, however, is what makes the alpaca unique!
Females begin breeding when they are about 15-24 months of age. Males are slower to respond, and begin between 2-3 years of age. The alpaca is an induced ovulator.In other words the male "induces" ovulation when he breeds. Twenty four to forty eight hours later the egg drops and is fertilized.
It takes 11-12 months to birth one cria (baby alpaca) with twins being extremely rare. The dam (female) is ready and receptive to be bred again 14-21 days after delivery.
Alpacas are ruminants (three stomachs & chew a cud). They enjoy grazing in a fresh, green pasture, but also eat orchard grass hay that contains no more than 30% alfalfa. Their diet is supplemented on the farm with a small amount of a mineral in pellet form.
An alpaca is easy to care for requiring yearly immunizations, monthly worming (only from spring to fall), and clipping of their nails every 3-6 months.
The coat of the alpaca is very valuable. It is a hollow fiber, which makes it light, warm and strong and comes in 22 natural colors with about 30 different shades. No one color is more valuable, however white and brown are the dominant colors. Alpacas are shorn once a year yielding 7-14 pounds of usable product. Raw fiber can sell for $3.00-$5.00/ounce depending on the cleanliness and quality. Currently hand spinners and crafters are using the fiber. Recently a fiber co-op has been formed by the alpaca industry.
- Investment –
An alpaca is considered part of the livestock industry, and therefore the animal as well as the setup and running of the farm is tax deductible. (See farm publication 225 for more information).
Insurance –Alpacas are fully insurable for mortality and theft through various insurance companies.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT JIM & JUDY KESKE AT:
Slow & Easy Alpaca Farm
39136 State Rt. 18 Wellington Ohio 44090
Phone: 440 647 9502
slowandeasyalpacas@yahoo.com