Farm Animals

alpacas

Alpacas come in 22 natural colors, are herd animals and are prized for their luxurious fiber.

Interesting Facts

Alpacas, descendants of the Vicuna, are native to the Andes Mountains of South America.
11 1/2 month gestation period, bearing one "cria"
Live 18-28 years!
Two types- Suri (SOO-ree) and Huacaya (wa-KI-ah).
Are herd animals.
Are about half the size of a llama.
RARELY spit at people...usually at each other over food.

The Fiber

They come in 22 natural colors.
Sheared once a year, they produce 3-7 lbs of fiber annually.
Versatile-from fine suits, yarn, tapestries and rugs, depending on fiber quality.
No lanolin, which many people are allergic to.
Has superior thermal characteristics, but lightweight...cool in summer and warm in winter.

You too can own alpacas!

Easy to maintain
Only need basic shelter from heat and rain.
Soft pads--easy on pastures.
Raised on dry lot and fed grass hay or in a pasture to free graze on grasses and weeds.
Very clean--communal poop piles.
Quiet, inquisitive and often friendly.