About Us (Animals)
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.