Are alpacas easy to work with?
- Yes, alpacas are very
intelligent animals that respond to a variety of training and handling techniques. They learn to halter and lead in just a
few training sessions, and even children find most alpacas to be safe and easy to handle.
Is it okay to have just one alpaca?
- As a general rule, the answer is no.
Alpacas have very strong herding instincts and need the companionship of other alpacas to thrive.
Do I need a lot of land to raise alpacas?
- No. The specific answer is quite
variable, and is contingent on such factors as: type of terrain, amount of annual precipitation, seasonal factors, availability
of pasture and/or hay, etc.
I live in the city; would it be possible for me
to own alpacas?
- Absolutely. Urban dwellers can board (or "agist") their
alpacas at nearby farms/ranches so that they can enjoy the benefits of ownership while living in a large city or suburb.
Are there organized exhibitions and competitions for alpacas?
- Yes, there
are many alpaca shows held throughout North America where owners can showcase their animals and fleeces.
How often do you shear an alpaca?
- Alpacas are sheared once a year,
usually in the spring.
How big does an alpaca get?
- An average alpaca weighs between 120 and 170 pounds. They stand approximately 36" at the withers.
What do you do with an alpaca?
- They provide an excellent investment
opportunity and they are the source of luxurious fiber. The fleece, comparable to cashmere, is known for its fineness, light
weight and luster. Alpaca textile is recognized worldwide.
