What is an Alpaca?

Alpacas produce one of the world's finest and most luxurious natural fiber. Alpacas are members of the Camelid family. There are two types of alpacas - the Huacaya (pronounced "wokaya") and the Suri. The difference between the two is mainly the type of fiber they produce. The Huacaya grow fibers perpendiculary to the skin while the Suri grow locks that hang down vertically along the body.

Alpacas have been domesticated for over 5,000 years and played a central role in the Inca culture in the Andes in South America. Since 1984, alpacas have been imported from South America to the U.S, Canada, New Zealand, and many European countries.

Alpacas live in harmony with Mother Earth. They have soft, padded feet that are gentle on the land. Alpacas are grazers and have a very efficient digestive system. They are quiet, intelligent and easy to care for. A herd of alpacas will use one or two dung piles in a pasture, controlling parasites and making easy clean up for the alpaca farmer. You can raise 5-10 alpacas per acre of pasture. Alpacas eat hay during the winter.

The alpaca measures about 36" tall at the shoulder and weighs about 150 lb.

Alpacas can be easily transported in the family van.

The alpaca life span is about 15-20 years.

Females are typically bred the first time between the age of 1.5 to 2 years old. The gestation period is 11-11.5 months. The female can be re-bred about 3 weeks after delivery. Alpacas are induced ovulators and can be bred any time during the year.

An alpaca baby is called a cria (pronounced "kreeah").

Sometimes males and females are referred to as machos and hembras, respectively.

Alpacas are highly social animals and each member of the herd has a specific status (pecking order). Alpacas will spit at each other when competing for food or pecking order. They communicate with subtle body and tail positions, as well as a soft, humming sound. A mother might "cluck" at her baby. If a predator is sighted (sometimes the family cat can be interpreted as such) the leader of the herd can emit a shrill warning call, sounding like an exotic bird.

At Dream Spinner Farm, we feel fortunate and humbled to have the opportunity to know and care for these amazing animals.