About Alpacas

Alpacas are a fibre-producing livestock that are raised for their luxurious fleece. They are part of the camelid family and are related to llamas, vicuñas, guanacos and camels.

First domesticated in the Andes Mountains of South America more than 6000 years ago, alpacas have been raised in Canada since 1992. There are now more than 19,000 alpacas registered in Canada and have adapted well to our Canadian climate.

They are curious and gentle animals that are easily handled and trained. Typically, adult female alpacas give birth to one ‘cria’ (baby) per year. They usually live for 20 – 25 years.

The following is reprinted from Alpaca Canada's website.

  1. Alpacas are clean and intelligent.
  2. They produce fibre that is as fine as cashmere, soft, silky and much warmer and stronger than sheep's wool.
  3. Alpacas come in variety of colours, including white, black, brown, grey, fawn and any combination of these colours, the widest assortment of colours of any fibre bearing animal
  4. Alpacas are indigenous to the High Andes of the South American countries of Peru, Bolivia and Chile.
  5. Qualify as Livestock and as such may offer tax advantages and incentives.
  6. Are ideal for Hobby Farms and small acreages since 1 acre of productive pasture can sustain 5-8 animals.
  7. Alpacas are quiet, peaceful animals and make soft humming sounds to communicate.
  8. Alpacas are easy to raise, can be handled by anyone and are safe around children.
  9. Alpacas are extremely hardy and adaptable to most climates, elevations and conditions.
  10. Alpacas get along with goats, sheep, donkeys, horses, cats and family dogs.
  11. Alpaca adults weigh an average of 125 to 175 pounds. They live 20 - 25 years.
  12. Alpacas require little space. 1/8 of an acre is fine for one alpaca, if rotational grazing is practised. A 4-foot field fence makes a sufficient enclosure.
  13. Are suited to pasture on marginal land.
  14. Alpacas eat 2 pounds of hay per day and 0.75 of a pound (around a cup) of a supplement per day.
  15. Female alpacas are usually first bred at 18 months of age. Their gestation period averages 11½ months. Males are usually ready to breed between 2 and four years of age.
  16. As a rule, give birth during the day, usually between 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM.
  17. Alpacas make cleaning the corral an easy task, as they "go" in only a few spots.
  18. Alpaca droppings are practically odourless and are excellent for enriching soil.
  19. Alpacas are easily transported in a pick-up, van or trailer. They usually lie down in transit.
  20. Alpaca shows and competitions can promote a single alpaca or an entire herd.
  21. Alpacas have a high aesthetic appeal.
  22. Alpacas very rarely spit at people - usually only when nervous or overexcited.
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