Alpaca History
 Alpacas
are a domesticated member of the camel (camelid) family. The
camelid family also includes llamas, guanacos, and vicunas from South
America, and the Bactrian and Dromedary camels from Asia and
Africa. This family of animals originated on the plains of North
America about 10 million years ago. A common ancestor to the South
American camelids migrated to South America about 2.5 million years
ago. Two wild species, vicunas and guanacos, emerged. They
still live in the Andes. It is believed that about 6,000 years ago
alpacas were created through selective breeding which was heavily
influenced by the vicuna. There are similarities in size, fiber,
and dentition (teeth) between the alpaca and the wild
vicuna.
 Today there are about 3.5 million alpacas in the
Andean highlands, most of which can be found in Peru. Since the
major first importation into the U.S. in 1984, the North American herd
has increased from a few alpacas in zoos and private collections to
about 20,000. Alpacas are popular internationally for their luxury
fiber and as pet, show, and investment animals in Canada, England,
Australia, New Zealand, Poland, France, and Israel, as well as the
United States.
Physical
Facts
Life Span: 15- 20+
years
Height: 32"- 39" at the shoulder
Birth Weight: 10 - 17 pounds
Adult Weight: 100 - 190 pounds
Reproduction, Birth & Babies
 Male alpacas reach sexual maturity at about 2 1/2 years
of age. Females are first bred at 16 - 20 months of
age. Like other South American camelids, alpacas do not
have a heat (estrus) cycle and can be bred any time of the
year. An average gestation of 335 days produces a single
baby (cria) which is usually delivered from a standing position
during daylight hours. Twinning is extremely rare and
rarely compatible with life.
Alpaca Health
While hardy and
generally disease resistant, basic care of yearly vaccinations,
worming, and regular toe and occasional dental care is
recommended. Alpacas are shorn every 12 to 18 months to
harvest their exquisite fleece, and for health and management
purposes.
Breeds, Fiber, & Color
  The two coat or breed types are
huacaya
and suri. Both fleeces are soft and free of guard
hair. Ninety-five (95%) percent of alpacas are huacaya, with
full, puffy fleeces whose crimp or crinkle is found throughout
their fleeces. The lustrous, straight fiber of the suri
fleece hangs down in "dreadlocks", giving the suri alpaca an entirely different
appearance. Fibers of both types are considered luxury
fibers in the textile trade because of their unique
qualities. Tuis or yearling alpacas provide the
finest fleeces. Depending upon its weight, quality, and
cleanliness an alpaca fleece commands $150 - $400. The
eight basic colors are white, fawn, caramel (light brown),
black, gray, brown (coffee), red, and piebald (colored blanket
on a white body).
Frequently
Asked Questions
What
are alpacas used for?
Alpacas are
shorn for their valuable fleeces. Their compact size
contributes to easy management and to a desirability as a
companion animal. Alpacas easily learn to lead, jump in
and out of vehicles, kush (sit down), and obey other simple
commands taught all domestic members of the camelid
family. They are popular show animals. Alpacas can
also be seen at fairs and fiber fests throughout North
America. No other animal which produces fiber for textile
use has such an enormous variety of colors. As
in ancient days, alpacas are important to Andean herders, providing luxury fiber
and meat.
What
do they eat?
Alpacas
are modified ruminants. They rank high in digestive
efficiency and do well on good quality forage and
hays. Occasional supplemental feeds, vitamins, and
minerals are provided when required. An alpaca costs far
less to feed than most traditional domestic animals.
What
is their personality like?
Alpacas
are alert, curious, calm and predictable. They need the
companionship of other camelids, and will huddle together or
move en masse when frightened or wary.
How
do they communicate?
Alpacas express themselves with a soft hum, with other
vocalizations, and with body language, such as neck posturing,
ear and tail positioning, and head tilt. They have excellent
eyesight and hearing, and will alert the herd and their human
keepers with a staccato alarm call of perceived danger. Alpacas
rarely spit at people unless frightened or abused, but will use
this form of communication with each other to register a
complaint.
Are
they registered?
About 95%
of North American alpacas are registered by The Alpaca
Registry.
DNA technology verifies lineages.
How much do
they cost?
Costs
vary throughout the United States and Canada. For most of
the 1990's the price structure for females ranged between
$12,000 to $30,000. Pet quality males generally start at $1,500;
top-end herdsires reached $90,000. As in other markets,
alpaca prices are influenced by supply and demand and general
economic conditions. Contact a local breeder for advice
and pricing as it applies to your area.
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