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Frequently Asked Questions

What do you do with an alpaca?

Alpaca breeding is an excellent investment opportunity and alpacas provide one of the most highly prized fibers in the world. Alpaca fiber is known for its lightweight warmth and silky feel. Alpaca fiber rivals cashmere and mohair for beauty, but is much more durable and resilient, resulting in a product which is of superior quality. The average production is about three to four pounds of fiber for each adult alpaca. Fiber sells for $2.00 to $3.50 per ounce. Alpaca breeding is rewarding financially, as well as being a soul satisfying occupation. The alpaca supply is very limited and due to the fact that alpacas only have one offspring per year, the demand for alpacas remains high. Scarcity of the animals and demand for their luxurious fiber has kept alpaca breeding and sales strong. Worldwide demand for alpaca fiber is not close to being satisfied and fiber prices have risen about 25% in the last year. It is not uncommon for the female offspring to bring as much as the breeder paid for the dam. Can you think of another investment with returns comparable to that? That is the reason that alpacas are said to be "The Worlds Finest Livestock Investment". Alpacas are easily trained which makes them excellent pets as well as show animals. They are easy to transport and there are many alpaca shows around the country, which are always well attended. It is said that "An alpaca is an investment which you can hug!"

What do alpacas eat?

Alpacas adapted to life in very harsh conditions and as three stomached ruminants, they are very efficient at utilizing their food. They need no special diet, low protein hay, or orchard grass is used as a supplement to pasture grazing. As ruminants they chew their cud like cattle and have a very efficient metabolism. An adult alpaca will consume only 2-3 bales of hay a month. A pelted feed is available and we give a mineral powder containing selenium, which is offered on a free feed basis. Selenium is not naturally available in many U.S. pastures.

Where does an alpaca live?

Alpacas prefer open pastures to a barn, but will happily take to a stall or a barn in the worst winter weather. A simple three-sided shelter in winter and some shade in the heat of summer are sufficient for alpacas. Alpacas do not challenge fences, the fences are more to keep out other animals then to keep alpacas in!

How much maintenance do they require?

Managing alpacas is not difficult. Occasional grooming, trimming of toenails and sometimes teeth is required. Vaccination against tetanus, clostridia organisms, rabies, and leptosporosis is necessary as well as regular parasite control. Annual shearing is necessary to keep them cool in summer and also provides a source of fiber for their owners. The alpaca habit of depositing their waste only in certain common areas facilitates clean up and insures that their grazing areas remain clean. Alpacas are hardy, healthy and easy to care for.

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