Alpacas

Are part of the South American Camelid family, which also include Llamas, Vicunas, and Guanacos. There are two types of Alpacas Huacayas and Suris. They are ruminants; their principal diet is grass, which is supplemented with low protein course mix and also additional nutrients and minerals.

Their lifespan is around 20 years.

They are not solitary animals as they become stressed on their own. It is advisable to keep a minimum of three. Approximately 5-6 animals can be kept on an acre. Alpacas are easy to keep but they do need checking a minimum of twice a day like all stock.

They weigh between 45-50 kg and are approximately 36” tall at withers. Babies weigh about 6-8 kg at birth. Their gestation is around 11 - 11½ months. We have had successful births as much as three weeks early and also four weeks late.

They come in a variety of over twenty fleece colours. From white, various fawns, browns and blacks. Also greys and rose greys. Also mixed colours brown and white, black and white, they are called “Fancy” and are very pretty, Although these can cause problems with regard to their fleece. Solids are much more advisable if you are breeding for fleece.

Breeding

Females are bred from around 18 months provided they are mature enough. They are induced ovulators and therefore can be bred from anytime of the year. Females can be mated 2-6 weeks after the birth. Most females can be bred from, but males do have to be excellent for breeding, which is generally based on the density of their fleece and general confirmation.

Pets

Alpacas make very good pets. They are an intelligent animal and easy to train. They learn very quickly and generally follow you where you want them to go. They can be halter trained and lead very well, which makes life a lot easier when transporting and moving etc.

They can be turned out with sheep and goats. Ideal companions for the lone horse. It is stressed though two would be required. They are excellent fox deterrents and have been know to trample foxes to death, which makes them an ideal animal to protect chickens and hens. They also challenge dogs. It has recently been published that HRH Prince Charles has purchased some to run with his sheep as protectors.

Shearing and feet trimming

Alpacas need to be sheared annually. Suris are sometimes sheared every two years. An average fleece weight can be around 4kg. Depending on density etc. of the animal.
They need their feet trimming about 3-4 times annually if required, depending on the ground they are kept on.

Illnesses

Alpacas are very hardy. They do need vaccinations every six months for clostridia disease, and worming around every six months. Cria need to be vaccinated at around three weeks old with Lamivac. Wormers can be obtained through your veterinary surgeon.

In 2007 the Blue Tongue virus hit some counties, fortunately a vaccine is now available and breeders and owners are advised to vaccinate their animals against it. This is easily obtained from your local veterinary surgeon and does not have to be administered by a veterinary surgeon. If in doubt though always consult your vet.

Shelters

Alpacas do not need to be brought in in bad weather, however, it is advisable to have an open fronted field shelter to allow them to get out of the rain and the sun if they wish. Should you need to lock them away a field gate is a good way to retain them in the shelter.

Fencing

Post and rail, with stock fencing is the best. Barbed wire should not be used as they are likely to get it tangled in their fleece and they can also get trapped. They are not know to be fence challengers and can be easily retained. Electric fencing is also not really advisable as again they can get trapped in it and it has been known to strangle them.

Transport

Alpacas are easy to transport. A horse or pony trailer or stock trailer is the best way, or small livestock vehicle. They generally lie down during the journey. They should not be transported on their own, always take a companion with them.