 Alpacas were a cherished treasure of the ancient Incan civilization and played a central role in the Incan culture that was located on the high Andean Plateau and mountains of South America. Alpacas were first imported to the United States in 1984. Alpacas are now being successfully raised and enjoyed throughout North America and abroad. There are two types of alpacas - the Huacaya and the Suri.
The lifespan of the alpaca is about 20 years and gestation is 11.5 months. Alpacas eat grasses and chew a cud. They are about 36" tall at the withers and weigh about 150 pounds. They are gentle and easy to handle. Alpacas are safe; they don't bite or butt. Even if they did, without incisors, horns, hoofs or claws, little harm can be done. Clean-up is easy since alpacas deposit droppings in only a few places in the paddock. They require minimal fencing and can be pastured at 5 to 10 per acre.
Alpacas produce one of the world's finest and most luxurious natural fibers. It is clipped from the animal without causing it injury. Soft as cashmere and warmer, lighter and stronger than wool, it comes in more colors than any other fiber producing animal (approximately 22 basic colors with many variations and blends).This cashmere-like fleece, once reserved for Incan royalty, is now enjoyed by spinners and weavers around the world.
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You may ask how do you transport alpacas? Well here is a perfect example of transporting an alpaca in a PT Cruiser. We have carried as many as two at a time in the PT, two weanlings or a six year old mother with her 3 week old cria. |
A small mini van is another vehicle that can be used. These animals tend to cush (sit down) when a vehicle starts moving and can be transported short distances this way with no problem although a small cargo or horse trailer is preferred for longer trips. |  |
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