Alpacas produce one of the world's finest and most luxurious natural fiber. Alpacas are members of the Camelid family. There are two types of alpacas - the Huacaya (pronounced "wokaya") and the Suri. The difference between the two is mainly the type of fiber they produce. The Huacaya grow fibers perpendicularly to the skin while the Suri grow locks that hang down vertically along the body.

Alpacas have been domesticated for over 5,000 years and played a central role in the Inca culture in the Andes in South America. Since 1984, alpacas have been imported from South America to the U.S, Canada, New Zealand, and many European countries.

Alpacas have soft, padded feet that are gentle on the land. Alpacas are grazers and have a very efficient digestive system. They are quiet, intelligent and easy to care for. A herd of alpacas will use one or two dung piles in a pasture, controlling parasites and making easy clean up for the alpaca farmer. You can raise 5-10 alpacas per acre of pasture. Alpacas eat hay during the winter.

The alpaca measures about 36" tall at the shoulder and weighs about 150 lb.

The alpaca life span is about 15-20 years.

Females are typically bred the first time between the age of 1.5 to 2 years old. The gestation period is 11-11.5 months. The female can be re-bred about 3 weeks after delivery. Alpacas are induced ovulators and can be bred any time during the year.

An alpaca baby is called a cria (pronounced "kreeah").

Alpacas are highly social animals and each member of the herd has a specific status (pecking order). Alpacas will spit at each other when competing for food or pecking order. They communicate with subtle body and tail positions, as well as a soft, humming sound. A mother might "cluck" at her baby.

The alpaca industry is in its infancy in the USA, eventually to be evolved into a textile industry. The first alpacas were imported from South America in 1984. In the later half of 1990s importation to the USA was closed to protect our market. There are currently approximately 30,000 alpacas in the USA and breeders are striving to meet the steady demand.

Alpaca prices have remained stable and high since the beginning, due to limited supply and slow reproduction (one offspring per year per female). The market is expected to be a "breeders" market and stay stable for many years to come.

Females are priced between $12,000 and $40,000. Young, promising males are priced at between $7,000 and $25,000. Proven males that produce high-quality offspring can sell for $100,000 or more. Alpacas offer high return on investment and significant tax advantages. You can protect your investment by fully insuring your alpacas for about 3.25% of value, paid annually.

Alpacas can be boarded for about $2 to $3 a day at an established farm.

To learn more about the financial aspects of owning alpacas, contact our national organization, AOBA, and ask for the "Alpacas - Financial Aspects of Alpaca Ownership" pamphlet.