• Are these animals llamas?

    No and yes. These animals are alpacas (al-pack-uhs.) However, they are members of the South American family of camelids (from Peru, Bolivia, and Chile) and the alpaca’s scientific name is Lama pocos , so technically, they are lamas (with one “L”)!

  • Do alpacas spit?

    Many people are concerned about this – yes, they do spit, but not often. Alpacas spit as a form of communication to other alpacas. Spitting can be a way for an alpaca to demonstrate dominance or a way of saying “Back off!” It can also be an expression of unusually strong anger or frustration. Humans do get spit on every once in a while – usually when they are doing monthly health care or when they get in the middle of two alpacas having an argument!

  • Why are some fuzzy and others have long locks?

    Alpacas come in two different varieties – the Huacaya (wa-kai-uh) and the Suri (sur-ee). Huacayas have crimpy hair that sticks straight out from their bodies, and look like fluffy teddy bears when they are in full fleece. Suris have straight hair that grows into cords (think dreadlocks) as it gets longer. The males are called machos or herdsires; the females are called hembras or just girls! Baby alpacas are called crias (cree-uhs.)

  • What do they eat?

    Alpacas eat graze in a pasture and eat leafy hay and Lama chow (really!) They also need cool fresh water and a mineral supplement to stay happy and healthy.

  • What do you do with them?

    Alpacas are raised for their incredibly soft fleece (think long-necked sheep.) Alpaca fleece rivals cashmere for softness, is very strong and long-lasting, and their hair fibers are very smooth, allowing people who cannot wear wool to wear alpaca garments. It is the ultimate in luxury! Depending on the quality, alpaca fleece can sell from $2-4 an ounce. Alpacas are also used as breeding animals and as they are still rare in the United States, they are quite expensive. Geldings (neutered males) may be bought as fleece animals or pets for $500-2000, but breeding females and herdsires with good bloodlines and fleece may sell for $10,000-$25,000 or higher.

  • Are all the items shown here made out of your fleece?

    No, but it does come from North American fiber. We belong to the Alpaca Fiber Co-operative of North America (AFCNA), which collects fiber from members, processes it into yarns and garments, and allows members to buy these items at a reduced cost. Additionally, some of the items here were purchased from merchants and artisans in Peru during our recent trip.

  • I don’t have a huge property – can I own alpacas?

    Alpacas are perfect for small properties. If supplemented with good quality hay, 5-8 alpacas can be raised on one acre of pasture. They have pads on their feet like a dog, so they are very easy on a pasture. They use community dung piles, so clean-up is easy (they will sometimes line up and wait to use the pile – just like people!) They require shelter, but don’t need fancy barns. They do not challenge fences, rarely get sick, and (if handled regularly) are easy to work with. They also have fun personalities – just spend a little time with one and you may catch ‘paca fever!

  • I live in an apartment/townhouse/subdivision. Alpacas must not be for me.

    Not true! The top small breeder for the last several years has been someone who lived in an apartment. She bought alpacas and had them agisted (boarded) at a farm near her. Agistment is a wonderful way to “try out” owning alpacas without having to do the daily care. As owner, you make all the buying, selling, breeding and showing decisions, but the caretakers handle the daily care, veterinary work, and birthing of your crias. You get some of the tax deduction benefits of farming as well.

  • Where do I get alpacas?

    The best way to get an alpaca is to visit several breeders and purchase from someone who can be a mentor to you. Alpacas are still new in the country (the first domestic alpacas came to the United States in 1984!) so few vets are well-versed in their care. A breeder can give you advice or direct you to helpful resources to help you care for your alpacas. Another source of alpacas is one of the many auctions held yearly. This is riskier, but if you have the help of knowledgeable people, you may be able to purchase wonderful alpacas at good prices. Never buy alpacas that are not registered with the Alpaca Registry (ARI) unless you are only looking for a pet; they will not be nearly as valuable and you will have a very difficult time selling stud services or crias.

  • Where can I find more information about alpacas?

    The easiest way to get information on alpacas is the internet! Try one of the following: