Commonly asked questions

Where do alpacas come from?

Peru, Bolivia , and Chile; first imported into Australia in 1858 then again in the early 1990’s. Alpacas belong to the South American Camelid family which includes alpacas, llamas, guanacos and vicunas.

World Numbers?

Approximately three million worldwide, with over 90 percent still living in South America. Approximately 90 percent of all alpacas are huacaya and ten percent are suri. Australia has the largest registered herd outside of Peru Breeds.

There are two types of alpaca. The Huacaya is the most common type (over 90%) of alpaca and has a dense body of fleece growing straight out from the body like a sheep’s fleece.

The Suri makes up less than 10% of the Australian alpaca population and has a fleece that resembles pencil-like locks that hang down from the backline.

Alpacas spit, don't they?

Yes, but not generally at people. A female will spit at a male if she does not welcome his amorous attentions and alpacas will spit at each other when sorting out who’s the boss in any given situation.

How big do they grow?

A mature alpaca generally weighs between 60 and 90kg and is 85 to 95cm tall at the shoulder. Females are usually slightly smaller and lighter than the males. Crias normally weigh 6 to 8kg kg at birth.

How long do they live?

15 to 20 years, with some living to 25 years of age.

When can they reproduce?

Females

Females mature around 12-15 months of age and the minimum weight should be around 35kg before breeding. If they maintain good health and body condition females can carry cria well into their later years. There are many cases of females 15 years or more old delivering and raising healthy cria.

Males

Males mature usually between 18mths and 3 years of age. This trait is considered highly heritable and it is desirable to have animals that mature early. If they maintain good health and body condition, males can keep siring cria until very near the end of their lives.

Gestation period

11 to 12 months. Females can be remated 3 weeks after giving birth so a healthy female can produce approximately one cria each year. Twins are very rare.

Colours

There are more than 22 natural shades of alpaca fleece ranging from white, fawn, brown, grey to black.

Birth

Births usually take place during the day, with the cria up and walking within an hour. Cria are generally weaned at approximately 6 months of age.

Do alpacas make good pets?

Alpacas make great pets! They can be halter trained quite easily and will eat out of your hand. Handling and being around humans at a younger age will enhance their friendliness in future years. Alpaca pets are always sold as a minimum of two alpacas as they are herd animals and find comfort and reassurance from having other alpacas for company.

What kind of pasture do alpacas need?

Alpacas are grazing animals and chew cud like a cow. They do well on low protein hay or pasture, provided it has a balanced mineral content. Supplementary feeding should be given in winter and to females in the later stages of pregnancy.

Are alpacas easy to manage?

Yes. They are quite at ease with people and quick to learn. They can be moved easily around a farm without the aid of a dog. They can be easily transported from place to place in anything from a horse-float to a small van.

Do they poo in one spot?

Yes. Alpacas are considered very clean animals. They have a habit very similar to horse stallions where they do their poo in piles.