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Frequently Asked Questions about Alpacas
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Q:
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What is an alpaca?
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A:
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Alpacas are members of the Camelid family, along with llamas, vicunas, and guanacos, they are found primarily in South America.
Alpacas are raised for their brilliant fleece. One alpaca produces approximately 10 pounds of fiber per year.
Alpacas live 15 to 20 years, are approximately five feet tall at their ears and weigh about 150 pounds. Llamas are nearly twice the size of an alpaca.
There are two breeds of alpacas which are distinguished by their fleece. Huacayas, which have a crimpy fleece that gives them a fluffy appearance. Suris, which have a silky hair like fleece that hangs down in long locks.
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Why are alpacas an investment I can embrace?
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Alpacas are an investment that has significant tax deductions, generates income, are in low supply and high demand, are insurable for theft and death, and offer an alternative to your current portfolio.
An additional benefit is the alternative lifestyles offered to those wanting to escape their corporate worlds and an unpredictable stock market.
Here are a few details we've learned about raising and breeding alpacas:
- Breeding stock can be depreciated over 5 - 7 years. There are tax benefits available if you choose to board your herd but the greatest tax savings come from actively managing your alpaca business.
- Alpacas require little acreage; you can comfortably raise 8 to 10 alpacas on one acre. We are starting with 4 paddocks on 3 acres.
- Fee's for boarding alpacas are about $3 a day. Boarding fees include shelter, pasture, daily feeding, monthly worming, and toe nail trimming. The alpaca owner would be responsible for insurance and medical expenses. An additional arrangement could be made to market the boarded alpaca for a 10% commission.
- If your alpaca herd consists of stud-quality males you can earn breeding fees of $1500 to $3000 per breeding.
- Expenses directly related to caring for your alpacas can be written off; hay, feed, barns, trailers, fencing, vet care, equipment, insurance costs, breeding fees, and travel expenses, are some examples.
- Statistically 80% of alpaca pregnancies are live births consisting of 50% females and 50% males. Young females and males can sell for $10,000 to $15,000. Breeding females and herdsires can sell for $20,000 on up. Pricing depends on multiple variables, including lineage, age, conformation, fleece quality, and breeding/birthing experience. Top quality alpacas have been auctioned for over $500,000. Gelded pet quality alpacas can sell for as low as $500.
- Alpacas are sheared once a year; their fleece can sell for $2 to $4 an ounce depending on quality and how it's processed. That's $300 to $500 an alpaca per year.
- Alpacas are registered and their pedigrees documented by DNA testing. Imports from South America are no longer allowed so the market is closed to new imports of animals and bloodlines. There are about 65,000 alpacas in the U.S.A. it will take 1 million alpacas to support a fulltime mill in our country.
- Alpacas are insurable at their full value for theft and death. The cost of insurance is about 3.5% annually.
As you continue to research Alpacas we hope you find it's an investment you can embrace.
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What's so special about alpaca fiber?
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Alpaca fiber is stronger and warmer than wool. It lacks lanolin so it can be worn by those who are allergic to wool.
Alpaca garments are softer than cashmere, lightweight, come in 22 natural colors, and are often seen around the world in the fashion industry.
Alpaca fiber can be handspun, knitted, woven, or felted.
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At what age can alpacas start breeding?
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Female alpacas can be breed when they are 18 to 24 months old. They are induced ovulators; she will ovulate in response to mating and will normally spit at a male if she is pregnant. Gestation is approximately 11 ½ months. She will only give birth to a single cria, weighing 15 to 20 pounds. Females can be bred again within 21days after giving birth. It is rare for an alpaca to have twins.
Male alpacas will begin breeding at 2 to 3 years old.
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What do alpacas eat?
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Alpacas graze on orchard grass; eat hay, specially formulated pellet supplements, and minerals to balance their nutrition. Some alpacas like apples and carrots as a special treat.
Always keep clean fresh water available and use electrolytes as necessary.
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Do alpacas spit?
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Yes, alpacas spit; they usually spit at each other trying to defend their food or to warn another alpaca to stay away.
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Are alpacas smart?
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Alpacas are very intelligent, they can be trained to halter, load and unload in a trailer, and can be taught to perform simple tricks.
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What type of barn do I need to build?
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Alpacas will spend most of their time outdoors, at times they will need to be protected from severe weather this can be done with a 3 sided run-in shed.
During the summer use barn fans to help keep the alpacas cool.
During the winter be sure to keep your crias warm using heated livestock pads, sweaters, and coats.
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What type of fencing do I need to install?
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Alpacas will not challenge fencing.
Your primary concern is to keep predators out of their pasture. We've chosen to use 5 foot fencing around the perimeter of our pasture and 4 foot fencing with 6 inch boards between our paddocks.
CQ Article: Alpaca Farm and Paddock Design
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How do you transport alpacas?
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Alpacas can load and travel safely in the family mini-van, station wagon, or horse trailer. When traveling they lie down and enjoy the ride. You can easily fit 2 to 3 alpacas in a van.
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Are alpacas easy to clean up after?
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Alpacas will create a community poop pile. This will make your daily cleanup much easier.
Article: Minimum Standards of Care for Alpacas
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Want to learn more...contact us and schedule a visit; we'd love to talk with you about Alpacas.
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