What do you do with an alpaca?
Alpacas are raised primarily for their fibre, which is soft, luxurious and world renowned for its excellent thermal qualities. Its fleece is used in an array of products and is comparable to cashmere. Shorn annually an adult alpaca can produce a yield of 2-4kg of fleece, and the very best of breed can yield up to double that amount.
Alpacas are the only fibre producing animal with 22 recognised natural colours from black to white, with varying shades of brown, greys, and fawns in between.
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How much land do I need for an alpaca?
Anyone with a few acres can accommodate a few alpacas. You can usually raise about 5/6 alpacas per acre dependant upon the terrain, availability of pasture etc. Higher stocking rates are possible when land rotation is available.
Alpacas are very efficient grazers requiring only 60-70% of the acreage for sheep. They also thrive on poorer grazing as their stomachs have adapted to work better on a diet high in roughage.
Shelter should be provided for them to get in out of extreme weather conditions.
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How do you care for an alpaca?
We have bullet pointed below some of the basic elements when caring for an alpaca. Should you require any additional information there are plenty of good resources available to you both on the internet (check our links page) and through local contacts i.e. other alpaca breeders.
Feeding - Hay needs to be available ad lib all year round, although in the summer they rarely eat a lot but that can be dependant on your grass growth.
Hard Feed - We feed camelibra daily, only a very small amount is required to supplement their diet with the additional vitamins and minerals that they require for good health.
Water - alpacas like clean water. They can dehydrate rather than drink foul water. In summer the water can need changing regularly, as some of my alpacas like to try and sit in the trough.
Husbandry - Condition score your alpacas regularly especially in winter when their fleece is at its most dense. As it makes it impossible to see just by looking!
Vaccination - We vaccinate all of our alpacas (adult or cria) with lambivac twice a year.
Worming - We worm with injection twice a year, but please be guided by your vet.
Foot Care - Toenails need trimming regularly, although we find that the coloured alpacas toenail do not seem to grow so quickly.
Illness - By watching your alpacas you will begin to recognise their personality and habits. An alpaca that looks unwell is an alpaca that really needs help quickly, if you are in doubt please call your vet.
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What do alpacas eat?
Alpacas are modified ruminants. They rank high in digestive efficiency and do well on good quality forage and hays, and not much of it-approximately two pounds per 125 pounds of body weight per day. A single bale of hay can generally feed a group of about 20 alpacas for one day.
Additionally supplemental feeds, vitamins, and minerals are required to balance their nutrition, especially during winter months and to females in later stages of pregnancy.
Clean fresh water should always be available.
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Are alpacas aggressive?
Alpacas are very gentle inquisitive animals that are always aware of their surroundings. They are safe and pleasant to be around. Occasionally alpacas may kick with its hind legs, this can occur if startled or handled from the rear.
As a member of the camel family alpacas can be known to spit although this is normally at each other and not at humans. Spitting can normally be observed around feeding time when they become possessive over their food, or when warning another alpaca to stay away.
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Can you tell me about alpaca fibre?
Alpaca fibre, or fleece as it more commonly referred to is soft and fine, it’s strength is second only to silk and is warmer than wool, it is comparable to cashmere. The best alpaca fibre comes from the blanket (back, side shoulder and rump). Its fleece lacks lanolin so it can be worn by those who are allergic to wool.
The first fleece shorn as a baby commands a premium because of its extra fineness. The fiber can be handspun, knitted, woven or felted.
Adult alpacas produce about 1.5 to 2.5kg of first quality fiber as well as 1.5 to 3kg of second and third quality fiber. Some top breeds can achieve double these values.
There are at least 22 distinct natural colours ranging from white to black, grey to brown, and various shades of fawn.
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Who raises alpacas?
Alpaca owners and breeders come from all walks of life, and suit many kinds of people. Traditional farmers can diversify by adding alpacas to their existing livestock. Alpacas are well suited to small acreage as you can pasture 5/6 alpacas per acre, and even more when land rotation is in practice.
Alpacas offer a very attractive business and farming opportunity no matter your circumstances or location. Some people raise alpacas as a full time business, others commit to part-time, and some even employ the services of other alpaca farmers (agistment) whilst they are building their herd / locating land.
Since alpacas are gentle and friendly, they are perfect for families and can make great pets, although they are herd animals so we don’t recommend the purchase of a single alpaca. Also, there are many alpaca shows and events around the country each year that provide breeders with fun opportunities to get together with fellow alpaca enthusiasts. Alpaca farmers really come from all walks of life.
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What about fencing and shelters?
Three sided, open fronted shelters are really all that is required for alpacas, and even in the worst weather conditions you may find your animals reluctant to use them. Check out our range of alpaca shelters on offer from Valley Alpacas.
If possible make use of paddocks and regularly rotate your animals around each of the paddocks. Paddocks also make it easier to segregate your male from your females. Erect 4ft fencing, but please ensure you don’t make use of barbed wire as inquisitive alpacas may become entangled and ultimately injured on the barbs.
Making a race and a small catch pen for easy handling is a must.
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Do alpacas travel well?
Alpacas are remarkably good travellers. They can easily be transported in any large van / stock trailer, or horse box. Ensure you make available some matting to help reduce the impact on the animal. Once in transit the alpaca will sit down for the duration of the journey.
For better animal welfare provide some water and feed and for longer journeys factor in a comfort break for your animals.
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