FAQs
Q:
What's the difference between alpacas and llamas?
A: Size and fiber
quality. Llamas were primarily bred to be beasts of burden, and alpacas were
bred primarily as fiber producers. An average alpaca stands 34"-36" at the
withers (shoulders), whereas a llama stands 42"-48" at the withers. Alpacas
weigh 125-175 pounds on average. An adult alpaca will generally produce 5-8
pounds of high-quality fiber each year.
Q:
How long do alpacas live?
A:
Alpacas have a life expectancy of 20-25 years.
Q:
When do they reach breeding maturity?
A:
Females reach
breeding capability by 18-24 months. Males usually don't reach sexual potency
until 24 months or more, with the rare one becoming potent as early as 12
months.
Q:
What is the gestation period?
A:
The gestation
period is 11-1/2 months (~350 days).
Q:
When do females stop breeding?
A:
Females will breed throughout their life.
Q:
How much do the babies weigh when born?
A:
Alpaca crias average 18 lbs. Delivery usually occurs during the daytime and
rarely requires the assistance of humans. Twins are extremely rare. Cria are
weaned at about 6 months of age.
Q:
What do alpacas eat?
A:
The alpaca is
an herbivore, grazing on grass and munching weeds, shrubs and trees. They
process their food through 3 stomachs where special secretions enable the animal
to absorb 50% more nutrients than sheep. Low-protein feed is recommended, with
additional mineral supplements for females since they are generally pregnant
and/or nursing.
Q:
Do alpacas spit?
A:
Not very often
and usually at each other, to signal displeasure at a herd member. A pregnant
female 'spits off' an inquisitive male to let him know she is disinterested in
his advances.
Q:
What predators threaten alpacas?
A:
The alpaca is prey to mountain lions, coyotes, bears, some dogs and other
carnivores. In its native Andes, the alpaca's long neck helps spot predators
among the rocks of the mountain slopes. In the US, llamas, donkeys, and guard
dogs are often used as herd guardians.
Q:
What sounds do alpacas make?
A:
Humming is the most common sound an alpaca makes, a sort of musical
purring. The mom calls to her cria by humming or clucking or they hum to
communicate with each other within the herd. When alarmed, a staccato tooting
is made by one animal, then joined in by the rest of the herd as they focus
attention in the direction of potential danger. During breeding, which lasts
from 20 to 30 minutes, a male trumpets or 'orgles' a lovesong to his
mate.
Q:
Is their manure good fertilizer?
A:
Their manure is excellent fertilizer and may be applied directly to the garden
without danger of 'burn'. Because alpacas are not nomadic, they mark their
territory with their dung piles and usually wait to get to the designated area
to defecate or urinate.
Q:
Are alpacas environmentally friendly?
A:
The alpaca's two-toed feet are soft pads protected on the top and sides by toe
nails. Unlike hard hooves, they leave the terrain undamaged. And as they graze,
they only nibble the top of the pasture grass rather than uprooting it. By
rotating between two or three pastures, there is always a fresh supply of
orchard grass.
