Your Two-Minute Class on Alpacas

Alpacas, often thought of as the “cuddly” livestock, are nonetheless an interesting creature.  Part of the camelid family, they originated in the South American Andes.  They are related to llamas, a larger version, which was used as pack animals while the smaller alpaca is valued for its soft fiber.  There are two breeds of alpaca: the Huacaya and the Suri.  The difference being the length and of their fiber.  The suri wears a coat of long fibers, described as ‘silky dreadlocks’; the huacaya’s coat is more compact, ‘crimpy’, and shorter.

Alpacas are very social animals, quite gentle and very curious.  They live in herds of at least three.  Like any livestock animal they each have their own temperament depending on how they are handled from a young age.  With much handling they can be more like “pets” to the person who takes the time to be with and train them.

FAQ

Do they spit?  Spitting is a defensive action taken when they are stressed, arguing with one another or feel in danger.  So, yes, it does happen and you don’t want to be in the middle of an argument!

What do they sound like?  Alpacas make a calm humming noise when all is right with the world.  They can shriek when they suspect a potential predator is near sending up what we call a warning cry.  Males can get into arguments and, in addition to spitting, will scream at each other.

What do they eat?  During the summer, they munch on grass in their pasture and in the winter we provide hay.  Year round they receive pelleted grain and a mineral block.  Basically, they eat 1.5 percent of their body weight—about 2 pounds per day.

How long do they live?  We are finding they live between 17–21 years in the States.

Are they easy to care for?  Absolutely!!  Surprisingly they have a communal dung pile they all use for a ‘bathroom’ area—which is easier to clean up.   Otherwise, once every 4 weeks they receive a shot to ward off parasites.

How long is their gestation period?  11 months.  Once the 15 lb. baby (cria) is born, it is up on its feet and feeding within an hour.

What colors can they be?  Alpacas come in a variety of colors from very black to browns, tans, grays and brilliant white.  The fiber is prized for yarn and knits up wonderfully.  Each fiber is hollow, providing excellent insulation properties while not retaining water.  

The Farm:  Here at Tartan Acres Farm we currently house 65 alpacas.  We started raising them in 2001 and have learned much over the years.  In addition to raising, breeding and selling alpacas, we have a gift shop filled with products made from their luxurious fiber including socks, scarves, gloves, mittens, hats, blankets, sweaters and a number of crafted items.   

Give us a call at (315) 729-9358/7 and treat yourself to a farm visit.  Being retired, we are frequently available.  Learn all you ever wanted to know about alpacas, get an alpaca selfie, and visit the shop for great gifts or get warm and cozy for the winter!!  Remember—Christmas is just around the corner.