About Alpacas

1 The Andes Mountains in South America have been the home to the alpacas since ancient times.  Their fleece was cherished by members of the Incan civilization and their fiber was referred to as "the fiber of the Gods."

2 The first alpacas were brought to the US in 1984.  It didn't take long for people to fall in love with these animals.  They are small and gentle and can even travel in the family van.

3 They are easily handled by most people.  Even though they do occasionally spit, it is usually meant for another alpaca.

4 The alpacas are related to camels, llamas, and vicunas.  They chew their cud similar to the way cows do  and eat pasture grasses and orchard grass hay.

5 Alpacas usually live 15 to 20 years.  They provide fleece during their lifetime and have a long reproductive life.  These factors make them a good investment if you want to go into the alpaca business.

6 Their gestation period is 11-12 months and they usually give birth to only one baby.  The baby alpaca, called a cria, usually weighs between 15-20 pounds.  An adult alpaca usually weighs from 150 - 200 pounds.

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