Questions and Answers
Why are Alpacas so valuable?
Where do Alpacas come from?
What are Alpacas called in South
America?
How many "Cria" does an Alpaca
bare?
Are Alpacas related to Lamas?
How large does an Alpaca grow?
What do Alpacas eat?
Are Alpacas intelligent?
How many Alpacas can be held per
hectare?
How long does an Alpaca live?
Are Alpacas simple to keep?
How does one transport Alpacas?
Do Alpacas require special
fencing?
Why are Alpacas so valuable?
Alpacas are fibre producers. They became greatly treasured during the
ancient Inca civilization period. Its fine fleece was exclusively
reserved for the king’s house of the Incas. The Alpaca fibre, comparable
with Cashmere , is famous for its silky softness and fineness as well as
its splendid shine. The natural colour palette ranges from the pure
white, beige/fawn, brown, grey up to deep black. 
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Where do Alpacas come from?
The homeland of the Alpacas is South America, where they were first
domesticated 6'000 years ago.
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What are Alpacas called in South
America?
The young animals are known as "Cria". In South America the Dams are well-known
as "Hembras" and the studs as "Machos".
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How many "Cria" does an Alpaca
bare?
Only one per year. The gestation period is approximately 11 months. The birth
generally takes place within daylight hours. The “Cria” will normally stand
within one hour and begin suckling from the mother.
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Are Alpacas related to Lamas?
Yes, Alpacas, Lamas, Guanacos and Vicunas all belong l to the family of the
Camelids which are native to South America.
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How large does an Alpaca grow?
A fully grown Alpaca has a Wither height of approx. 1 meter and weighs about 65
kg.
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What do Alpacas eat?
Alpacas are grass eaters. Since they developed under hard conditions, they
utilise the feed better than other domesticated races.
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Are Alpacas intelligent?
Yes, they are amazingly vigilant and inquisitive animals. They communicate among
themselves through body language, tail and ear movements as well as with a
multiplicity of sounds. Most commonly one hears a gentle humming, a fitting
sound for a gentle animal.
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How many Alpacas can be held per
hectare?
On the average about 10 Alpacas can be held on one hectare of land. Since
Alpacas belong to the family of the preservers, the turf will not be
unnecessarily overworked.
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How long does an Alpaca live?
An Alpaca has a long and productive life of approximately 20 years.
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Are Alpacas simple to keep?
Alpacas are extremely hardy. They are small and simple in handling and need no
special care. They require shearing, worming, inoculating and cutting of their
toe nails. Fortunately Alpacas do not suffer from foot rot.
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How does one transport Alpacas?
Alpacas withstand stressful situations well. They remain calm when shipping and
during transport.
They can be transported in a suitable vehicle, from a small truck up to
the large cattle trailer. Once the vehicle begins motion, the Alpacas lie down
to make themselves comfortable for the trip ahead.
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Do Alpacas require special
fencing?
No. Alpacas jump only rarely and they generally do not try not to break out of a
fence. 1.20 mtr high sheep fencing is completely sufficient.
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