Quick Facts
- Two types of alpacas: Suri and Huacaya
- Alpacas live for about 15-20 years
- 22 different colors of Alpaca Fleece
- Baby Alpaca is called a Cria
- Alpacas have padded feet
- They are part of the Camelid family
- Alpacas are from South America
Other Facts
Suri (sir-ee) & Huacaya (wah-ki-ya)
The difference between the two type is basically the fleece.. Suri alapcas have more of a dreadlock look, their fleece/fiber is in silky locks where as the Huacaya alpaca has more of the fuzzy teddy bear look with its fleece.
-Alpacas should be shorn once a year, which will provide the owner with about 5-10 pounds of fiber that can be turned into wonderful products to wear and blankets to keep you warm, Click here to learn more about their fleece and what to do with it.
-Alpacas originate from South America, mainly Chile, Bolivia, and Peru and are currently closed on import.
-The 22 colors of Alpacas are actually recognized by the textile industries.
-Their fiber/fleece is known as "The Fiber of the Gods"
-Alpacas have a communal waste pile, where they all go to the bathroom in the same spot.
-Alpacas get along with most all livestock but you want to be cautious with cattle and horses due to kicking, I personally have had my alpacas and horses together for a couple hours and had no problems but I do keep them apart just to be safe.
-The gestation period of an Alpaca is 11.5 months. Click here for breeding info.
-Cushing is when an alpaca lays down.
-Alpacas are herd animals, they need to be with other animals or another alpaca, preferably 3 alpacas together.
-You can have about 10 alpacas per acre, Recommended max is 8.
-You need a separate paddock(field) for male and female alpacas unless you intend on breeding them.
-Alpacas grow fighting teeth around the ages of 2-3 years, for males, these should be cut to prevent the male attacking and wounding other alpacas and from hurting a female during the mating process. This is sometimes unnecessary if the alpaca is gelded, or on females.
-The main noise an alpaca makes is... Humming.
-Alpacas toe nails should be trimmed about every 3 months depending on the alpaca and how fast they grow back.
Would you like to add a fact or information to this page?
Please send the fact/info to - add@alpacaave.com -