Alpaca Basics
The alpaca is a domesticated member of the camelid family—the others being llamas, guanacos, vicuñas, and of course the camel. Alpacas are native to South America—from the high altitudes of the Andes in Chile, Peru and Bolivia—where they have been kept for their fleece for thousands of years.
Alpacas are herd animals and the minimum number to keep is three and for this you need about 10,000 square metres of land.
Female alpacas need another female for company. Female alpacas are productive until about 12 years of age. Alpacas live 15 to 20 years of age.
Baby alpacas are called crias. Castrated males are called wethers.
Whilst a large tree will provide shelter and shade, a stable or small field building would be a good idea.
Fresh water is a must.
Other than regular nail clipping, an annual hair cut, vaccinations and worming, alpacas require little care.
Alpacas eat much less than you would think—about 1½ kilos of grass or hay per day. A handful of specialist alpaca feed will give them all the necessary minerals and vitamins.
Alpacas are very clean animals and use a communal dung pile making cleaning of paddocks quite easy. Alpaca dung is great for the garden and can be used straight from the field.
Alpacas live happily on most types of terrain and with their soft feet do not damage the land.
Alpacas are easily trained to the halter.
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