.:Frequently Asked Questions:.
What is the difference between alpacas and
llamas?
Llamas are much bigger than alpacas, and
have "banana" shaped ears.
They are primarily used as a
pack animal. An alpaca is
principally used for fleece
production, they are not
suitable physically or
temperamentally for freight carriage. They
have a much better fleece
quality than llamas, with a lot
less guard hair. 
What do you do with an alpaca?
That depends on personal choice!
* Ø Alpacas are probably the optimum livestock investment in the world. They have
maintained their high price for more than 20
years and breeders find a ready, lucrative
market for their surplus animals.
* Ø Even small herds can be financially viable,
making them ideal for hobby farmers or
those with limited land space.
* Ø Wethers make great pets for people who
prefer the livestyle option and have no
desire to commercially farm or breed their
animals. They can be readily halter trained,
and reward their owners with an annual
fleece.
* Ø Alpacas produce a luxurious fibre which
can be shorn on an annual basis, and sold
as either raw fleece, or manufactured in yarn or fabric. Alpaca textiles are
recognised by fashion houses world-wide.
Why is buying alpacas a good use of my money?
* Ø Alpacas have high value and an excellent
rate of return
* Ø Alpaca farming is a developing industry,
the future is bright!
How many alpacas can be kept per acre?
Stocking rate is normally quoted as being
similar to sheep (around 4-5 per acre)
despite the size differential. Most owners
are finding however, that alpacas eclectic
diet and excellent food conversion means
that stocking rates are 50% or more higher
than for sheep (ie 6-9 per acre). Stocking
rate can in any
case be
increased by
good pasture
management and
fertilisation, and
increased hay feeding of the alpacas. You can keep a pair of wethers on as little as half acre. We started opur alpaca farm on just over 2 acres, which enabled us to keep around 12 alpacas. We chose to move to a bigger property, and continue to expand, but this is not compulsory!
What do alpacas eat?
Alpacas are browsers who eat most varieties
of plant life, including grass, foliage and
palatable herbs. They have a split upper lip
(like a rabbit) which
enables them to
cleverly nibble around
long and sharp thorns.
Their diet is similar to
a goat, lthough they chew their cud like a
cow, and their digestive system is
somewhere between a horse and a cow. In
addition to green plants and grass, they
enjoy meadow and lucerne hay, and also
concentrates in the form of alpaca nuts, now available commercially.
Because they have
developed in harsh Andean conditions, they
make excellent use of their feed, and can
thrive on poorer pasture than most farm
stock.
Do alpacas require special fencing?
No. Normal farm fencing, whether
wire-and-batten or sheep mesh is fine.
Deer fencing is often used, but is not
necessary - alpacas can jump, but not that
high!
Studs (machos) sometimes need slightly
higher fencing to
deter them from
attempting to get to
the object of their
desire, but nothing
like the height of a
deer fence! Alpacas
do not lean or push on fences as do other
animals, nor do they tend to put their heads
through fencing in search of greener grass!
Electric fencing and barbed wire is not
required, and not recommended.
Are alpacas easy to care for?
- Very! Compared to other stock species,
alpacas are very low maintenance. Basic
care includes annual shearing, toenail
trimming 3-4 times annually, annual
vaccination, worming, and bi-monthly
drenching with vitamins A,D&E, and
protection . They should have a daily visual
check, and need supplementary hay feeding in
winter. These are
maintenance issues
common to all farm stock.
Also in common with
other stock species,
they are prone to
Rye Grass Staggers (which is preventable),
and Facial Eczema (the risk can be
reduced).
- They are do not suffer from: bloat,
footrot or flystrike.
- They are not susceptible to: TB.
- They do not need: tail docking or
crutching.
- They are not: large, strong, heavy,
dangerous or difficult to herd and
control.
How do you transport alpacas?
In a horse truck or float, or a covered trailer. Open stock crates are unsuitable - alpacas do not tolerate cold winds or draughts well, and the wind effect created by a moving open trailer is freezing! Alpacas almost always "cush" (lie down) when in a moving vehicle, so they are very stable to tow.
Are alpacas intelligent?
Yes. Alpacas learn very
quickly, and have long
memories. They can
recognise other alpacas they have been
close to, even if they have been separated
for several years. They seldom forget
something they have learnt, either! They
are intensely curious animals, and take a lot
of interest in the actions of other animals,
including people.
What sound does an alpaca make?
A gentle hum that can be used to express a
variety of emotions, from curiosity to
interest to anxiety. They have a piercing
alarm whistle that is quite distinctive, but
seldom heard. They are very quiet
creatures!
Are alpacas dangerous?
No. Alpacas are very gentle creatures.
Their first form of defence is to spit. This
is unpleasant, but hardly dangerous! They
will kick, but with a soft foot pad, and
lacking substantial muscular development,
this also is more likely to be unpleasant
rather than painful.
The only exception to this is an"over-humanised" alpaca that
is unable to distinguish the
normal boundaries that exist
between species. This is not a
naturally occurring syndrome,
but one which is created by
inappropriate handling by owners.
How many alpacas do I need?
A minimum of two adults - although three is preferable. Alpacas are highly socialised and suffer mental and emotional - even physical - deprivation if kept in solitary confinement. The company of other animal species is not sufficient, they need other
alpacas. A reputable and caring breeder should refuse to sell you less than two alpacas as a starting herd, unless you plan
to agist (board) your alpaca on an existing alpaca farm. Once you have your first two alpacas, the sky is the limit
What use is a wether?
Wethers make great pets! They can be
taught to lead and there are even pet
alpaca performance classes at A&P shows.
If you want to own alpacas, but have either
time,space or budget restrictions, wethers
are a low-cost option that lets you have all
the pleasures of owning alpacas without the
responsibilities of being a breeder. If you
have only a small
acreage, having two
or three wethers
means you don't have
to worry about
running out of grazing
or space, nor have
the emotional anguish
of having to sell
animals you are fond
of, just because you have run out of space.
If your interest is in fibre, rather than
breeding, having a wether herd gives you an
annual supply of fleece for
your own use
, plus the pleasure of owning
these sweet and attractive
animals.
When buying a starter flock for breeding,
buying a wether for company for a breeding
female keeps down the initial cost of
starting up your new business.
Even when you have an established herd,
having a wether is still useful - he can be
used as a Public Relations animal (intact
males have their minds on other matters,
and females can become stressed if taken
away from familiar surroundings with a cria,
or when heavily pregnant). If you need to
separate one animal from the herd or to
transport a female for breeding take your wether along also! Pop
a wether in with young stock at
weaning - babies like the
reassuring company of adults.
Wethers can safely be kept in
with your breeding females
without any risk of an undesirable
pregnancy.
Whatever way you look, wethers are a good
investment choice!
Why should I buy alpacas?
Alpacas are high value, and have a great
rate of return! They are viable on even
small acreage. There are
alpacas to suit every dream - whether as
gentle and attractive pets, or as fibre
producers, or for hobby breeders who love
having alpaca babies around, or for serious
farmers and investors. If you have a
lifestyle block or small farm,
alpacas have to be the livestock
of choice - they are easy to
care for, have minimal health
care, are easy on pasture and
fencing, produce
fleece annually, sale of surplus
animals provides a lucrative return on
investment, are gentle, physically
unimposing, non-aggressive animals that are
ideal for the novice animal handler.
What sort of land is best for an alpaca?
Alpacas can thrive on all types of land.
They are very good converters of food to
energy, and do not require lush pastures or
fertile soils. They enjoy running on hills,
but can be equally at home on flat
pasture. Alpacas are being
successfully farmed in New Zealand from
the far North to Southland. Their
versatility also see them flourishing
internationally in lands as diverse as
Australia, Japan, the UK, and USA and Europe
What is the negative side of owning alpacas?
The high cost of purchasing your initial
breeding stock.
However, once you have overcome this
hurdle, it becomes much
easier to obtain subsequent
females, as you will breed
some of your own, or be able,
over time, to sell a few wethers which will
give you a substantial part of a purchase
price for another female.
Do alpacas have any other uses besides fibre?
In South America, alpacas are killed for
meat, as well as shorn for fibre. However,
in the Western world, alpacas are never
butchered for human consumption! Alpacas
have proven, that with appropriate care,
they can continue to produce cria right up to
their late teens, or early twenties, making
breeding females far to valuable to eat.
The high return
available by breeding
alpacas makes
reproduction the
major "alternative
use" of alpacas at
this time.
For owners of small blocks of land who
require some form of livestock to keep
vegetation under control, the alpaca has no
peer! They are gentle and easy to handle,
their care is largely trouble-free, they are
not hard on pasture, nor are they rough on
fencing.
The value of alpacas as pets should also not
be under-rated. They can be readily tamed
and trained to become personable pets that
owners can be proud of, and
are exotic enough to provide you with a pet that will be the envy of your friends
and neighbours!
Are there any special terms for alpacas?
Males are termed machos, females are
called hembra, and unweaned babies are
known as cria. A castrated, or gelded, male
is a wether. In fact, only the terms cria
and wether are in common usage, males are
more often called studs, and hembras
generally termed females.
How long do alpacas live for?
Alpacas can live well past 20 years of age,
and will breed for most of those! Most
females can produce 15 - 20 cria in a
lifetime, repaying your investment over and
over again.
At what age do alpacas start breeding?
It is common for females to be mated at
just 12 months, although experience is
proving that 18 - 24 months
is a better age. Males
generally do not start
breeding until they are 2-3
years old.
How long are females pregnant for?
Around 11 ½ months, although it is not
uncommon for birth to occur a month early,
or 4-6 weeks overdue!
How do you shear alpacas?
Alpacas are shorn either standing or
restrained in a prone postion on the ground,
or on a specially designed "shearing table".
Once one side has been shorn, they are
rolled over and the other side shorn. The
same equipment is used as
for sheep, and they can be
either blade (manually)
shorn, or electric shears can
be used.
Can you run alpacas with other animals?
Alpaca are gentle and non-aggressive. They
are never a threat to other pastoral
species. However, because of their relative
lack of strength and defensive ability, care
should be taken when stocking them in the
same pasture as other animals. Sheep are
fine, but cattle tend to be too big and
boisterous, and even a quiet horse can
deliver a powerful kick when startled. We
have no personal experience with goats and
deer, however feel that a good rule of
thumb when considering cross grazing alpacas
with other species, is to keep your alpacas
in a separate paddock to the others.
Do alpacas have twins?
Twins are occasionally conceived, but only rarely survive. Female alpacas carry their
pregnancies internally, and to the uninitiate
often do not appear
pregnant even at full
term. This means they
simply do not have room
for the developing
foetuses, which will
abort prematurely.
When do alpacas have their cria?
Normally late morning to early afternoon,
and most often on a sunny day. However, on
occasion, alpacas will be born on a cold or
rainy day, or outside the mid-day time
window, so always
keep a close eye
on your alpaca An
alpaca who is still
in labour late
afternoon or
evening is often
in trouble - be
prepared to call your vet!
How do you round alpacas up?
If you have properly trained alpacas you
should be able to call them into a catch pen,
or new field. Leading a well-trained animal
on a halter is much easier than attempting
to push or pull your alpaca around! However,
sometimes you will need to herd alpacas, and
this is best achieved by two or three people
(shepherd dogs cannot be used as alpacas do
not respond to these as sheep and cattle
will). Simply walk the animals in the direction
you wish them to move, preferably using a
training wand or similar. A rope held
between two people is very effective!
Training in how to herd your alpacas is part
of the on-going support offered by The
Alpaca Place to its customers.
Can you keep male and female alpacas together?
No. You can keep most males together,
females together, wethers together or in
company with females and most males.
However, a pregnant female wants nothing
to do with an entire male, who will pester
them in the hopes they might be receptive.
Do you need to keep alpacas indoors in winter?
Not in New Zealand! If you live in area prone to snow, you may need to build a shelter shed, but be prepared to lock your alpacas in as they seldom seek this type of protection! An alpacas natural environment is very
harsh, and they can cope with most cold and
wet conditions. They are susceptible to cold
winds, so windbreaks are essential. They
suffer more
from heat in
summer than
cold in winter,
so shade from
the sun is also
essential.
How easy is it to find a Vet who is experienced
in the care of alpacas?
Its becoming easier! Many vets have minimal
experience with camelids, but more and more are taking an interest in camelids. However, finding a
vet who is ready to admit their lack of
experience and then do research, consult
other veterinary professionals, and listen to
you as the person with "hands on"
experience, and you will probably receive
very good care for your alpaca. By the very
nature of the profession they have chosen,
most vets are interested in animals and
more than happy to increase their knowledge
base. Beware the vet who will not listen
to you, who assumes you know nothing
because you are not qualified, or who tries
to give the impression they are more
experienced than they actually are - find
another vet! If you can, talk to other
alpaca owners in your area, and see if they
will recommend a vet. It may be worth
paying a little extra in travel costs to obtain
the services of a competent and interested
vet.
Massey University is increasing the camelid
training veterinary students are receiving, so
finding vets experienced in alpaca care will
become easier in the near future.
What are the Veterinary & Medical costs
associated with alpacas?
Very low - most owners can learn to do
basic medical care such as drenching,
vaccinations and teeth trimming themselves.
Most cria are born
without assistance on sunny days. Wethers
must be castrated by a vet under
anaesthetic. In fact, most veterinary costs
are incurred voluntarily by the owner, if
they do not want to undertake basic care
themselves, or want a pregnancy confirmed
by bloodtest or ultrascan.
Alpacas are very healthy animals, and many
problems can be averted by proper care -
see our "Health and Welfare" pages.
Are alpacas prone to any diseases?
Facial eczema, rye grass staggers, phosphate and vitamin D deficiency, are
diseases that alpacas have been identified
as being susceptible to. These are diseases
or syndromes that are common to all
livestock species, and the risk can be
reduced or controlled by proper management
and care. See "Health & Welfare"
How can I make money out of alpacas?
Ø Selling their fleece (they are shorn annually)
Ø Selling products made from alpaca fibre
Ø Selling alpaca related products
Ø Selling stock you have bred
Ø Selling the stud services of your macho
Ø Agisting animals for other owners
Ø Composting alpaca dung and selling as fertiliser
Ø Learning to shear, and selling your services as
an alpaca shearer
Ø Charging the public to visit your alpaca farm
