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Alpacas are about half the size of a llama. The alpaca is compact in size, has abundant lustrous fiber, a long neck, and "puppy dog" like eyes. The alpaca's tail is low set and short. Alpacas lack upper front teeth and enamel is absent from the insides of their lower incisor. The lifespan of an alpaca is 15 to 25 years. Its height is 36" at the withers and it weighs 100 to 175 pounds. The alpaca comes in a variety of colors. Twenty-two natural colors are recognized by the alpaca fiber industry. Differently colored fibers can be blended to produce an infinite array of natural colors.
There are two types of alpacas. The Huacaya (pernounced whuacaya) has a fiber that has crimp, or wavy characteristics, . It is the dense, crimpy character of this fleece that gives the huacaya alpaca a "teddy bear" look. In contrast, the Suri has a lustrous fiber with no crimp. This fiber is arranged in locks.
Alpaca fiber is prized for its softness, uniform fineness, and strength. It is said to be three times stronger than sheep's wool. The best fiber is the blanket. It is found on the alpaca's sides and loin.
Alpacas are very herd-oriented. They do better if they have company of their own kind. Within the herd, there is a hierarchy of dominant and less assertive animals. The gentle character of alpacas makes them easy to handle. Alpacas must become accustomed to human touch. Touching the cria (baby), especially the legs, during the first few weeks after birth creates a very gentle animal. Most can easily be trained to halter and to the acceptance of people.
Female alpacas can start breeding between 12 and 24 months of age. They should have reached at least 75% of their adult body weight. If the female alpaca is not pregnant, she is constantly "open" or "receptive" to breeding. Male alpacas mature typically at 2 1/2 to 3 years of age. The average gestation period is 335 days or usually 11 to 11 1/2 months. A baby is called a cria and normally weighs from 10 to 23 pounds. The cria is ready for weaning between 5 and 6 months of age.
Alpaca Links
Alpaca Nation
I Luv alpacas information site
The Cria Barn
