Alpacas are originally from the
high Andean Plateau and mountains of South America. They
were first imported to the United States in 1984 from Peru.
Alpacas are now being successfully raised throughout North
America, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Europe. There
are two types of alpacas - the Huacaya and the Suri. The
Huacaya appear to have "fluffy" fiber over most of their
bodies that is dense and soft to the touch. The Suri breeds
have longer "locks" of fiber over their bodies.
Alpacas produce one of the world's finest and most
luxurious natural fibers. The animals are sheared once a
year, and an adult alpaca can produce up to ten pounds of
fiber. When spun, the yarn is softer than cashmere and
warmer, lighter and stronger than wool. It is one of the
only non-allergenic fibers in the world (since there is no
lanolin in the fiber, as in wool). It comes in more colors
than any other fiber-producing animal (approximately 22
basic colors with many variations and blends). This
cashmere-like fleece, once reserved for royalty, is now
enjoyed by many.
The lifespan of the alpaca is about 20 years. Alpacas eat
grasses, grain, they are modified ruminants with three
stomach compartments and they chew their "cud". Adult
alpacas are about 36" tall at the withers and generally
weigh between 100 and 200 pounds. They have incredibly
beautiful big brown eyes. They are also gentle, curious and
easy to handle. Alpacas don't have hooves, but rather a
soft pad and two toes on each foot, so they are very easy
on pastures. Clean-up is also easy since alpacas often
deposit droppings in communal places in the barn or
pasture. They require minimal fencing and can be pastured
at 5 per acre. The males and females are kept separate
before and after breeding. The gestation of an alpaca is
approximately 11.5 months.
The joy, ease of care and potential profitability of
raising alpacas has attracted people from all walks of
life. Alpacas seem to form a very special bond with
children and their caregivers. People raise alpacas as a
lifestyle, as an investment, or as treasured family
members. No matter which avenue you choose, alpacas can be
raised on relatively small acreage, and they are clean,
safe, quiet, intelligent and very disease resistant. There
are also plenty of family-oriented alpaca events around the
country, including local and state fairs, alpaca auctions,
and larger shows hosted by alpaca organizations. Many farms
also sell products made from alpaca fiber (both their own
and other's fiber) as an additional business venture.
Even if you don't have the land or the time at this point
in your life, you can still begin by visiting nearby farms
and learning more. Many people also get started by
purchasing and boarding at a nearby alpaca farm. Whether
you are an experienced breeder, owner or just learning
about alpacas, we hope you will visit Marlee Farm Alpacas
and let us become a part of your alpaca experience.