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What is an Alpaca?
Alpacas are members of the camalid family. They closely resemble llamas, but are considerably smaller in size. They are about 36” tall at the withers and weigh about 150 pounds. They are gentle and easy to handle. Alpacas have two soft toes with toenails instead of hooves. An alpaca’s lifespan is about 20 years and gestation is 11.5 months. Alpacas eat grasses and chew a cud. There are two types of alpacas-the Huacayas and the Suri. Huacayas are fluffy whereas the Suri’s fiber lies in long pencil-like locks. Clean-up is easy since alpacas deposit droppings in only a few places in the paddock. They require minimal fencing and can be pastured at 5 to 10 per acre.
Where do Alpacas come from?
Alpacas were a treasure of the ancient Incan civilization that was located on the high Andean Plateau and mountains of South America. The three major countries where they have large herds are Peru, Chile and Bolivia. Alpacas were first imported to the United States in 1984 and are now being successfully and profitably raised and enjoyed through North America.
Why do we raise Alpacas?
Alpacas produce one of the world’s finest and most luxurious natural fibers. It is clipped from the animal without causing it injury. Soft as cashmere and warmer, lighter and stronger than wool, it comes in more natural colors than any other fiber (approximately 22 basic colors with many variations and blends). This cashmere-like alpaca fleece is now enjoyed by spinners and weavers around the world. It is made into a variety of alpaca fiber products from socks and scarves to evening and outerwear.
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To
contact us regarding Alpacas
for sale or polypay sheep for sale:
Post Oak Farms |
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