About Alpacas
What is an alpaca?Alpacas are camelids and are native to the Americas. They are closely related to Llamas, Guanacos, and Vicuñas. Recent genetic testing of ancient alpaca remains has proven that alpacas are domesticated from vicuñas. There are two coat types in alpacas. The huacayas have a fluffy appearance, while the suris have long silky dreadlocks. At this time we have only the huacaya type at West Wind Alpacas.
What do you do with an alpaca?
Alpacas are raised for their luxurious fleece. Alpaca breeders also show their alpacas and fleece.
What does an Alpaca eat?
Alpacas have evolved in a rather harsh habitat, and in the wild eat the sparse grass and vegetation of the Altiplano. We feed our alpacas as much green grass as possible, supplemented with specially formulated pelleted feed. Of course, fre choice high-quality hay is always available. If necessary, they can be drylotted with a higher density of animals per acre, but fresh green grass actually improves the quality of the fleece.
Can I have just one alpaca?
Alpacas are herd animals. They are gregarious and require the company of their own kind. If kept alone they are likely to develop emotional problems and inappropriate behavior, depression, and even death, from their isolation from a herd. If you can only afford one breeding quality alpaca, it is wise to also purchase a companion or fiber quality alpaca for proper socialization. Some breeders will give a companion alpaca at no charge when you make a purchase, if this is your first alpaca. I personally recommend no less than 4 alpacas be kept together, or in adjacent pastures. Example; three females and an intact breeding herd-sire in the next pasture. And in this case, a companion male should be in your herd.
How many alpacas can I have on my land?
Generally, 5 to 10 alpacas can be kept per acre.
Can I use alpacas for packing and hiking?
It is possible, however a load resting on their back will damage the quality of the fleece. Considering the cost of an alpaca compared with the cost of a llama, it makes more sense to use a llama for packing.
How do you get the fleece?
We shear our alpacas once a year, in mid to late spring.
Why don't you shear the tops of the heads?
We leave the topknot unshorn because we like the way it looks, and it is an indication of their general fiber density overall. Some people consider an upright pom-pon topknot very important in their assessment of an alpaca's quality.
How big is an alpaca?
Adult alpacas usually weigh between 100 and 220 pounds. They are roughly 5 feet tall at the top of the head, 3 feet at the shoulder. 3 or 4 alpacas can be transported in the back of the family mini-van.
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Wind Alpacas and Heather Zeleny, 2000-8.
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