Frequently Asked Questions

Alpaca colours range from black, grey, rose grey, brown, fawn, and many shades through to white.

Popular and common questions asked about Alpacas.

What are Alpacas ?
Alpacas are members of the south American Camelid family, domesticated and bred for their fibre.

Where do they come from?
They come mainly from Peru, Chile and to a lesser extent, Bolivia.

How many can I start with?
Alpacas are herd animals and should not be kept alone, so a minimum of two alpacas is necessary. Stocking rates are between 5 and 6 per acre depending on the condition of the grass quality and grazing area.

How big do they grow?
Adults grow to about 0.85 metres at the withers and weigh between 50 and 75kilos

How long do they live?
Alpacas generally live to between 15 and 20 years

Why do you keep them?
Alpacas are kept for their fibre which is soft and lustrous and is one of the strongest natural fibres. The fibre is comparable to Cashmere and is produced in 22 natural shades from white through fawn, brown and grey to black.

How often are they sheared?
Once a year preferably in May, June, or July when the weather is warmer and when the fibre is around 3 inches long.

Are Alpacas difficult to look after?
Not at all, they graze, eat hay and need a supply of clean water, when pregnant/lactating females and all youngsters may require a daily feed supplement.

Do they need shelter?
This is optional, they are hardy to our climate all year round, but a shelter can be useful at any time to provide shade in the summer and shelter from the worst winter weather.

Do they spit?
Spitting is a camelids' defense mechanism. Yes, they do spit, but not very often and even less often at humans.