Female alpacas produce one offspring about every 11 to 12 months. The ratio of male to female is about 50/50. Your female crias will be ready to breed between 14 to 18 months of age. Every time a female cria comes to breeding age you are adding one more source of new animals to your herd. This is alpaca compounding. The larger the herd, the faster it grows.

When a male cria is born the option exists to sell the animal or keep him as a companion or fibre animal. If this cria is truly exceptional you may wish to sell him as a herd-sire prospect or keep him to use on your non-related females.

Alpacas are hardy animals and the mortality rate is very low. However, death does happen so this eventually may affect the return on investment.

What Are Alpacas?

Alpacas are inexpensive to feed and require little space.  One acre can suffice for five animals.  They have soft, padded, earth friendly feet instead of hooves.  Their primary food is grass hay or pasture.  The average alpaca consumes approximately 1-½ bales of hay per month if there is no pasture forage available.  A balanced feed supplement as well as a free feed mineral supplement, both formulated for alpacas, should be available to all herd members. Late term pregnant or lactating females as well as growing young animals and breeding males may require additional nutritional support.

Good fencing is important as protection from predators, and alpacas need shelter from strong winds and precipitation.  They are shorn once per year in the spring and in hot climates need to be monitored for heat stress.  Alpacas produce one baby (cria) per year with an 11 to 12 month gestation period.  Yearly vaccination, a worming protocol, and periodic toenail trimming are husbandry requirements.

There is worldwide demand for luxurious, cashmere like alpaca fiber, which comes in 22 recognized colors, from bright white to blue black.  It is warmer, lighter, stronger, and finer than sheep’s wool, and alpaca garments often are handed down through generations as heirlooms.  There are promising developments in the alpaca fiber industry, which indicate a growing market for American alpaca far into the future.

Alpacas, whether pets, fiber animals, or breeding stock, are the ideal livestock for small acreage, offering tax advantage as well as many lifestyle benefits.  They promote outdoor activity and can foster family cohesion.  They are safe for children and make excellent 4H projects.  Alpacas can be trained to do obstacle courses and to perform tricks.  Their naturally calm nature will lift your spirits, and their adorable appearance and endearing ways will steal your heart.  Alpacas are a great new lifestyle for retired people as well.  They provide investment opportunity and the stimulation of learning a new business, along with the joy of caring for such delightful animals.