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The growth of the alpaca livestock industry and the growing alpaca fleece market is providing many people with the opportunity to live on a farm and earn a substantial income from it while experiencing the joy of this lifestyle!

Alpacas are gentle on the land and easy to care for. They need fresh, clean water, a shelter from the harshest weather conditions, protection from predators, grass or hay, grain and minerals. Shelters will vary depending on the weather conditions and local threats and can range from a simple 3-sided run-in to a heated barn.

Males and females are generally penned separately so that farms can control breedings and determine the parentage and due dates. The Alpaca Registry, Inc. can then verify parentage at the time of registration using DNA testing from a blood sample.

For best health, regularly clean up their poop piles and establish a worming routine with your veterinarian that is suitable for the pasture conditions and worm load in your area. Annual vaccinations are usually recommended as well.

Unless there is a problem, alpacas need no assistance birthing or nursing. Most breeders wean the babies (crias) from their dams when they are about six months old. Some dams will wean their own offspring. Around this age is a good time to begin halter training. Alpacas are intelligent and learn quickly. Halter training is a matter of getting the alpaca to trust you and used to leading on a halter. Work with them for 15 minutes a day for several weeks. There are also camelid training classes available from several sources:

• John Mallon — Gentling & Training Llamas & Alpacas
• Camelidynamics TTEAM (Tellington Touch Every Animal Method)
• Gentle Spirit Behavior & Training by Cathy Spaulding

Alpacas will need to have their fleece shorn off, generally once a year. Alpaca fleece is a favorite among fiber artists and hand-spinners due it it's amazing softness, warmth, strength and it's ability to felt.

One of the best ways to find out more about raising alpacas is to visit a farm near you. We welcome the opportunity to introduce you to the business of raising alpacas, please contact us to set up a visit.

Recently shorn alpacas

Alpacas at the Feeder

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