Fiber:
Alpaca fiber is one of the most luxurious fibers in the world. It is warmer than wool, hypoallergenic, doesn’t itch, doesn’t contain lanolin so it requires less processing than wool and it carries a heftier price tag than wool. (Which is good news for anyone selling alpaca fiber!) It comes in 22 different natural colors and it can be dyed in a rainbow of endless others.
Alpacas are shorn once a year and depending upon the animal, you can expect to get 5-10 pounds of fiber per animal. You do not have to harm or kill alpacas to get a return on your investment.

Maintenance:
Alpacas are a fairly low maintenance livestock. They require twice daily care, once in the am and once in the pm, consisting of providing them hay, grain, fresh water and scooping the poop. Since alpacas poop in a communal spot (or two) poop scooping is no big deal. They need their toenails trimmed occasionally and their teeth trimmed annually. Your deworming/vaccinating schedule will vary depending upon where you live, but here in a rather wet corner of RI, we deworm once a month on year round basis. Work with your vet to determine what protocols make sense for your farm. The herd requires only basic shelter; a three sided shed will suffice. Protection from the summer sun is paramount. Fans and a source of shade will be required. Fences will be required not so much to keep your alpacas in as to keep predators out. The type of fencing you require will depend upon the predators in your area. (Remember, where alpacas are concerned, free roaming neighborhood dogs are considered a serious threat.)

Environmental Impact:
As stated earlier, alpacas poop in communal piles, so clean up and disease control is greatly facilitated. You can comfortable graze approximately 8-10 alpacas per acre, making them small farm friendly. Alpacas weigh roughly 150-200 as adults and have padded feet with toenails (like a cat or dog) rather than hooves. This means that they do not compact the earth the way heavier, hooved animals do. Alpacas also nibble grasses from the top down when they graze, rather than ripping it out of the ground by the roots, like some other forms of livestock, which shall remain nameless. . .

Food:
Alpacas eat a modicum of grain and plenty of fresh grass or hay. They are a bit particular about their hay, but it’s nothing to worry about. They do well with the nice grassy, second-cut stuff. Talk to your local feed store, they should be able to accommodate you. Some breeders, like ourselves, also supplement their herd’s diet with fiber nutrients and vitamins and minerals.

Repro:
Alpaca gestation is roughly eleven and a half months. The ratio of male births to female births is 50-50. (but hope springs eternal!) Alpaca births are generally uncomplicated, but as a responsible breeder, you will nevertheless want to have a good rapport with your vet and do some reading before your first cria comes. Females are usually ready to breed anywhere from 15-24 months of age and males are usually ready to breed sometime between 24-36 months.