Alpacas were a cherished treasure of the ancient Incan civilization. They played a central role in the Incan culture and were located on the high Andean Plateau and mountains of South America. They are very hardy animals who are still raised in their native home in the Andean mountains at about 10,000-14,000 feet. They were traditionally raised for their luxurious fiber or fleece. Alpacas are a member of the camel family, which also includes dromedary camels, llamas, vicunas, and guanacos. Alpacas have been raised in the high Andes mountains for centuries. Alpacas are one of the oldest domesticated breeds of animals. Alpacas were first imported to the United States in 1984. Alpacas are now being successfully raised and enjoyed throughout North America and abroad. Alpaca breeding has grown into a multi-billion dollar industry in North America and is still on the rise. Alpacas cannot be mass-produced and are rare outside of South America.

Alpacas are herd animals, and are generally kept in groups of two or more. They have soft padded feet, making them gentle on pastures and grass lands. Alpacas only have teeth at the bottom of their mouth for eating. They are grazers and like cattle chew their cud. Alpacas selectively graze, eating pasture grasses and hay, along with small amounts of feed and minerals supplements feeding them is relatively inexpensive. Alpacas are mature enough to breed between the ages of 12-18 months and normally have only one baby per pregnancy. They are virtually odorless and do not attract flies like other livestock. Alpacas are considered a disease resistant animal, which may lower the cost of veterinary care. They are quiet and are said to make a humming sound. Alpacas are safe and gentle animals, they do not bite or butt like some farm animals can. Alpacas can live up to 15 to 20 years and make excellent companion animals and pets.

Alpacas are often raised as an alternative to other domesticated livestock. They are one of the few animals which can be profitably raised on small farms. They require a small amount of acreage compared to other livestock, usually about ten acres or less. Alpacas are happy in a small area and are easy on the environment. Alpacas also thrive in temperate climates. They are easy to care for and don’t require any special type of shelter. They are clam and quiet animals that are easy to handle. They have been and still are used as pack and guard animals.

Alpacas are very intelligent and are easy to train. In just a few sessions they will pick up and retain many behaviors such as accepting a halter, being led, lifting a foot for toenail trimming and being loaded into a vehicle. Alpacas like other livestock are blood typed to insure the accuracy of breeding records, this is to provide absolute identification and documentation of bloodlines.

Alpacas provide one of the most luxurious fibers in the world, it can come in 22 colors and is recognized by the textile industry. They only need to be sheared once a year and may produce 5 to 10 pounds of soft fiber that is turned into warm garments. Alpaca fleece is comparable to cashmere in softness and can be mixed with other fibers, like mohair, this vary’s the texture of the yarn produced. Alpaca fibre is similar to sheep’s wool, but it is lighter in weigh and silkier to the touch. The fibers are warmer and do not have a prickly feel. They also contain no lanolin and make it hypoallergenic. Alpaca fibers are hollow, which make for great insulating properties. Alpaca garments can be worn comfortably against your skin.

When have you ever kissed and cuddled your most recent investment? I bet the answer is never! Well, there are almost 2000 Americans who are doing just that today. Starting an “alpaca farm” is becoming very popular these days, and it is also very profitable! The value of a female alpaca is approximately $20,000 and if you sell her offspring, you can anticipate approximately $10,000.

If you are a newcomer to the alpaca business, do not make a big investment in alpacas without first gathering all the information that you can. On the internet and at libraries, there is a lot of information available for newcomers as well as experienced owners. Another great resource would be local clubs that have people on hand who want to educate the public on the pleasures and financial benefits of raising alpacas.

In breeding alpacas, you will want to bring in alpacas with fine fleece and good conformation traits. What exactly is conformation? Conformation speaks of how similar a particular alpaca is to the ideal alpaca. When considering fleece, you will want your alpaca to be from a genealogy that has been proven to generate marketable fleece. This ensures that you are reaping the full benefits of alpaca ownership. Good research is essential because you can expect to be in the business of raising alpacas for many years.

When you decide that raising alpacas is the perfect investment opportunity, you have to realize that you’re not only committing to alpacas, but to the alpaca lifestyle. Many people claim that the work required when raising alpacas is a labor of love. You will be hard pressed to find an alpaca farmer who regrets bringing alpacas into his family life. Raising alpacas may begin as an investment to your financial future, but these beautiful creatures will become a treasured part of your life.

When have you ever kissed and snuggled your latest investment? I bet the answer is never! Well, almost 2000 Americans are doing that right now. Starting an “alpaca farm” is becoming very popular these days, and it is also very profitable! The value of a female alpaca is about $20,000 and when you sell her offspring, you can anticipate about $10,000.

There are many approaches to bringing up your alpaca. In fact, you don’t necessarily have to raise them by yourself. You are welcome to purchase an alpaca and have someone else raise and nurture the animal for a simple boarding fee. You will not receive as high a return if you do this, but this may be a suitable alternative if you are just starting out.

You will want to breed alpacas that have excellent fleece as well as good conformation traits. Conformation speaks of how identical a particular alpaca is to the ideal alpaca. It is also important that your alpaca’s ancestry contains alpacas that are proven producers of marketable fleece. This way, you can be sure that you are reaping the full benefits of alpaca ownership. Conducting detailed research is important because of the financial aspects and benefits of alpacas.

If you’re seriously considering this venture and want to learn more about what alpaca farming entails, you should visit a local alpaca farm. This will provide you with an opportunity to see the proper home environment that your alpacas will require. Speaking directly to an alpaca farmer can provide you with inside tips that are more valuable than any research. Observing these farms will help you decide if this business venture is right for you and your family.