Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about alpacas.
Do alpacas spit?
Yes they can. But they don’t usually spit at people. Spitting is part of the alpacas defence mechanisms. They spit at each other during an argument, particularly when food is present. The females will spit at a male to discourage amorous advances. And on rare occasions, if you have challenged them, or frightened them (or grabbed their young) you may find yourself covered in the green goo of their spit.
Do alpacas bite or kick?
Rarely. They will sometimes lash out with a back foot if they feel threatened. They will sometimes bite each other during an argument or as a dominating activity, but it is very rare for an alpaca to bite a human.
Can I keep them with other livestock?
Yes. Alpacas are happy to co-habit with cattle, goats, horses, sheep etc. But be aware that a kick from a larger animal could inflict serious injury to an alpaca.
Can I keep just one alpaca?
Alpacas are herd animals, and if kept alone they will fret and can become ill or start behaving badly. You should always have at least 2 alpacas, and 4 or 5 is closer to a herd. Even if the alpaca is being kept as a guardian for other livestock, they work better when there are 2 of them.
How long do they live?
In Australia alpacas have a life expectancy of 15-20 years.
Can you eat them, and what do they taste like?
NOT MINE YOU CAN'T!!!
Alpacas have always been used for meat and hide production in their country of origin. It is said that they taste like lamb. Considering the cost of production of the animal in the fact they need to ideally be between 18 month to 2 years before slaughter (after an 11-12 month gestation period) and the lack of twinning, the time to produce each carcase is slow alpaca is likely to be considered a gourmet meat for the foreseeable future.
How long are they pregnant for?
The gestation period for alpacas is around 11 ½ months. This will vary depending on the season, and there have been instances of them going for almost 13 months. Most breeders will use between 337 and 345 days for calculation of their due dates.
What are the babies called?
A baby alpaca is called a CRIA (cree-ah)
Where do they come from?
Alpacas come from Peru, Bolivia, and Chile, in the high plainsareas called the "Altiplano"
Do you shear them?
Yes you shear alpacas. This is generally done once a year before the Summer months. Shearing both helps keep the animal cooler in Summer and also helps keep the fleece healthy, a bit like getting a haircut.
How big do they get?
On average alpacas grow to around 90cm at the shoulders and weigh between 50 and 80kg as adults. Cria on average weigh between 4.5 and 8kg at birth.
What do alpacas eat?
Alpacas graze on grasses and whatever else they can find. They do not pull up the grass roots so pastures renew if you can rotate your animals around. Alpacas will eat the leaves off the trees as high as they can reach. Supplement feeds can be given of lucern hay, chaff, pellets and grains.
How much does an alpaca cost?
The initial cost of an alpaca can range from a few hundred to several tens of thousands dollars. Your reason for owning alpacas will determine the cost of the animal.