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| F.A.Q on Alpacas
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An Alpaca is a member of the Camelid family which includes camels, guanacos, vicunas and llamas. They are native to South America, primarily Bolivia, Peru, and Chile. In Canada, these bloodlines are largely mixed, however there are many "Full-blooded" Peruvian, Bolivian, and Chilean alpacas in Canada. Back to Top
Why would I want one?The primary value of the Alpaca is their awesome fleece. The Alpaca's fleece is warmer, lighter and more comfortable to wear than most other naturally occurring fibers. It is also know for its vast range of naturally occurring colors. There are 22 recognized naturally occurring colors with a variety of shades that fall between. There is also a wide variety of quality in the fleece produced by Alpacas. The quality is based on a number of factors with the main factor being fineness. Fineness is a measure of the micron or Average Fibre Diameter of the fleece. Based on the AFD, fleece is Graded to determine how it will be used. Alpaca owners shear their animals once a year, usually in May, and then do any number of things with the fiber. It can be sold raw. It can be hand spun into yarn by the owner or sent to a mill where it can be processed. There is a wide variety of processed products that include yarn, socks, mitts, toques, quilt batts, duvets, scarves, sweaters, blankets, material and felt. We are a member of a fiber co-operative, Can Cam Fiber Coop. At this time the Coop works with its members to produce the above listed products as well as other prototype products. They also work very hard at marketing Alpaca products in Canada. In addition, Alpacas are very gentle. Take a look at some of these pictures of our Alpacas and our kids. Alpacas are clean (they all use the same poop pile! Great for clean up and you can walk in the pens in your dress shoes!). They are quiet (they make the neatest humming sound and their alarm call is very interesting). They require very little maintenance (teeth trimming, toenail trimming, basic vaccinations and de-worming as well as yearly shearing). Alpacas will give birth to a single baby which is know as a cria. The average gestation period is 335 to 365 days. They have a basic diet which consists of good quality hay as well as a grain mixture such as oats, corn and barley. They also require a free-choice mineral and fresh water source. They are very good at grazing down overgrown pens around your farm. Back to Top
What do I need to have in place if I bring one home?First of all, you can't just have one. Alpacas are communal animals and do not live solitary lives. Secondly, you will need to have some sort of penning. Alpacas are not prone to testing a fence so expensive, high security fences are not necessary. However, you will want to keep predators out (including the neighbourhood dogs) as they can be a problem. Barb-wire is not recommended as they can catch their fleece in it as well as injure themselves on the barbs. Alpacas also need some type of shelter. A three sided shed will work well as long as they can get out of the wind and have protection from rain and snow storms. This will also give them a place for shade in the summer. They will also need clean water, good quality feed and mineral supplement of some type. Back to Top
How much do they cost?There is a considerable range in the purchasing prices for Alpacas. Some people who no longer want their animals will take them to an auction where they can fetch as low a $100. However, the buyer has no idea as to health or registration status of the animal and these animals are definitely not good to start a breeding program with. At the other end of the scale, before the U.S. border closed due to BSE, a single animal may be sold to an American buyer for $30 000 and up. Not all Alpacas are in equal demand by American buyers. See the next section for details. Back to Top
Are all Alpacas equal?When we entered the Alpaca world in 2001, the farm that we purchased our first alpacas from did not make any distinction between "single" registered and "double" registered Alpacas. At River Rock Ranch Alpacas we believe in being up front and honest with all people who are considering purchasing Alpacas so we will include a brief explanation for others who may not yet know the difference. A "single" registered Alpaca is one that is registered in the Canadian Llama and Alpaca Registry (CLAA). A "double" registered animal is one that is registered in both the Canadian Registry and the American Registry (ARI). If an Alpaca is single registered and both of its parents are also single registered, then it cannot be registered with ARI. Consequently, single registered Alpacas are not in demand in the USA. This has resulted in a lower overall demand for single registered Alpacas and as such they do not sell for similar prices when compared to double registered Alpacas. To be eligible for registration in the CLAA, Alpacas have to meet established breed standards. They must also have DNA testing done to verify their parents. By following these practices, registered alpacas are viewed as "pure-bred" and free from undesirable disqualifying traits. To be eligible for registration in the ARI, Alpacas must have DNA testing done to verify their parents, but they do not have to meet established breed standards. Just because two Alpacas are registered (either with CLAA or ARI) it does not mean that they are of equal quality. The notation of "single" versus "double" registered should not be the only factor considered when purchasing alpacas. Registration status only means that the Alpaca in question met the registration requirements of a particular registry, it does not mean that it is a superior quality animal. To determine the true quality of an Alpaca, potential buyers need to look past the registration status and focus on the desirable characteristics of the Alpaca. We have included more on the desirable characteristics to consider when purchasing an Alpaca under What to look for when purchasing an Alpaca? At this time a large portion of our herd is "single" registered. We do also have some "double" registered Alpacas, including our stud Tell Busy Body. We strongly believe in the high quality of Canadian "single" registered Alpacas and strive to continue improving our herd. Many of our Alpacas have been successful in the show ring, so we know we are headed in the right direction with our breeding program. Back to Top
What to look for when purchasing an Alpaca ... ?The two basic components that a potential purchaser needs to consider when buying an Alpaca are fleece characteristics and body conformation. These two components are then broken down further into a number of categories. The desirable Alpaca Fleece characteristics are discussed in detail in the Info on Fleece Section. There are two different types of Alpaca fleeces, Huacaya and Suri. Huacaya fleeces are often described as fluffy or spongy in texture. This is due to the fibre growing perpendicular to the skin as well as the hair follicles being closer together which results in a denser fleece. Huacaya fleece also has fibres that bunch together which form defined locks and these locks are typically wavy or crimped. Suri fleeces are often described as pencil locks as the fibre falls close to the body and forms ringlets that move freely down the animals sides. Suri fleece also has a much more lustrous appearance due to the different fibre structure. Alpaca conformation qualities are broken down into the following categories: Height and Weight - The average alpaca should be 32-38 inches tall and have an average weight of 105-180 pounds. Head - The head should have a triangular shape with a square muzzle. The nose should be of medium length and the teeth should meet evenly with the dental pad. The ears should be erect and spear-shaped as well as medium length. There should be no evidence of blindness. Eyes should be clear and bright and not have evidence of cataracts or blindness. Neck and Body - The neck should be straight but not completely upright and should equal the length of the legs and 2/3 the length of the body. The back should be straight and the tail should be set low on a sloping rump. Front legs - From the front view the legs should be straight from the shoulders to the knees and toes. The legs should be spaced to provide a stable base ( neither too wide or too close together). There should only be two toes and they should point forward. From the side, the angle of the knee should be approximately 180 degrees and the angle of the fetlock should be approximately 190 degrees. Rear legs - From the rear view the legs should be straight from the hips to the hock, fetlock and between the toes. Again, the legs should be spaced to provide a stable base. The toes should point forward. From the side, the angle of the hock should be approximately 145 degrees and the angle of the fetlock approximately 190 degrees. It is important for the patellas (kneecaps) to be stable. Movement - When Alpacas move they should do so freely and evenly. They should travel in a straight line when moving forward with the feet falling in a width equal to that of the animal. Reproductive organs - The male should have two testicles that are equal in size and have a firm consistency. They should also have four teats. Females should have a vaginal opening that is vertical as well as having four functional teats. There are many factors to consider when purchasing Alpacas. It is in the buyers best interest to visit as many farms as possible as well as attend shows in their area to gain more knowledge. By doing so, you will be better able to determine the quality of the Alpacas that you are considering buying. Though it may seem overwhelming at first, Alpaca owners love to share their knowledge so ask as many questions as you can.
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