Did you know?

Average weight:

Female 100-150 lbs. • Male 140-180 lbs.

12-19 lbs.

They are about 36" tall at the shoulders

Approximately 20 years

Generally disease free and hardy in most climates. Basic annual vaccinations, regular deworming, toenail trimming, and occasional teeth cutting are required.

Recommended every 12 to 18 months in early spring. They produce an average of 6 to 8 lbs. of fiber per animal.

Three-sided shed or a barn are required. Fans are used in very humid, hot weather for cooling. Heaters are generally not required unless cria are born during very cold weather.

11-12 months

Almost always in morning daylight hours. Generally trouble free, front feet and head first. Babies are called "crias." Multiple births are very, very rare. Healthy crias are up and nursing within an hour. They are weaned 6 months after birth.

Virtually all alpacas in the US are registered. The registry was formed in 1998 with a highly sophisticated system of documenting blood lines. Each animal is blood typed prior to registry to verify parentage and bloodlines. A cria cannot be registered unless both parents are registered. Non-registered alpacas are very difficult to sell.