C & C Alpacas

They are clean, inquisitive and affectionate, they are approximately 150 lbs which makes them easy to handle and care for. They are not know for biting or kicking, and have no claws or horns. Because of their size and low maintenance requirement compared to more traditional livestock, they are ideal for smaller farms with minimal acreage. If confused or frightened, alpacas tend to cush (lie down) rather than defend themselves.

Another great benefit of the alpaca is the communal dung pile, they will pick one or two areas in the field and keep their droppings in and around those areas.

Alpacas have a lifespan of 15-20 years, with the best fleece being produced in their younger years.

There are two main types of alpaca; the huacaya and suri. Their main difference is their fleece type. The huacaya has a crimpy fleece. This makes the fleece stand straight out from the body. This gives the huacaya its huggable teddy bear look. The suri has no crimp in its fleece so it hangs in lock structures.

You will need about one acre of land for up to six alpacas, fenced to a height of four feet. Most fencing is not required to keep alpacas in but to keep predators out. 

Alpacas eat grass and hay. Pellets and specialized alpaca foods are also available, but are not needed if you have adequate grazing; excluding the winter months when you may have to provide added feed. They need a constant supply of fresh water.

Alpacas are herd animals, and should always be kept with other alpacas. You should never keep just one alpaca, alone one alpaca will be quite lonely and stressed. Your alpacas will need to be shorn once a year,usually in the spring.

Apart from trimming their toe nails, alpacas need very little regular maintenance. Some vets may recommend vaccines and regular worming is needed.

Spitting is one of an alpaca's few defensive abilities. Generally, it is something that alpacas do among each other to establish dominance over other alpacas in the herd. It is possible to get caught in the crossfire, but in most situations an alpaca will not spit on you unless extremely frightened or angry.

Alpacas have an average gestation period of about 11 months. A baby alpaca is called a cria. Alpacas generally have a complication free delivery with most crias being born during the warmest part of the day. Female alpacas are ready to be bred as early as 18 months and males hit maturity between 2-3 years of age.

Alpacas are a great way to have livestock without a lot of maintenance, and they are extremely fascinating animals to just be around.