• Weight 60 - 80kg.

• Height 75-95cms at the shoulder.

• There are 2 different breeds of alpaca, Suri and Huacaya.

  • Suris produce a very distinct fleece made up of long locks of fibre whereas the huacaya has a shorter, dense fleece with a tight crimp.

• Alpacas usually live to between 15 -20 years of age.

• A female will commonly breed for most of its life, first becoming pregnant at 12-24 months and frequently breeding without problem until the age of 13-15 years.

• The gestation period for an alpaca is 11.5 months.

• Alpacas usually give birth in the morning or early afternoon, but evening births are not uncommon.

  • Night time births are unusual and commonly indicate some kind of problem.

• Alpacas rarely spit at humans. If they do it is usually only under severe provocation - i.e. injection time!

• Alpacas all have their individual personalities.

• Alpacas are friendly by nature and will endeavour to maintain a peaceful environment where possible.  Regular contact with your alpacas increases their trust in you, and consequently your enjoyment of them.

• Alpacas are relatively easy to halter train.  They are naturally inquisitive and most enjoy the opportunity to explore when led, especially if accompanied by a chum.  However, unlike the llama they are not pack animals.

• Alpacas are shorn annually and on average will clip between 2.5 kg and 5 kg each year.

• Alpacas are recognised in 7 different colour groups with 22 natural shades.

• Alpacas are not part of the recognised mainstream food chain and do not require passports, nor do they fall under the DEFRA movement restrictions.

• The majority of the alpacas in this country are registered with the Breed society, the British Alpaca Society.  The society not only works at ensuring the quality of the national herd is maintained, but also sets high standards for alpaca health and welfare.  If you’re considering alpaca ownership, we would strongly recommend that only registered alpacas are purchased.

• Alpacas place minimal stress on the land when compared to most other large farm animal due to the soft pads on their feet.

​