About Alpacas

Alpacas originated in South America. They have a lifespan of approximately 15+ years.

There are two breeds of alpacas: Huacaya (wa-ky-uh) and Suri (Soo-ree). We breed huacaya alpacas.

An alpaca’s diet consists of predominantly pastures appropriate for sheep, with supplementary feeding as required.

If you’re looking for environmentally friendly livestock, then alpacas are the choice livestock, as they have less impact on our old, delicate Australian soils. A static load weight of an adult alpaca is only 39kPA, compared to sheep (82kPA), cattle (185kPA) and kangaroos (46kPA). So you can see already that alpacas are the eco friendly livestock and the way of the future.

Alpacas are induced ovulators which means there is no fixed breeding season. Receptive females can be mated at any time of the year. It is recommended to breed females when they are one year or older.

The gestation period for alpacas is approximately 11.5 months, however individual alpacas can birth slightly sooner or later. Alpacas usually only have one cria, and twins are rare.

Alpacas have a very strong herd instinct and should never be run alone. Alpacas are very curious and intelligent livestock.

Alpacas are shorn once a year by an alpaca shearer.

Alpacas are used as guard animals for sheep, goats and chickens. Alpacas will chase foxes away from the paddocks.

Baby alpacas are called cria (cree-ah).

Call us to learn more about alpacas, or to arrange a visit to our farm.