Alpaca are delightful, beautiful creatures. These herd animals are usually gentle and intelligent. Most breeders will work with cria (alpaca babies) to ensure they are tame before selling. Individual personalities will differ, however. Some will enjoy being hugged or scratched; others might kick or spit depending on their mood. With a great deal of trust and the right personality mix, alpaca make great family pets.
Alpaca are relatively easy to care for. They enjoy grazing on a variety of things – grass, leaves, shrubs, berries, bark. Grass hay is a preferred supplement - especially during the winter. Specialty grain is also available should be offered daily to ensure adequate nutrition. Alpaca do not require a great deal of water – they are members of the camel family after all – but they do require fresh, clean water. Standing, stagnant pools of water will not do. They also need monthly worming and the occasional nail trim.
Alpaca are prey animals so grazing areas and housing should take this into account. Alpaca are herd animals and do best when there are two or more alpaca. In addition to satisfying social needs, the addition of a second or third alpaca relieves some of the “prey stress”.
So what makes an Alpaca an eco-friendly, multi-purpose pet?
- Alpaca tend to eliminate in one or two areas. This makes it quite easy to gather the manure and use it for fertilizing.
- Alpaca digestive systems are very efficient – up to 50% more than sheep. They require much less food/feed. Their diverse grazing habits also mean they do not strip one resource continuously.
- Water conservation is becoming more of an issue.
- Alpaca are also used as pack animals.
- Alpaca produce wool that can be used for clothing, bedding, etc.
- Alpaca toes have a soft pad that do less damage to the earth than other hooved animals. (This also enables them to walk in wet, boggy ground with ease.)
- An acre of land (assuming quality grazing) is sufficient for 5-8 alpaca.
- Many of them are great companions for children.
Alpaca are livestock so check your local ordinances prior to investing in this wonderful animal. Most US alpaca are registered with the Alpaca Registry and there are many resources available help you learn about the alpaca. Alpaca can live up to 22 years so do your homework before you buy!
Want to learn more about Alpaca? These books are available at Amazon.com
Camelid Companion by Marty McGee Bennett
Llamas and Alpacas as a Metaphor for Life by Marty McGee Bennett
Or for the Alapaca lover in your life, why not an art print?
Buy Camel & Llama posters and prints at Art.com
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