Frequently Asked Questions

What are alpacas used for?
Alpacas are shorn for their valuable fleeces. Their compact size contributes to easy management and to a desirability as a companion animal. Alpacas easily learn to lead, jump in and out of vehicles, kush (sit down), and obey other simple commands taught all domestic members of the camelid family. They are popular show animals.  Alpacas can also be seen at fairs and fiber fests throughout North America.  No other animal which produces fiber for textile use has such an enormous variety of colors. As in ancient days, alpacas are important to Andean herders, providing luxury fiber and meat.

What do they eat?
Alpacas are modified ruminants. They rank high in digestive efficiency and do well on good quality forage and hays. Occasional supplemental feeds, vitamins, and minerals need to be provided as required. An alpaca costs far less to feed than most traditional domestic animals.

photos by Armstrong Studio

How do they communicate?
Alpacas express themselves with a soft hum, with other vocalizations, and with body language, such as neck posturing, ear and tail positioning, and head tilt. They have excellent eyesight and hearing, and will alert the herd and their human keepers with a staccato alarm call of perceived danger. Alpacas rarely spit at people unless frightened or abused, but will use this form of communication with each other to register a complaint.

Are they registered?
About 95% of North American alpacas are registered by The Alpaca Registry. DNA technology verifies lineages. Registration of alpacas is essential to all serious breeders but is not required if the purpose of raising alpacas does not include selling registered offspring.