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Because the Alpacas has such a sweet disposition and is easy to care for Americans across the United States have been attracted to the breed. The reasons vary, for some they are a source of income, for others, a pet to enjoy. These are great animals for young couples with young children especially, as raising an Alpacas is a rewarding family experience. The Alpaca can provide both pleasure and income and the life of raising Alpacas is virtually peaceful and stress free.
Alpacas are clean, safe, intelligent, quiet and virtually disease resistant. Therefore making them very easy to raise. They can be raised on relatively small acreage. The Alpaca diet consists of grass and hey, water, vitamin mineral or alpaca feed supplements.
The lifestyle of an Alpaca farmer is carefree. It is relaxing and peaceful. One can expect one of the greatest, most rewarding experiences of their lives. Alpacas can be raised on less then 10 acres. They will require fresh water supply that is in a cool shady spot, a three-sided barn that is well ventilated (for small herds) with barn should have a breeze flowing through at each level of the Alpaca, especially that of their tummy where they have a thermal window. Fencing is another important factor. It is important to have a good layout to maximize your existing pasture space. by utilizing interior fence lines, chutes and multiple gates this will allow more animals per acre.
Although they are virtually disease resistant they do suffer from environmental hazards such as heat. Heat is stressful to the Alpaca and must be recognized as it can cause death. During the summer farmers use a formula called the heat stress indicator which is basically adding the degrees and the humidity of the day and ensuring that it is not over the measurement of 150 combined. You will find that your Alpaca/s have a definite routine. They tend to rise early, go out to the pasture to graze, come back to their resting spot to -kush- and chew their cud and repeat this process throughout the day.
It is important to shear the Alpaca before hot weather sets in. This is due to the heat stress that they suffer from during the hot summer. Preferably May, but many farms shear their Alpacas as early as April. This definitely will help to ensure the health of your animal.
Breeding will begin around two years of age for the males, females may start to breed around 18 months of age. The females gestation period is between 225 days to 355 days.
It does not take one certain type of human being to be an Alpaca breeder, breeders come from every walk of life. It does take a person or persons who enjoys the contentment that Alpaca farming can bring. There is definitely a sense of reward in raising these animals, as they are gentle, loving spirits that truly will bring out something in the person that instills a sense not found anywhere else.
