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ALPACA FACTS
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Alpacas are members of the camel family.
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Alpacas live from 15-25 years.
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Adult alpacas weigh about 65-80 kgs.
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Alpacas grow to about one metre at the shoulder.
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The average gestation period is about 338 days.
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Newborn (cria) weigh about 6-8 kgs.
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There are two types:-
Huacaya (most common)
Suri (about 3% of alpaca population).
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Alpacas are environmentally friendly having soft padded feet and leaving grass
roots to re-grow so the land is not denuded.
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Alpacas are intelligent, enjoyable and have a fascinating social structure.
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Adult male alpacas are called 'Machos'.
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Adult female alpacas are called 'Hembra'.
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New-born alpacas are called 'Cria'.
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An alpaca aged up to 12 months is called 'Tui'.
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A male alpaca that has been castrated is called a 'Wether'.
Alpaca Management
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Worms are
much less of a problem because alpacas toilet in localised spots and eat in
the rest of the paddock.
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Fencing ~
generally a 6 strand wire fence is sufficient to contain alpacas unless you
need to protect your alpacas from predators (dog packs) or disease-carrying
animals.
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Grooming ~
teeth (bottom only) and toenails grow variously depending on environment and
may be trimmed once or twice a year.
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Vaccinations
~ most breeders vaccinate twice yearly with a 5 in 1 or 7 in 1 vaccine.
Alpaca Fleece
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Huacaya
fleece resembles merino type wool; with fineness, lustre and good crimp
definition being desired.
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Suri fleece
has well-defined 'pencil' locks which hang down from the body. Lustre,
fineness and silky feel are the ideal.
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Due to its
cell structure, alpaca has a much lower 'prickle factor' than wool and is more
comfortable to wear for a given micron.
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Alpaca is
lighter, softer, warmer and stronger than wool.
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