Alpacas

Alpacas are considered by many ranchers to be a lucrative and relatively easy livestock investment. Find out if the alpaca and its benefits are compatible with your farm

Country Living's vet, Dr. Rob Sharp, explains that alpacas are herd animals. They don't like to live alone. They need their buddies around them. And he is exactly right.

My family established Sirius Alpacas in 2004 while the American economy was still strong and people were willing to drop more than $20,000 on one high-quality breeding female. In those days, most farms were breeding heavily in hopes of producing offspring that would create even more babies, or cria.

Across American and around the world people call alpacas "The world's finest livestock business" Alpacas share many of the same attributes of gold, real estate, oil and stocks - all of which are supposed to increase in value over time. In spite of the global economic downturn alpacas are still in demand. The fiber they produce has unique qualities and is used by designers in the fashion centers of New York, Tokyo, Paris and Milan to produce high-end garments.

Alpaca are South American Camelids closely related to the llama, and more distantly related to the camels of Asia and Africa. They are roughly half the size of a llama and have a docile temperament. Grasses and other forage make up their natural diet as they mostly free range in South America.

The following information provides guidelines about the basic care for alpacas: Shelters: Shelters are mostly needed to provide shade in summer and haven from winter's cold wind and snow.

Quick and Dirty 'Paca Care - Palomino alpaca farm

They are cute, furry and related to llamas. We are exploring fun facts about alpacas!

This sight offers a brief history of the wonderful and cherished alpaca and includes many alpaca facts.

Beyond their charming, quirky good looks, alpacas are responsible for bearing some of the silkiest, most versatile fiber found in nature.

The new home to Alpaca Owners Association, Inc.

An alpaca is a domesticated species of South American camelid. It resembles a small llama in appearance.