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The
Alpaca is a
domesticated member of the camelid family, a cousin of the llama. They were
first imported into North America from the Andes Mountains of South America in
1984. The future of the Alpaca looks bright thanks to the enthusiasm for
this special animal and their luxurious fleece.
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You raise it as an investment,
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You shear it for it's fleece,
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You spin and weave "lovely"
items from it’s fleece,
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You make it a pet "the huggable
investment."
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3 felted hats
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1 felted vest
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1 pair felted house slippers
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2 handspun and hand knit hats
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2 handspun and hand knit sweaters
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All of the above - or 6 to 8 sweaters
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Garments made from
Alpaca fibers are known for being soft, warm, durable, light
weight, and lustrous. Alpaca fibers have 8 basic colors and 22 hues. The fleece has a wave-quality or crimp
that enhances its use in spinning. Each annual shearing
yields from 5 to 12 pounds of fiber to spin or felt.
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With their lovable dispositions and
manageable size, Alpacas make wonderful animals to work with. They do not bite or butt and are easily
trained to lead. They stand about 36 inches high and weigh
between 100 and 175 pounds.
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They have a single birth each year.
New born alpacas, called cria, weigh from
12 to 19 pounds.
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| Alpacas require no special fencing
and live to be about 15 to 20 years
old.
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Their feet are padded, so they do not
damage the pasture while browsing grass.
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A herd consolidates its waste in one spot
thereby controlling spread of parasites.
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Gardeners find Alpaca waste perfect for
growing fruits, vegetables and flowers.
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