ALPACAS

Alpacas belong to the Camelid Family and are a domesticated species of South American camelid. They come in two breed types: huacaya and suri, with huacayas being the more common type. The main difference between the two breed types is their fibre.

Alpacas are social animals and thrive in the company of other alpacas. It is recommended to keep them with their own sex, except for male crias, who must be with their mothers until weaning. Gelded males should not be housed with females due to health risks.

Breeding can occur throughout the year but is more challenging during winter. Most alpacas breed during autumn or late spring. The gestation period is around 11.5 months and usually results in one offspring. After giving birth, females can mate again after two weeks, and crias can be weaned at six months old.

Alpacas are livestock and should not be treated as house pets. They can live for 15 to 20 years, with the longest documented lifespan being 28 years.