Alpacas are members of the camelid (or camel) family. They are mild-tempered, beautiful fleece-producing animals with an inquisitive nature and intelligent presence.
There are two breed-types: the huacaya and suri. The primary difference between the two is the fleece. Huacaya fleece has a degree of crimp, thus giving huacayas a fluffy, “teddy bear-like” appearance. Suris have no crimp in their fleeces, so their fiber clings to itself, forming beautiful “pencil locks” that hang down from the body in gentle, silky cascades.
Alpacas have been domesticated for over 5,000 years and are indigenous to South America. Their fiber comes in an incredibly wide range of natural colors. Alpaca fiber does not contain lanolin or other body oils and therefore can be worn by persons allergic to wool. Alpacas stand approximately 36 inches tall at the withers (the area where the neck and spine come together) and weigh between 100 and 200 pounds.
The gestation period for an alpaca is 11 months and there is only one animal (cria) per birth. Most farms in the U.S. are small with less 12 alpacas per farm.
Almost all alpacas in the U.S. are nationally registered with The Alpaca Registry, Inc. This registration is carried out on a DNA from a blood sample. Registration allows for improved genetics and greater selectivity in breeding. For more information about the Alpaca Registry click here.
Many alpaca breeders belong to the Alpaca Owners and Breeders Association (AOBA). Additionally there are state and local organizations for owners and breeders to join. AOBA's Mission is to facilitate the expansion of a sustainable alpaca industry and its products. Within this mission is the promotion of the North American Alpaca Industry. Click here to learn more about AOBA.
The price for an alpaca will depend on its quality (especially conformation and fleece qualities); its bloodlines; male or female; age; breeding history; and many other factors. Breeding females generally sell in the range of $10,000 to $25,000 while top quality, proven males sell for $50,000 and above. For most breeders, the purchase of alpaca breeding stock offers many favorable tax advantages, as well as the potential for significant income generation. Another option for people not interested in breeding alpacas is the purchase of a fiber male (may or may not be gelded) and these males are frequently sold at a lower price. As with most livestock models, the breeding male selection is more strict and thus there are many good males available to raise for their beautiful fiber.
Alpacas are extremely athletic. Crias stand typically within an hour of birth and the following day, most are difficult to catch! It's great fun to watch alpacas "pronk." The pronk defined refers to the movement an animal such as a gazelle makes, an upward or bounding movement. Frequently we see our alpacas pronking at sunset, especially when the weather starts to cool inClick below to see a group of our female alpacas pronking. They were just turned out into a new field and it was a beautiful cool fall day.
Alpacas are generally shorn once a year, and in our area it is usually early May. We have professional shearers harvest the fleece and we will typically do 80 in a day. A professional shearer can take the fleece off an alpaca in about 5 minutes. We restrain the alpacas for their safety. The fleece is harvested in three sections: the blanket (or prime), the neck (seconds) and the thirds (what is left). All of the fleece can be used for processing. We hope to get 10 pounds minimum per adult animal. Watch the video below of the alpaca shearing!
9703 Blue Spring Road, Mercersburg, PA 17236 
