Alpacas are native of South America in Chile, Peru and Bolivia.They are members of the camalid family which also include Llamas, Vicunas and Guanacos.

Alpacas are descendants of vicunas which were domesticated about 6000 years ago.
There are two types, Huacaya and Suri. Huacaya have fleece about 3-4 inches long with a fluffy appearance. Suris have a long lustrous fleece which hangs down in long ringlets rather like a Wensleydale sheep.
Life span is about 15-20 years. Adults weigh about 70-80 kg
Gestation is about 11 1/2 months, and they will generally give birth during the day. This is so the cria can dry before nightfall, as their mothers do not lick them dry. Females can be mated between 15 and 18 months old. They can be weaned at 6 months.

Alpacas require about 300-500 gms. of feed per day in the winter. However pregnant females do require a small amount in the summer as well. Hay should be available all year round although they may not eat much in the summer.
They are browsers and like to eat many different grasses and leaves.

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