Our adventure into the Alpaca world started with a small cow calf operation, breeding cutting Quarter Horses for 20 years and
then succumbing to the charm of alpacas. We were part of the first large importation
to Canada in 1992 - from Chile via New Zealand. My partner, Diane and I bought a
package - 5 alpacas- 4 average females- 1 super male, Chilean Llover.
Chilean Llover a.k.a. Mucho was medium silver grey with a fine dense fleece
[22.1 microns at age 5], correct, a good bite and that special "look of eagles".
We believe "the look" is vital in one's top breeding animal - whatever the
species might be. Mucho was where it all began for us and he gave so much.
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Alpacas are the gentle cousin of the llama, the guanaco and
the fleet footed wild vicuna. The vicuna and alpaca are the fibre
producers however the fleet footed wild vicuna has not been
domesticated therefore his fibre sells for astronomical prices. Alpacas have
been selectively bred in South America for over 5000 years and produce one of the
world's most exquisite natural fibres.
Alpacas are extremely easy to care for; they are
highly resistant to disease, they tolerate the cold here in the foothills of Alberta very well.
It is important that they have available shelter, good fresh water, good hay, good pasture,
salt and the minerals and vitamins that they require. They require an annual 7 way shot,
regular worming [we use an oral liquid that works very well] and toe trimming as needed.
Alpacas have a pad like a dog and 2 toenails that need to be trimmed regularly. Be sure
that you *protect them with adequate fencing; it is a fact that more alpacas die as a result
of dog attacks than any other cause. We shear in early June, which gives a nice fleece to
harvest and gives the alpacas time to grow the coat they need for the following winter.
As with most fibre animals, the first clip is the finest. They have an average 345 day
gestation period and usually deliver just a single baby and normally between 9 a.m. and
4 p.m. This is a result of 300 days a year in South America where it freezes at night so if
the babies were born at night none would survive
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