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alpaca facts
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We receive lots of questions during our farm visits. Here are some of the more popular ones. If you have a question for us, send us an email or give us a call.
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Why buy animals from Alpacas of Montana?
Isn't Montana too far away? How would I get them to my farm and why not buy local?
Are alpacas easy to work with?
Is it OK to have just one alpaca?
Do I need a lot of land to raise alpacas?
I live in the city; would it be possible for me to own alpacas?
Why is there such a difference in alpaca prices with each farm?
Are there organized exhibitions and competitions for alpacas?
Are alpacas a cousin to the llama?
Can alpacas be used as pack animals on trails?
Are they very big?
What do they eat?
Why buy animals from Alpacas of Montana?
We offer alpacas of a wide variety no matter what you are looking for. We have different lineages, blood lines, colors and ages to let you further your herd. Our alpacas are trained and cared for in a healthy, free range environment. When you work with us, no matter what stage of the business you are in, we are with you every day as long as you own alpacas. We know that this business is about networking and we want you to succeed, because if you don't do well, we don't do well. Our goal is to increase the quality and intergrity for alpaca futurity throughout the industry. We offer our experience, commitment and integrity to create relationships within the business to help us all grow.
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Isn't Montana too far away? How would I get them to my farm and why not buy local?
When we were getting into the business, one suggestion that we were told repeatedly is to buy the best quality alpacas you can afford. We offer great animals and a competitive price, as well as service and commitment to you long after the sale. Don't buy less expensive and necessarily expect the same quality or integrity.
Trasportation is easy. There are multiple transport systems for alpacas across the U.S. for a nominal fee. Or, depending on your needs and the amount of animals purchased, we can also deliver them directly to your farm. Distance should not be the issue when looking for animals. Finding the right alpacas with the right support is the key to a successful farm.
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Are alpacas easy to work with?
Yes, alpacas are very intelligent animals that respond to a variety of training and handling techniques. They learn to halter and lead in just a few training sessions, and even children find most alpacas to be safe and easy to handle. They are innately shy, but once caught, they are easily handled for checking fiber quality, trimming toes, shearing or performing a health check.
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Is it OK to have just one alpaca?
As a general rule, the answer is no. Alpacas have very strong herding instincts and need the companionship of other alpacas to thrive. Gender-appropriate (or neutered) llamas sometimes will successfully bond with an alpaca. Otherwise, it is best to provide each alpaca with a companion alpaca of the same gender.
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Do I need a lot of land to raise alpacas?
No. The specific answer is quite variable, and is contingent on such factors as: type of terrain, amount of annual precipitation, seasonal factors, availability of pasture and/ or hay, etc. For arid climates animals are usually fed on dry lot, with little or no pasture feeding. In this instance, the number of animals that can be raised in generally between two to six per acre. In milder, wetter climates with abundant fresh pasture available, however, ten alpaca per acre might be the norm. In Montana, we recommend around five per acre.
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I live in the city; would it be possible for me to own alpacas?
Absolutely. Urban dwellers can board (or agist) their alpacas at nearby farms / ranches so that they can enjoy the benefits of ownership while living in a large city or suburb. See the Alpaca Ownership for further information.
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Why is there such a difference in alpaca prices with each farm?
The price of an alpaca will depend on its quality (especially conformation and fleece qualities); its bloodlines; positive traits proven to be heritable in its offspring; whether it is a male or female; age; breeding history; and a host of other traits and factors. We recommend talking to a variety of breeders before making a purchase decision. Also, please be sure and consult with your tax advisor about the effects of an alpaca purchase on your specific tax situation. For most breeders, the purchase of alpaca breeding stock offers many favorable tax advantages, as well as the potential for significant income generation. More on this information can be found in the Alpaca Ownership and Alpacas Business Info.
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Are there organized exhibitions and competitions for alpacas?
Yes, there are many alpaca shows (both showring and fleece-judging competitions) held throughout North American where owners can showcase their animals and fleeces.
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Are alpacas a cousin to the llama?
Yes, they are, as well as vicuanas and guanacos. Alpacas are members of the camelid (or camel) family. They are mild tempered, gregarious animals with an inquisitive nature and a penchant for bringing great delight to their owners.
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Can alpacas be used as pack animals on trails?
No. The alpacas body frame is too small and fragile to support any amount of weight for an extended period of time. Indigenous to South American, the alpaca is raised for its soft fleece. This is sheared once a year, yielding roughly five to ten pounds. After only minimal prparation, its ready to be spun into yarn (for knitting, crocheting,and weaving) or used to make felt (for creating hats, cloth, or moccasins). Llamas are beasts of burden - packing, guarding, pulling, not alpacas.
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Are they very big?
Alpacas stand approximately 36 inches tal at the withers (the area where the neck and spine come togethe) and wigh between 100 and 150 pounds. Crias, the babies, weigh between 12 to 20 pounds at birth.
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What do they eat?
They require only modest amounts of food( approximately 1% to 2% of their body weight in grass and hay per day), plus free access to fresh water and free choice minerals. Some owners also supplement their animals' diets with additional grains and crumbles, based on specific nutritional need and preferences.
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