There are as many reasons to have alpacas as there are people who have alpacas!
alpacas are environmentally friendly and they do not break up the land
alpacas do not challenge fencing, although you do require adequate fencing to keep predators out
you can raise between six to eight alpacas per acre depending on the quality of the pastures and water availability
alpacas are a hardy livestock adapting to most climates and elevations
alpacas do not require to be in a barn, they do well under a lean-to or shelters, this would also depend on your climate, in colder climates they may need to be enclosed in barns
alpacas are sheared once a year, producing a highly sought fleece/product
alpaca fibre comes in a wide range of colours from the whites, fawns, browns, grays and true blacks, the widest assortment of colours of any fibre producing livestock
alpaca fibre and products are highly sought after with their luxurious qualities, as fine as cashmere and stronger and warmer than sheep wool
alpacas are a very calming livestock with their gentle humming, definitely a stress reducer!
alpacas are suitable for all ages from the young to the young at heart
alpacas are easily transported in trailers, vans or in the canopy of a pickup
they are induced ovulators so we are in control of the breeding and birthing season
alpacas generally have their babies called "Crias" from 7 am to 2 pm, most are birthed unassisted although if we are there we'll catch the cria as she/he enters into this world
alpacas are excellent mothers, very caring and have a strong bond with their crias. The crias will stay with the mom for around six months
alpacas are excellent processor of their food compared to other livestock consuming one to two bales of hay per month (this depends on pasture accessibility) and small portions of an alpaca supplement daily for minerals and vitamins that may be lacking in regional areas.
they have what we refer to as communal dung piles, with specific manure areas in the field.
alpaca manure makes excellent humus, great for the flowers and vegetable gardens as it does not burn the plants and there is very little if any odour.
alpacas in most provinces are considered livestock and may offer tax advantages - please check with your accountant
alpacas can be 100% insurable
considered the "Worlds Finest Livestock"
in Canada we have a "Breed Standard"
"Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead, where there is no path and leave a trail" Ralph Waldo Emerson
Terry and Diane Lee Wakefield Alpacas Duncan, BC V9L 6G6 Canada Ph 250.748.1769 Email: wakefieldalpacas@shaw.ca