Alpaca Facts:

Alpacas are a member of the Camelid family. They were domesticated over 5000 years ago, and became a cherished treasure of the ancient Inca civilization. Their fine cashmere-like fleece was once reserved for Incan royalty.

Alpacas have a life span of 20-25 years.Adults weigh 130-190 lbs. And stand 34-36 inches at the withers. Baby alpacas, called crias, generally weigh 14 to 21 lbs. at birth. Gestation is a little over 11 months, with an average of 342 days. They usually give birth between 10am and 2pm. They communicate through soft humming noises and unique body language.

Today, in Canada, alpacas are raised for their exquisite fibre, and are enjoyed for their delightful personalities as well as their sound investment returns.

Alpaca Care:

Alpacas are clean, intelligent, peaceful animals that can be handled by anyone and are safe around children; caring for them is not difficult. Fences should be designed to keep out predators, yet safe for the alpacas. A three-sided enclosure or lean-to is adequate for shade, as well as winter wind protection. Alpacas require less than 2 pounds of good10-12% protein hay daily, mineral supplementation and fresh water. They require little pasture; approximately 6-8 animals per acre, making them an ideal small acreage livestock. They have common dung piles, thus clean-up and parasite control is a relatively easy job. Alpaca droppings are almost odorless, are low in nitrogen and make an excellent fertilizer. They can be easily transported in a pick-up truck, van or trailer. They usually lie down in transit. Alpacas are extremely hardy and adaptable to most climates, altitudes and conditions.

Investment Opportunities

Canada's young Alpaca industry will be focused on breeding stock for numerous years to come. The existing herd is small, alpacas have a slow reproduction rate, and as of December 31st, 1999, both the Canadian and American registries are closed for screening of importations. Demand for these animals is supported by the real and positive attributes of the Alpaca. They are earth-friendly, safe, easy to handle and care for. They require minimal feed, and shelter. They produce a yearly cash crop in the form of fibre. They are fully insurable, and have tax advantages, such as expense deductions, depreciation, and the deferred recognition of accumulating wealth. Returns on a small herd of good quality animals are generous! Many farms, including Battle River Alpacas, are willing to board and manage Alpacas for those who wish to invest in them, but do not have the time or facilities to do so otherwise.