Snow Dancer Ranch
Michael and Janet Bourassa
05630 Stephens Rd.
Charlevoix, Michigan 49720 231-838-1152
About the Alpaca
Alpacas
were a cherished treasure of the ancient Incan civilization
and played a central role in the Incan culture that was located
on the high Andean Plateau and mountains of South America.
Alpacas were first imported to the United States in 1984.
Alpacas are now being successfully raised and enjoyed throughout
North America and abroad. There are two types of alpacas -
the Huacaya and the Suri. The lifespan of the alpaca is about
20 years and gestation is 11.5 months. Alpacas eat grasses
and chew a cud. Adult alpacas are about 36" tall at the
withers and generally weigh between 100 and 200 pounds. They
are gentle and easy to handle. Alpacas don't have incisors,
horns, hooves or claws. Cleanup is easy since alpacas deposit
droppings in only a few places in the paddock. They require
minimal fencing and can be pastured at 5 to 10 per acre.
Alpacas
produce one of the world's finest and most luxurious natural
fibers. It is clipped from the animal without causing it injury.
Soft as cashmere and warmer, lighter and stronger than wool,
it comes in more colors than any other fiber producing animal
(approximately 22 basic colors with many variations and blends).This
cashmere-like fleece, once reserved for Incan royalty, is
now enjoyed by spinners and weavers around the world.
Alpaca owners enjoy a strong and active national organization.
The Alpaca Owners and Breeders Association (AOBA) with a growing
number of Regional Affiliates and AOBA sanctioned national
committees addressing every aspect of the industry.
The Alpaca Fiber Cooperative of North America (AFCNA) accepts
fleece from its members, and turns the precious textile into
quality alpaca garments and products. Members benefit from
a ready outlet for their fiber, while the cooperative works
to increase awareness of and demand for this every day luxury.
The Alpaca Registry has been established to help ensure accurate
records and has a state-of the-art system to document bloodlines.
Alpacas must be blood typed in order to be registered. Virtually
every alpaca in the U.S. is registered.
A Few Basic Facts About Alpacas
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.
There are two different breed-types: the huacaya (wah-KI'-ya)
and suri ("surrey"). Although both types of alpacas
are physiologically nearly identical, one main physical
difference is clearly identifiable: the fleece. Huacaya
fleece has a degree of "waviness," or "crimp,"
thus giving huacayas a fluffy, "teddy bearlike"
appearance. Suris, on the other hand, have no crimp in their
fleeces, so their fiber clings to itself, forming beautiful
"pencil locks" that hang down from the body in
gentle, silky cascades.
Indigenous to South America, the alpaca is raised for
its soft fleece. This fleece is sheared once a year, yielding
roughly five to ten pounds ( = 2 1/4 to 4 1/2 kilos). After
only minimal preparation, it is ready to be spun into yarn
(for knitting, crocheting, and weaving) or used to make
felt (for creating hats, cloth, or moccasins).
Alpacas stand approximately 36 inches ( = 1 meter) tall
at the withers (the area where the neck and spine come together)
and weigh between 100 and 200 pounds (= 45 to 90 kilos).
They require only modest amounts of food (approximately
1 1/2 to 2% of their body weight in 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 needs and preferences.
Commonly-Asked Questions About Alpacas
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.
Are there organized exhibitions and competitions for alpacas?
Yes, there are many alpaca shows (both showring and fleece-judging
competitions) held throughout North America where owners
can showcase their animals and fleeces.
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. Genderappropriate (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.
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 is generally between
two to six per acre. In milder, wetter climates with abundant
fresh pasture available, however, ten or more alpacas per
acre might be the norm.
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.
How much do alpacas cost?
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 alpaca purchases 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.
Alpacas
were a cherished treasure of the ancient Incan civilization
and played a central role in the Incan culture that was located
on the high Andean Plateau and mountains of South America.
Alpacas were first imported to the United States in 1984.
Alpacas are now being successfully raised and enjoyed throughout
North America and abroad. There are two types of alpacas -
the Huacaya and the Suri. The lifespan of the alpaca is about
20 years and gestation is 11.5 months. Alpacas eat grasses
and chew a cud. Adult alpacas are about 36" tall at the
withers and generally weigh between 100 and 200 pounds. They
are gentle and easy to handle. Alpacas don't have incisors,
horns, hooves or claws. Cleanup is easy since alpacas deposit
droppings in only a few places in the paddock. They require
minimal fencing and can be pastured at 5 to 10 per acre.
Alpacas
produce one of the world's finest and most luxurious natural
fibers. It is clipped from the animal without causing it injury.
Soft as cashmere and warmer, lighter and stronger than wool,
it comes in more colors than any other fiber producing animal
(approximately 22 basic colors with many variations and blends).This
cashmere-like fleece, once reserved for Incan royalty, is
now enjoyed by spinners and weavers around the world.