Frequently Asked Questions About Alpacas
What is an alpaca?
An alpaca is a member of the camelid family. Most closely related to Llamas, and descendants of camels. Alpacas are small, gentle animals raised primarily for their soft, luxurious fiber. Their valuable fleece is harvested annually by shearing them in a way similar to the way sheep are shorn each spring.
What is the difference between llamas and alpacas?
Llamas were raised for centuries in South America as beasts of burden. Alpacas have been breed for thousands of years for their fine fiber.
Where are alpacas from?
Alpacas are native to South American Andes Mountains and can be found in Chile, Bolivia and Peru.
Are there alpacas in the US?
Alpacas are thriving in just about every state in the US and are in several providences within Canada.
How many alpacas are in the US?
There are over 30,000 registered alpacas in North America.
Are there alpacas near me?
Sure! To find an alpaca farm near where you live call the
Alpaca Owners and Breeders Association for an information booklet on alpacas and alpaca farms near you.
Call 1-800-213-9522
On the web: Alpaca Owners and Breeders Association
Address: 1140 Manford Avenue, Suite A
P.O. Box 1992
Estes Park, CO 80517-1992
How long have they been raised in the US?
Alpacas were first imported into the United States in 1984.
What are alpacas used for?
Alpacas are fiber-producing animals. In the US, they are bred for their investment potential as breeding stock as well as for their valuable fiber which is sheared off the animals each spring.
Are there wild alpacas?
No. Alpacas have been domesticated for over five thousand years. Without the assistance of man, alpacas would not survive in the wilds. They lack defenses that would protect them from predators.
How long have alpacas been raised?
Records show that Alpacas have been raised for over five thousand years, however there is speculation that they have been utilized for over nine thousand years.
How long has alpaca been used as clothing?
Alpaca was the fiber reserved for Inca royalty dating back thousands of years. In the mid 1800's Sir Titus Salt (England) discovered the alpaca fiber and fashioned the first modern alpaca garments.
Where can I learn more about alpacas?
There are many Internet sites featuring alpacas or you can contact
Alpaca Owners and Breeders Association at 1-800-213-9522
On the web: www.alpacainfo.com
Address: 1140 Manford Avenue, Suite A
P.O. Box 1992
Estes Park, CO 80517-1992
What is the difference between suri and huacaya alpacas?
Huacaya alpacas have soft and crimpy fiber. Suri alpacas have long pencil like locks that are silky and lustrous. Underneath their "hair styles", they are basically the same.
Do people show the animals?
Yes! Shows are in all areas of the country and make great family events.
For a list of local shows and events contact:
Alpaca Owners and Breeders Association at 1-970-586-5357
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Frequently Asked Questions About Alpaca Fiber
Are the alpacas killed to get the fiber?
No. Alpacas are sheared, much like sheep, every year. Alpacas are much cooler and happier in warm weather once the fiber is removed. The fiber regrows by the time cool weather comes again.
How often are alpacas sheared?
Most alpaca producers in the United States shear once each year.
How many colors does alpaca fiber come in?
Alpacas come naturally in 22 color variations; the spectrum includes white, fawn, brown, gray and black, with all the natural shades in between. Alpaca dyes beautifully and is available in 18 colors through the cooperative. The color spectrum is as vast as your imagination if you choose to dye your own yarn.
What does fiber feel like?
Alpaca has softness like no other natural fiber. Huacaya alpaca is crimpy and soft. Suri alpaca is silky and lustrous. Most people find it to be without the itch associated with wool. It is also very lightweight, yet warmer than wool.
What is the difference between sheep wool and alpaca fiber?
Sheep's wool has a different physical make-up than that of alpaca fiber. The outside of each strand of wool has tiny, microscopic scales along the length of the strand. When garments made with wool are worn next to the skin, these scales catch the surface of the skin and cause some wool to feel prickly. Strands of alpaca fiber are smooth and therefore feel less prickly or itchy next to the skin. Alpaca too, is lanolin free (lanolin holds dust and microscopic allergens that create allergies to wool), which allows for the hypoallergenic nature of the fiber. Each individual strand of fiber is hollow. This gives alpaca a tremendous thermal capacity that allows for a breathable fiber with an insulating nature. Alpaca insulates from cool and warm temperatures.
What is the difference between suri and huacaya fiber?
Huacaya fiber is crimpy and soft. Suri fiber is silky and lustrous. Both types of fiber are luxurious and warm.
Does alpaca itch like wool?
Most people who are sensitive to woolen products find that they can wear alpaca without the same sensitivity.
Is alpaca warm?
Yes. Alpaca fiber has a hollow core that gives it great thermal properties. While being warm in cold weather, it can breathe and is comfortable for any season.
Will I be allergic to alpaca?
Most people who have wool based allergies will not be allergic to alpaca. Alpaca doesn't contain lanolin found in wool (lanolin holds dust and microscopic allergens that create allergies to wool), which allows for the hypoallergenic nature of the fiber.
Can alpaca be dyed?
Yes! Alpaca dyes beautifully. It can be dyed with natural or synthetic dyes.
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