We are always available to discuss specific questions about alpacas and their care and can suggest additional reading resources we have discovered to be of value.

• Alpacas are members of the camelid family. They are related to llamas but are smaller.
  
• There are two types of alpacas. Huacaya (wah-Kl'-ya) and suri ("surrey"). Huacaya alpacas have fluffy fiber with crimp whereas suri alpacas have long fiber that hangs down from the body in the form of locks.
  
• Alpacas are curious and gentle creatures. They are easy to train and intelligent. They work well with both adults and children.
  
• Adult alpacas weigh approximately 160 pounds and stand approximately 36 inches tall at the withers (the area where the neck and spine come together).
  
• Alpacas are easy to care for and their lifespan ranges from 15 - 25 years.
  
• Alpacas are native to South America where they were traditionally raised for their luxurious fiber or fleece. They are shorn annually and yield roughly five to ten pounds of fiber.
  
• This fiber is often spun into yarn for knitting, weaving and crocheting. It can also be made into felt for various garments or accessories.
  
• Alpacas come in 22 natural colors.
  
• They require an acre of grazing land for 4-6 animals or can be fed with supplementary feed of hay and grain. They require fresh water and free choice minerals.