Alpacas of Cedar Brook Farm -- Alpaca FAQs

Here are questions we asked when we were first learning about alpacas... and now find people are asking us:

I am reading terms I'm not familiar with -- cria, agist, gestation, camelid, conformation, pronking...?
A cria (cree-ah) is a baby alpaca, agist (a-jist) is another term for boarding, gestation (jes-tay-shun) is the time of being carried in the womb from conception to birth, camelid (ca-mel-id) is a group term for alpacas, llamas, guanacos, vicunas and camels, and conformation is the proportionate shape of an alpaca. When alpacas run for fun, they prance and bounce through the air with all four feet off the ground -- this is called pronking and is a joy to watch.

What is the difference between a huacaya and suri alpaca, between a Peruvian, Bolivian and Chilean, and what is an accoyo?
There are two recognized alpaca fleece types: that of the huacaya (wa-kye-ya) which has a fine, dense, crimpy wool-like structure with excellent insulating qualities and the suri (sir-ee) which has a longer, twisted, silky textured fiber with no crimp. Both are distinct and have excellent value. 90% of the alpacas in the world are huacayas and 10% are suris.

Peruvian, Bolivian and Chilean refer to the country of origin of an alpaca. In competitions this information is not a factor -- alpacas are judged and ranked on the correctness of their conformation and the quality of their fiber.

An Accoyo denotes an animal with lineage traced to the herd of Don Julio Barreda, a famous Peruvian breeder.

What are the average stats for alpacas -- size, weight, life expectancy, breeding age, gestation period?
Alpacas are small and easy to handle -- they are about 36" tall at the withers and weigh about 150 pounds. Female alpacas begin breeding at between 14 and 18 months of age, while males begin breeding at about three years. The females produce approximately one baby per year during a reproductive life of 15-20 years. Their gestation period averages 11.5 months.

What is the price range for alpacas?
The factors which influence individual alpaca prices include color, conformation, fleece quality and quantity, age, and sex. Females sell for more money on average than males, but herdsire quality males demand the highest individual prices. Correct, well-conformed alpacas sell for higher prices.

The range of value for breeding females is currently between $10,000 and $40,000. Young, unproven high quality stud prospects routinely sell for between $7,500 and $25,000. The highest quality males with unique characteristics or exceptional offspring on the ground have sold in excess of $750,000.

Alpacas which are not of breeding quality are very desirable and salable as pets and for their fiber -- their price range averages $500 to $1500.

Can I lease an alpaca?
Yes, it is the the quickest start to owning alpacas with the least initial investment! For a set fee of you may lease a bred dam (mother) for the duration of her pregnancy and own the cria (baby) when it is born. Once it is weaned -- usually at 6 months old -- you may sell it, agist (board) it or take it home with you. Please click HERE for more details.

What if I don't want to breed alpacas but want them just as pets or to use their fiber?
If an alpaca does not have the characteristics necessary for breeding, it can be purchased very reasonably ($500-1500) as a pet/fiber quality animal and would be registered as a non-breeder -- reclassification to a breeding status must have the approval of the breeder from whom you originally purchased the animal. Many families and spinners own pet quality animals. It is important to note that alpacas are herd animals and need the company of another alpaca or llama -- therefore pet/fiber animals are often sold only in pairs to new owners.

What kind of people own alpacas?
Raising alpacas is a rewarding experience for families with children and also for couples approaching retirement who want to blend an income producing business with a peaceful, stress-free lifestyle. Spinners and weavers may own pet quality animals as a source of fiber for their hobby or home-based business.

Do I need a farm to own alpacas?
No, we (or a breeding farm of your choice) can be "your farm". For a small daily fee, usually $3 to $5, your alpacas can be agisted (boarded) -- indefinitely or until you are ready to take them home -- and receive excellent daily care and professional vet services.

I have land -- is it enough and what type of facilities do I need on it to raise alpacas?
Alpacas can be pastured at 5-10 per acre. They require minimal fencing, a supply of fresh water and shelter to provide shade in hot weather and protection from the elements in extremely cold winters. Because alpacas are gentle animals without any means of protecting themselves, owners often use electric fencing, guard llamas or a livestock guardian dog for protection against predators. We have Argus, our Akbash guardian dog -- click HERE for more information.

How often are alpacas sheared and what can I do with the fiber?
Alpacas are sheared once a year, usually in the spring before hot weather sets in. Each animal will produce five to eight pounds of fleece a year. The fiber can be sold to cottage industries that revolve around hand spinning and weaving -- it sells readily $2 to $6 an ounce to local artisans -- or sent to a fiber co-op, such as the one endorsed by the Alpaca Owners and Breeders Association (AOBA) which provides a commercial outlet for all breeders. The newly formed 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.

We are currently sending a portion of our fiber to mini-mills to be machine spun. The batches are separated by each animal -- therefore we know that a particular yarn came from a certain alpaca.

I don't have a livestock or medical background -- can I do this?
Yes, with the help of an experienced breeder, a skilled vet and the desire to learn, you can do this. If you do not desire a "hands-on" alpaca experience, you can choose to agist (board) your alpacas on a breeding farm where they will receive excellent daily care and vet services -- please click HERE for details.

How do I find a qualified vet in my area?
We will be happy to help you locate a vet -- basically, it is a process of asking other alpaca or llama owners in your area, checking with established camelid vets in your state, checking with your regional associations and interviewing candidates.

Is there a good support system for new owners and breeders?
Yes, excellent support is already in place through the national organization (AOBA), regional associations and established fiber co-ops. You can also expect a high level of support from the breeder you buy from, other owners and your own skilled vet.

Are there attractive tax advantages to raising alpacas and how do I find out which ones apply to me?
Raising alpacas at your own ranch for profit can offer some very attractive tax advantages -- all the expenses attributable to the endeavor can be written off against your income. If you choose to lease and/or agist (board) your animals, many advantages still apply. A helpful publication is the Farmers Tax Guide IRS Publication 225 which is available from the Cooperative Extension or online from the IRS. Please click HERE to view a full copy of the investment and tax information as presented on the website of the Alpaca Owners and Breeders Association (AOBA). We advise you to seek the advice of your accountant to design an investment plan that best suits your financial profile.

Can I insure my alpacas?
Yes, alpacas can be fully insured against loss which protects your investment.

Still have questions?
Please feel free to call (802.754.2021), email or visit -- we are happy to help!

We are located in Irasburg, a small town in the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont -- very easy to find and just a few minutes off of Exit 26 on I 91.

Whether you are interested in purchasing or would just like to know more about alpacas, we would love to meet you and have the opportunity to show you around the farm and introduce you to our alpacas.

We are looking forward to hearing from you -- just call 802.754.2021 to let us know when you are coming and to get detailed directions.

To request a FREE BROCHURE on alpacas please click below -- be sure to put your name and complete address in the message box.
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