FAQs

Alpacas have a lifespan of about 20 years.

Alpacas stand about 1 metre tall at the withers (the highest part of the animal’s back). Cria, the young, weigh about 6 to 8kg at birth. Adult females weigh between 45 and 65kg, some males can be slightly larger.

Alpacas are hardy and relatively problem free. However, like all livestock they can suffer from various diseases and may at times require veterinary treatment. They require vaccinations yearly and also regular worming.

Alpacas are semi-ruminants, surviving happily on grass throughout the year. Hay must be provided on an ad lib basis all year round – particularly in the winter. Most owners provide a low protein supplementary feed which usually includes additional minerals and nutrients. A grazing regime of between 3-5 per acre is usual, but will depend on your conditions.

Alpacas have a gestation of about 11 months, but this can vary. They give birth to a cria (young animal) that weighs about 6 to 8kg. Female alpacas tend to give birth in the morning. They rarely have twins but, if they do, it is unusual for the cria to survive. The cria is weaned at about 6 months of age.

Alpacas are induced ovulators and therefore can be bred at any time, although planning for spring births is preferable. The females are generally remated 2-6 weeks after the birth. Males become fertile at about 18 months to 3 years. To ensure successful breeding programmes, only the most outstanding males should be kept back for stud work.

Alpacas need a field shelter, large enough to house all of the alpacas in the field, to allow them to get out of the rain. Alpacas do not challenge fences and so a metre high barrier is adequate. Barbed wire should be removed because their wool can get tangled in it and they can become trapped.

Alpacas are very gentle on the land because they have padded feet and therefore do not churn up the ground. They deposit their droppings in piles in only a few sites and cleaning up is easier than for other animals. They can be stocked at a rate of approx. 5-6 per acre depending on pasture quality

Alpacas are easy to transport in any covered trailer or horse box. They tend to sit down on the journey.

No, alpacas are a herd animal and will become stressed if kept alone even for short periods. They should be kept in groups of three or more. Alpacas can be run with other animals such as goats and sheep and provide good protection from foxes.

Alpacas are usually gentle and easy to handle. They can be halter trained very easily, especially when young. They occasionally spit but only when provoked such as when they are being vaccinated. Some will kick when being touched on their back legs but, if handled when young, they can be desensitised in this area. Alpacas only have lower teeth which meet on a hard upper pad. They don’t tend to bite, but sometimes pull at clothing to attract attention!

Alpacas need shearing once a year, although suris (a particular type) are sometimes sheared every other year. On average, a fleece will weigh between 2 . 5 kg but some alpacas have the potential to produce up to 5kg.

There are 22 recognised fleece colours ranging from white to fawns to browns to black, there are also greys and rose greys. They stay the colour they are at birth throughout life.

Alpacas make excellent pets. They are intelligent, easily trained and are usually very gentle with children. They are inquisitive, approaching people who stand and watch them. They will eat out of the hand if time is spent and training to lead by a halter is straightforward.

Yes, alpaca forms part of the food chain in South America. It is a very lean meat with a low cholesterol and low fat content. There are some members in the UK who offer alpaca meat and meat products for sale. Alpaca is not however part of the food chain in Ireland

The AAI strongly recommends that prospective and existing breeders purchase only  registered alpacas from owners who are registered with the AAI. All AAI members adhere to the Society’s Code of Conduct for the Sale of Alpacas. Please contact farms on our Farms and Studs page for more information

Your seller will arrange to get your animals transferred into your name on our registry. The is no charge  for the buyer for this service and buyers should insist on getting the alpacas transferred into their name at time of purchase

Your seller should arrange transfer of ownership on BAS and get the cert of ownership issued in your name. When you have this cert, it will be possible to get the alpaca added to the AAI registry (there is a cost of €10 per addition which the buyer is liable for)

Full members have a login which gives them access to the registry. If you own both the dam and sire, you will be able to register all births yourself online as long as you have a microchip number and an ear tag number ( ear tag should have AAI then three letter herd name  TIN and then a number eg AAITIN01. Tutorial is available on the tutorial tab above

If you own the Dam but don’t own the sire i.e. bought her pregnant you need to have a service certificate from the sire’s owner showing proof of service

If you do not own the Dam you cannot register the cria.

TB should be considered in cases of chronic loss of condition and appetite, and debilitating disease (with or without respiratory signs). A chronic cough can be indictive of TB in camelids and should be considered when a camelid has failed to respond to antibiotic treatments for a respiratory infection

Should you have any concerns, testing by your vet is advised