FIBER ALPACAS
Alpacas aren't always expensive to buy. Yes, we have registered breeding stock at our farm, but not every alpaca gets into that breeding program. Some males, for example, may have excellent fleece but less than perfect conformation (legs, back, length of neck). These animals are still wonderful to have around. Peaceful, easy to work with, and their fiber is incomparable and wonderful for knitting, felting, crocheting, and more. We have both huacaya and suri alpacas available as fiber animals.
We nearly always have a selection of "fiber" animals, usually males, that are happy to find a good home where they will be loved and cared for.
And we're happy to help.
Here's a few things you need to know about having fiber animals at your farm.
They are definitely herd animals, and need to have a small group of friends around, so you can't just have one. Small groups of three or more are ideal.
Alpacas are generally pretty easy to care for. They do need a monthly injection against a disease carried by White-Tailed deer, since there are plenty of those around. And they need their toenails clipped every few months. Finally, they need to be shorn in the spring before the hot weather arrives. We have an annual shearing day, and our customers are welcome to have their animals shorn along with our herd.
They need a good supply of grass in warm weather, and hay in the winter. But they only eat about 2-4 pounds of hay per day. That's not much compared to a horse or cow. They should get a small supplement of grain every day to supply the vitamins and minerals not found in North America.
The key to keeping alpacas is good fencing - not so much to keep them in (as with goats), but to keep predators, like dogs, out. Mesh fencing 4 or 5' high is perfect. We are happy to consult with you on the proper set up.
Below are a few of the males we currently have available. Click on their name for additional photos.
We offer a discount on purchases of multiple males so contact us about package pricing.
Brutus is white with dense fiber. He has already been gelded. Consistent fleece (CV is 19.31). Long staple length.
$400
Jones
Jones is named for a man who died in the World Trade Center collapse. Jones is a white animal, nice fleece. Good fiber animal. 2010 micron: 23.9; CV 19.0.
$400
