Whether you are alpaca-curious, preparing for your first animals, or looking to deepen your knowledge, this guide is designed to give you clear, practical insight into alpaca care. We believe that informed owners make the happiest herds, and we’re passionate about supporting new and experienced farms alike.

We’ll walk you through what we’ve learned over the years, share industry-accepted best practices, and offer tips that have worked well for us. Of course, alpaca care can vary from farm to farm — so consider this a strong starting point, not the only “right” way to do things.

General Alpaca Basics

Alpacas are members of the camelid family, along with llamas, camels, vicuñas, and guanacos. They originate from the Andes Mountains of South America and were domesticated thousands of years ago primarily for their luxurious fiber.

Quick Facts:

• Adult Weight: About 100–200+ lbs

• Height: 32–39 inches at the shoulder

• Lifespan: Typically 15–20 years

• Colors: 22 natural colors recognized in the U.S.

• Breeds:

  • Huacaya – Dense, crimpy fleece with a fluffy, teddy-bear appearance

  • Suri – Silky fiber that forms draping, twisted locks

• Baby Alpacas: Called crias

• Vocalizations: Humming, alarm calls, and the male “orgle” during breeding

• Bathroom Habits: Alpacas use communal dung piles, making cleanup simple. Once a day is ideal; a few times a week can be sufficient for small herds.

At Elderwood Farms, we raise Huacayas, known for their cloud-soft fleece and charming, plush faces.

The Alpaca Owners Association (AOA)

Think of the AOA as the alpaca world’s equivalent of the AKC for dogs. They maintain lineage records, oversee registration, support the show system, and provide extensive educational resources.

Why Registered Alpacas Matter:

• Verified parentage through DNA

• Reliable age and pedigree tracking

• Prevents accidental inbreeding

• Increases long-term value of your herd

• Required for AOA-sanctioned shows

• Essential if you ever choose to breed or sell offspring

Even if you start with a fiber or hobby herd, many owners eventually become more involved — and having registered animals keeps every future option open.

You can create a free AOA account to manage your herd and upgrade later if needed.

Alpaca Housing & Fencing

Alpacas are hardy animals, but their original climate is cool and stable — not the dramatic swings we experience here in the Mid-South. Good housing helps them stay comfortable year-round.

Shelter

Most alpacas only need:

• A three-sided run-in shelter

• Shade in summer

• Protection from wind and storms in winter

Young crias and seniors may require a bit more attention during extreme weather.

Heat Management

Alpacas can overheat more easily than they can get too cold.

• Fans or well-ventilated barns are helpful

• Shade is essential

• We cool ours with a hose on the legs and belly only — wetting the back can trap heat under the water-resistant fleece

• We avoid wading pools because alpacas often drink from them, which increases parasite risks

Cold Weather

Crias may need coats following the 40-40 Rule:
Under 40 lbs + under 40°F = coat recommended.

Most adults prefer lying in the snow to a deep bed of straw — but bedding can add comfort.

Fencing

We prefer Red Brand no-climb horse fencing because:

• No heads getting stuck

• Smaller openings reduce predator access

• Strong, durable, and safe

Predator note: Domestic dogs are statistically the most common threat. We also employ livestock guardian dogs for added protection.

Pasture Layout

• Keep males separate from females

• A catch/handling area makes feeding and routine care easier

• Panels are excellent for temporary pens or reconfiguring space

• Stocking rate: 6–8 alpacas per acre depending on pasture quality

Alpaca Tack & Barn Supplies

You can source most essentials from online livestock supply stores or local farm stores. Key items include:

• Properly fitting alpaca halters (fit is critical)

• Lead ropes

• Feeders and water buckets

• Rakes, scoops, and rubber stall mats

Avoid anything alpacas can get tangled in or chew on.

If you’d like, I can help you create a recommended-products list for your website.

Alpaca Nutrition

Alpacas are modified ruminants — they chew cud and thrive on high-quality forage.

Forage

Provide access to hay at all times, even with pasture. Popular options include:

• Orchard grass (our preference)

• Bermuda

• Crabgrass

• Timothy (note: seed heads can cling to fleece)

Good alpaca hay should be:

• Soft and leafy

• 12–14% protein

• Free of mold and dust

Grain

We feed Mazuri alpaca feed, which offers formulas for different needs, though many farms choose similar alpaca-specific grains.

Supplements

We free-choice Stillwater Minerals (Llama Min-104) to round out micronutrient needs. Some regions have different recommended mineral types depending on soil composition.

Nursing moms, seniors, or fast-growing crias may benefit from:

• Chaffhaye

• Beet pulp

• Alfalfa (in moderation)

And of course, alpacas need constant access to clean water — hanging buckets discourage splashing and drinking from contaminated water.

Shearing

Alpacas must be shorn once per year to prevent overheating.

• Typical shearing season: March–May depending on climate

• Professional shearing crews make the process safe and efficient

• We use Biosecure Shearing and offer shared setup days for nearby farms

Don’t forget your fiber! It can be:

• Sold raw

• Sent to a mill

• Spun into yarn

• Used for a huge variety of finished products

Teeth & Toes

Teeth

Alpacas’ teeth grow continuously. Most self-maintain through grazing, but occasional trimming may be needed. Many farms check teeth at shearing.

Toenails

Trim:

• At shearing

• Again in fall if needed
  Goat/sheep hoof trimmers work well.

Health, Parasites & Basic Care

Many common medications and dewormers are available over the counter, but every farm should have a camelid-knowledgeable veterinarian or a vet willing to learn.

Parasites

Internal parasites are the most common issue for new owners. Physical symptoms often appear late, so regular fecal testing is key.

At Elderwood Farms:

• We do not routinely deworm

• We deworm based on fecal results to prevent resistance

• We perform our own fecals, but MidAmerica Ag Research is a great mail-in option

Meningeal Worm

In areas with white-tailed deer, alpacas are at risk for meningeal worm. It is carried by snails and slugs and affects the nervous system.

We administer monthly Ivermectin injections as a preventative. (Prevention is far safer and more effective than treatment.)

Breeding & Gestation

Sexual Maturity

• Males: 1–3 years

• Females: May cycle young, but we recommend breeding at 18 months–2 years

Males and females should be separated by about 6–8 months of age to prevent accidental breedings.

How Breeding Works

Alpacas are induced ovulators, meaning ovulation occurs during mating, not on a cycle.

Females ready to breed will cush (sit).
Males orgle and breeding lasts 20–30+ minutes.

Methods

• Hand breeding (controlled, observed)

• Pasture breeding (male lives with females for 2–3 weeks)

Pregnancy & Birth

• Gestation: 11–11.5 months

• Early or late crias (± 2–3 weeks) are common

• Pregnant females usually spit off the male during “spit testing”

Timing births is important — avoid peak heat or extreme cold when possible.