Trevor B Johnson Millinery.

Soft Alpaca

Raising Alpacas part 1

Background

1. Alpacas are known for their quite temperament and friendly attitude which is why they make great pets.

Alpacas are growing in popularity throughout the U.S. and Canada where they are being raised for their incredibly soft fibre, meat, as pets and for breeding.  The main markets in Canada are for their fibre and breeding market, other than in Peru there really isn’t much of a meat market for them yet.

Setting up a facility

Before I get into the actual requirements of a facility I want to start off by saying that getting into the Alpaca business can get quite expensive.  Alpacas themselves can cost anywhere from $500 US dollars all the way up to $25,000 for an award winning female.  After that you have your fencing costs, barn costs, vet cost, feed, shipping, electricity and I’m sure there is more I am not thinking of right now.  If you’re prepared to set aside at least $10,000 off the start then lets continue.

1. Never use barbed or serrated wire as this can cause their fleece to become entangled and might even kill them.

They will require at least 1 acre of land for 4-6 alpacas depending on the quality of forage.  They should always have access to fresh water and good quality hay as well.   The last thing to include when setting up a facility is to make sure they have at least a 3 sided shelter to block the wind and if you’re in an area where it snows it should be fully enclosed.  They are able to live outdoors All Year round but to ensure your investment I would recommend taking these extra precautions.

Selecting a Breed

1. A good Huacaya alpaca will have fleece that is shiny and a very distinct crimp in the blanket area of their body (stomach/side).

Once you have decided the breed you will want to start looking for your first alpaca.  First you will want to inspect the animal to make sure it’s in good physical fitness and overall looks healthy.  Next you will want to ask for its registration papers (if it is registered), this way you can check its pedigree and parents health record. If using the animal for fibre than you are going to want to see the micron testing to see exactly how soft it is.  If that is not available than feel it for softness, crimp and density, however for someone new to alpacas it may be hard to know what to look for.  The final major thing to look for will be their confirmation.  When standing from behind the alpaca they should have straight legs, not too close together, with toes that point forward as well as a straight backline.  Also ask if the animal has ever been bred and what success rates were achieved.

Now that you have got this far you are well on your way into the growing alpaca business.  Be sure to look for my next article about breeding and sheering.

About the Author

Owner of http://www.livestocktrade.ca which is a free buy and sell classified ads website for Alpacas, pets, livestock, exotics, farm equipment and much more!

Chiquitos Alpaca Cardigan $179 A soft alpaca sweater influenced by Bolivian stained glass.

Arequipa Alpaca Cardigan $149 Our soft alpaca wool cardigan uses baby alpaca wool in a tailored style.

Martin Saddlery Alpaca Hobbles $66.95 The Martin Saddlery Alpaca Hobbles are a great addition to a training program. Made of soft and durable alpaca fur, these hobbles are durable and long lasting.

Black Alpaca scarf $9.95 Classic style and soft comfort: a woven alpaca scarf hand-finished with a soft fringe.

Alpaca Alpaca Jr. Hoodie by CafePress $37 A fashion must that defines today39;s hip style, our Jr. Hoodie is a body-loving curve-hugger. From American Apparel, get into baby soft 100% super fine-combed cotton fleece. Front zipper, hood and pockets to keep the chill off. Pre-washed 7.2 Alpaca Jr. Hoodie A fashion must that defines today39;s hip style, our Jr. Hoodie is a body-loving curve-hugger. From American Apparel, get into baby soft 100% super fine-combed cotton fleece. Front zipper, hood and pockets to keep the chill off. Pre-washed 7.2

Alpaca Alpaca Jr. Raglan by CafePress $31.5 Our Jr. Raglan from American Apparel is body contoured and baby soft. Made of 100% superfine combed cotton baby rib, this raglan provides the perfect look for any season. 5.8 oz. 100% Ultra-fine combed ring spun 1x1 baby rib cottonSize up Alpaca Jr. Raglan Our Jr. Raglan from American Apparel is body contoured and baby soft. Made of 100% superfine combed cotton baby rib, this raglan provides the perfect look for any season. 5.8 oz. 100% Ultra-fine combed ring spun 1x1 baby rib cotton. Size up

Alpaca Alpaca Sweatshirt dark by CafePress $39.5 Comfort? Without sacrificing style? No sweat. This soft-fleece sweatshirt from Hanes looks great, wears well, and keeps you cozy-warm. 10 oz. fleece blend 90% cotton/10% polyesterDouble-needle coverseaming along neck, armholes wai Alpaca Sweatshirt dark Tee, TShirt, Shirt Comfort? Without sacrificing style? No sweat. This soft-fleece sweatshirt from Hanes looks great, wears well, and keeps you cozy-warm. 10 oz. fleece blend 90% cotton/10% polyester. Double-needle coverseaming along neck, armholes wai

Martin Saddlery Alpaca Breastcollar $133.95 The Martin Saddlery Alpaca Breastcollar is great for long rides or horses with sensitive skin. Made with natural skirting leather center and tugs, this breastcollar has 27 strands of alpaca hair across the chest to keep your horse soft and comfortable. The width measures 2 1/2" wide.

Alpaca and silk scarf, 'Seafarer' (Peru) $52.95 From Alberto C�ceres, this design is meticulously handwoven of baby alpaca wool and natural silk. The result is a soft and luxurious scarf to wear with everything. Baby alpaca refers to the fine fleece from the season's first shearing.

Alpaca and silk scarf Seafarer (Peru) $52.95 From Alberto C�ceres, this design is meticulously handwoven of baby alpaca wool and natural silk. The result is a soft and luxurious scarf to wear with everything. Baby alpaca refers to the fine fleece from the season's first shearing.

Team Alpaca Alpaca Women's Zip Hoodie by CafePress $42.5 Official Team Alpaca Wear Alpaca Women's Zip Hoodie It's hip. And it zips. Which means you can look great and stay toasty-warm in this soft zip-up fleece hooded sweatshirt from Hanes. And when things heat up, it slips off with quick pull on the jam resistant zipper.8 oz. fleece blend 80% cotton/

100% alpaca wool hat, 'Turquoise Honeycomb' (Peru) $54.95 Raquel and Gregor in Peru conjure a hypnotic honeycomb for the design of this hat. It is knitted of baby alpaca wool in light blue and turquoise. Baby alpaca wool refers to alpaca's first shear and is noted for its soft warmth.

100% alpaca wool hat Turquoise Honeycomb (Peru) $54.95 Raquel and Gregor in Peru conjure a hypnotic honeycomb for the design of this hat. It is knitted of baby alpaca wool in light blue and turquoise. Baby alpaca wool refers to alpaca's first shear and is noted for its soft warmth.

Alpaca sweater Versatility (Peru) $59.99 Nestor Yana designs this elegant sweater, a versatile accessory for day into night. The open sweater is knit from soft alpaca wool in neutral camel hues. Its loose-fitting shape doubles as a knitted jacket.

Alpaca sweater Emerald Deluxe (Peru) $64.95 Lush green dresses with exquisite elegance in a design by Nestor Yana, in Peru. It is knit from a soft alpaca wool blend featuring a braided collar and neckline. Alpaca wool has been coveted for its soft and warm fleece since the times of the Inca Empire.

Alpaca poncho, 'Morning Sunrise' (Peru) $107.99 An exquisite, flattering poncho of a soft alpaca blend, beautiful day or night. Nestor Yana designs this poncho in rich hues of red, maroon and black.

Alpaca poncho Morning Sunrise (Peru) $107.99 An exquisite, flattering poncho of a soft alpaca blend, beautiful day or night. Nestor Yana designs this poncho in rich hues of red, maroon and black.

Alpaca Alpaca Long Sleeve T-Shirt by CafePress $32.5 The most comfortable t-shirt ever Our 100% cotton, Hanes Beefy-T is preshrunk, durable and guaranteed. 6.1 oz. 100% luxuriously soft ring spun cotton Standard fitRibbed sleeve cuffs Alpaca Long Sleeve T-Shirt Tee, TShirt, Shirt The most comfortable t-shirt ever Our 100% cotton, Hanes Beefy-T is preshrunk, durable and guaranteed. 6.1 oz. 100% luxuriously soft ring spun cotton . Standard fit. Ribbed sleeve cuffs.

Alpaca Alpaca Zip Hoodie dark by CafePress $45 Zip around town in style with this zip-up hooded sweatshirt. Made of soft fleece, it keeps you and anyone next to you toasty. Yet it's rugged enough for impromptu games of touch football.10 oz. fleece blend 90% cotton/10% polyester< Alpaca Zip Hoodie dark Zip around town in style with this zip-up hooded sweatshirt. Made of soft fleece, it keeps you and anyone next to you toasty. Yet it's rugged enough for impromptu games of touch football.10 oz. fleece blend 90% cotton/10% polyester.

100% alpaca sweater Fantasy (Peru) $89.95 Alfredo Falcon casts a spell of casual elegance with the design of this sweater. It is knit of genuine alpaca wool in soft cream hues featuring a v-neck and long sleeves. Alpaca wool has long been coveted for its warm, lightweight warmth.

Alpaca Burger Alpaca Long Sleeve T-Shirt by CafePress $35.5 Joe's Original Alpaca Burger, based on a centuries-old Peruvian recipe, is celebrated on this high-quality collectors edition shirt. Promote the Alpaca lifestyle Alpaca Long Sleeve T-Shirt Tee, TShirt, Shirt The most comfortable t-shirt ever Our 100% cotton, Hanes Beefy-T is preshrunk, durable and guaranteed. 6.1 oz. 100% luxuriously soft ring spun cotton . Standard fit. Ribbed sleeve cuffs.

alpaca Pets Jr. Raglan by CafePress $28.5 Alpaca is available on t-shirts, gifts, oval car stickers, art prints more for alpaca lovers. Other alpaca designs at Alpacas T'shirts Gifts. Pets Jr. Raglan Our Jr. Raglan from American Apparel is body contoured and baby soft. Made of 100% superfine combed cotton baby rib, this raglan provides the perfect look for any season. 5.8 oz. 100% Ultra-fine combed ring spun 1x1 baby rib cotton. Size up

Alpaca Outbacka Alpaca Jr. Raglan by CafePress $28.5 Our Jr. Raglan from American Apparel is body contoured and baby soft. Made of 100% superfine combed cotton baby rib, this raglan provides the perfect look for any season. 5.8 oz. 100% Ultra-fine combed ring spun 1x1 baby rib cottonSize up Alpaca Jr. Raglan Our Jr. Raglan from American Apparel is body contoured and baby soft. Made of 100% superfine combed cotton baby rib, this raglan provides the perfect look for any season. 5.8 oz. 100% Ultra-fine combed ring spun 1x1 baby rib cotton. Size up

Alpaca Alpaca Women's Zip Hoodie by CafePress $39.5 It's hip. And it zips. Which means you can look great and stay toasty-warm in this soft zip-up fleece hooded sweatshirt from Hanes. And when things heat up, it slips off with quick pull on the jam resistant zipper.8 oz. fleece blend 80% cotton/ Alpaca Women's Zip Hoodie It's hip. And it zips. Which means you can look great and stay toasty-warm in this soft zip-up fleece hooded sweatshirt from Hanes. And when things heat up, it slips off with quick pull on the jam resistant zipper.8 oz. fleece blend 80% cotton/

100% Alpaca wool skirt, 'Autumnal Magic' (Peru) $162.95 An autumnal breeze sweeps across the knitted surface of this fashionable skirt by Benita Cutipa. She works with baby alpaca wool, its soft warm textures appealing since the times of the Inca Empire. Baby alpaca wool refers to the alpaca's first ever shear. Featuring an elastic waist, the skirts colors are deep red and beige.

Alpaca shoulder bag, 'Earth Magic' (Peru) $59.95 Walter Paucar transforms soft baby alpaca wool into a versatile shoulder bag inspired by Andean charisma. 'Baby alpaca' refers to the wool from the alpaca's first ever shear and therefore highly prized. The bag is woven on a traditional foot loom and lined with cotton. It closes with an engraved mate gourd button.

Alpaca shoulder bag Earth Magic (Peru) $59.95 Walter Paucar transforms soft baby alpaca wool into a versatile shoulder bag inspired by Andean charisma. 'Baby alpaca' refers to the wool from the alpaca's first ever shear and therefore highly prized. The bag is woven on a traditional foot loom and lined with cotton. It closes with an engraved mate gourd button.

100% alpaca wool scarf, 'Fuchsia Trends' (Peru) $37.49 Trend setters Raquel and Gregor present this flirty scarf featuring lacy patterns. It is knitted with baby alpaca wool, favored for its soft, lightweight warmth. Baby alpaca wool refers to the animal's first shear.

100% alpaca scarf, 'Tan Trends' (Peru) $36.99 Trendsetters Raquel and Gregor present this flirty scarf featuring lacy patterns. It is knitted with baby alpaca wool, favored for its soft, lightweight warmth. Baby alpaca wool refers to the animal's first shear.

100% alpaca scarf, 'Charcoal Trends' (Peru) $37.99 Trend setters Raquel and Gregor present this flirty scarf featuring lacy patterns. It is knitted with baby alpaca, favored for its soft, lightweight warmth. Baby alpaca refers to the animal's first shear.

100% Alpaca wool scarf, 'Piura Lilac' (Peru) $64.95 Rich in elegance and soft warmth, this scarf is designed to accessorize with trendy style. It is knitted with genuine baby alpaca wool, highly prized because it is the wool from the alpaca's first shear. Raquel and Gregor's design culminates in scalloped borders.

100% Alpaca wool scarf, 'Piura Red' (Peru) $64.95 Rich in elegance and soft warmth, this scarf is designed to accessorize with trendy style. It is knitted with genuine baby alpaca wool, highly prized because it is the wool from the alpaca's first shear. Raquel and Gregor's design culminates in scalloped borders.

100% alpaca men's scarf, 'Hot Chocolate' (Peru) $89.95 Rich earth tones bring color and warmth to this handsome scarf for men. Raquel and Gregor select baby alpaca for this knitted design. Known for its soft warmth, baby alpaca refers to the animal's first shear.

100% alpaca scarf, 'Fuchsia Trends' (Peru) $37.49 Trend setters Raquel and Gregor present this flirty scarf featuring lacy patterns. It is knitted with baby alpaca wool, favored for its soft, lightweight warmth. Baby alpaca wool refers to the animal's first shear.

100% Alpaca wool scarf, 'Gray Duality' (Peru) $89.95 Warm, soft and elegant, this scarf is essential in a winter wardrobe. From Raquel and Gregor in Peru, the gray-hued scarf is knitted with wool from the alpaca's first shear, also known as baby alpaca wool.