Why Alpacas?

• Alpacas were a cherished treasure of the ancient Incan civilization and played an important role in the Incan culture that was located on the Andean Plateau and high mountains of South America (Peru, Chile and Bolivia).  
  
  
• Alpacas produce luxurious and valuable fleece in a multitude of natural colours. The worldwide fibre market officially recognises 22 natural colours of alpaca (they produce more natural colours than any other fibre-producing animal).  Alpaca fleece is as soft as cashmere and warmer, lighter, and much stronger than sheep wool.  A single alpaca produces enough fleece each year to create several soft, warm sweaters for its owner's comfort.  As a testimony to the quality of alpaca fleece, clothing made of alpaca fibre was once reserved for Incan royalty.  Today, spinners and weavers around the world can appreciate the luxurious fibres from the alpaca.
  
  Be sure to read this fabulous article, titled "Secrets of the Alpaca Mummies" from Discover Magazine.
  
  
• Alpacas are practical as part of a stress-free lifestyle.  They are beautiful, intelligent, gentle, clean, disease-resistant, earth-friendly farm animals. They are small, easy to handle and halter-train.  In addition, they make wonderful pets that can be transported easily in the family van or small trailer. 
  
  
• Alpacas seem to have an affinity for children and children simply fall in love with alpacas.  Your children can learn the basics about caring for a pet, as well as becoming involved with A&P shows and developing a lifelong interest in animals.
  
  
• Alpacas are low-maintenance. They require little in the way of daily care. An acre of land can accommodate up to five alpacas. Good animal husbandry does require occasional grooming, trimming of toenails, vaccinations, as well as the annual (for huacayas) or bi-annual (for suris) shearing of their fleece.