Alpaca Facts

  • Alpacas are part of the camelid family, cousins to the llamas. They are native to the Andes mountain range of South America, where they were once reserved only for Incan royalty.

 

  • Alpacas fiber has the softness of cashmere and is warmer, lighter and stronger than wool. It comes in more natural colors than any other fiber-producing animal (approximately 22 basic colors with many variations and blends), so it is no wonder that the Incas called it "The Fiber of the Gods". Today spinners and weavers all around the world enjoy the fiber.

 

  • Alpacas were first imported into the United States in 1984. The registry has been closed since 1998 to any newly imported animals. There is less then 200,000 registered alpacas in the United States. It has been suggested that this industry will demand several hundred thousand alpacas in the United States to meet the needs of the growing alpaca fleece industry.

 

  • Breeding females have only one cria (baby alpaca) a year. An average of 50% of those are males. The alpaca's life span is 15 to 25 years. Needless to say it is a slow growing industry.

 

  • Alpacas generally have a gentle nature and are easy to care for. They do not challenge fences and although they are curious animals, if one should happen to get out of the fenced in area, you can usually find it trying to figure a way to get back in. They require small amounts of acreage (5-8 alpacas per acre). Just a short amount of time is required each day, depending on how many alpacas you have, to feed them and make sure they have fresh water (a self watering system eliminates this). Dung clean up is relatively easy since they all use the same spot. Sometimes 2 or 3 areas in a pasture. Some type of shelter is needed to keep the animals out of harsh weather. Barns are most commonly used but a 3-sided shelter is adequate. Alpaca's are hardy animals and tend to be disease free. Although alpaca owners learn to do most things themselves (shots, nail trimming, etc.) it is important to have a veterinarian that knows or is willing to learn about alpacas.

 

  • There are two types of alpacas.
  •  The Huacaya (pronounced wash-ky-ah) is the most common type. Huacaya's have a teddy bear like fiber. It is dense, crimpy and soft fiber. About 90% of all alpacas are huacayas. The other type of alpaca is the Suri (pronounced surrey).

  • The suri is very rare and a unique animal. It has a rope like twisted lock structure that resembles dreadlocks. If not shorn these "pencil" locks can reach the ground.
  • The suri's extraordinary luster and silkiness of the fleece make this animal highly sought after

 

  • Alpacas have been called "the world's finest livestock investment"! Alpacas are depreciable over 5 years. Alpacas are 100% insurable. Starting with just three bred females could result in a herd size of 20 alpacas in five years. Some farms like to sell the offspring in the first few years of business and others like to create a more sizable herd before starting to sell. Starting with a business plan will help you decide your future in the Alpaca Business.


Ask about our winter deals! We offer low and no interest financing.  90 day after sale boarding at no charge. We will personally deliver any Alpacas you purchase from our farm FREE (in most cases)
Paul & Gina Webster                  231...
3597 S. Pine Newaygo, MI 49337 231-652-4647
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Alpaca Services & Facts 

 

 

Alpaca Shearing

Paul has been shearing Alpacas& Llamas in the Michigan area since 2004. In 2007 he expanded his services to include all of Michigan and the surrounding states. He has a table for the Alpacas making shearing less stressful for the animals and people helping. He will treat your Alpacas with the utmost care. Please call Paul  at 231.652.4647 or email Whitecloudalpacas@yahoo.com.
Prices:
$30.00 full Alpaca cut                        

Alpaca Boarding

At White Cloud Alpacas your alpacas will receive the best care possible. We are very hands-on and all the alpacas receive the individual care that only a small farm can give. We have large pastures for grazing, a generous sized barn with skylights to let in as much natural light as possible. We are particular to find the best hay and our alpacas are fed Norm Evans approved grain and mineral supplements.


Pricing and Terms
Our rates are $3.00 per animal per day. We do offer reduced pricing for 5 or more alpacas. These rates include monthly worming when necissary, annual CDT injections, and vitamin supplements, nail trimming and daily and monthly herd health and weight check. We will also keep excellent records for you on our Alpaca EASE computer software. Veterinary charges are customer's responsibility as well as shearing costs.


Boarding and Transportation
We have after sale boarding for up to 3 months at no charge. Crias are boarded at no charge until weaned, excepting any extra costs; vet fees ? inoculations. We will transport Alpacas within the Great Lakes Region.


Guarantees and Warranties
Full farm guarantees on all purchases.
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