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Alpacas offer an outstanding choice for
livestock ownership. They have long been known as the aristocrat of all
farm animals. Most of all, alpacas are easy keepers, they have a
charismatic manner, they do very well on small acreage, and they
produce a luxury product which is in high demand. They are clean, safe, quiet, intelligent and disease
resistant. The
following set of facts helped to convince us that we wanted to raise
alpacas. It may also help to convince you that this is a rewarding
life-style. |
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| Quick Alpaca Facts • Alpacas are alert, curious, calm and predictable • They communicate by humming, other vocalizations and body language • They are a herd animal and need the companionship of other alpacas • They have excellent eyesight and hearing • Their feet are padded and do no damage to the soil • They are low maintenance livestock, eating and drinking less than other livestock • They are modified ruminants and have a highly efficient digestive system • They require less room than other livestock. (3 to 10 alpacas per acre depending on where you live) • They nibble gently at native grasses and do no harm • They are clean and manure cleanup is easy • They make communal "poop piles," choosing favorite locations which they all use • "Paca Beans" make an instant compost • They produce a sustainable luxury product: fiber • They are fully insurable, unlike the stock market • A male alpaca is called a Macho • A female alpaca is called a Hembra • A baby alpaca is called a Cria • An alpaca that turns one year old is called a Tui • Alpacas do not spit unless they are really provoked and then it is rare • Alpacas have only bottom teeth like a sheep, and they never bite • Alpacas are the easiest animal in the world to herd (round up) • Alpacas are shorn annually • Other than shearing and the usual de-worming and vaccinations Alpacas require little else • Toenails and teeth may occasionally need trimming • Alpacas do not suffer with fly-strike or foot-rot • They are smart and trainable and funny • They have a gentle nature and a permanent little smile |
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