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Physical
Facts
Life Span: 15 - 20+ years
Height: 32"- 39" at the shoulder
Birth Weight: 10 - 17 pounds
Adult Weight: 100 - 190 pounds
Reproduction, Birth & Babies
Male alpacas reach sexual maturity at
about 2-1/2 years of age. Females
are first bred at 16 - 20 months of
age. Like other South American
camelids, alpacas do not have a heat
(estrus) cycle and can be bred any time
of the year. Many breeders
consider the weather and pasture conditions
very carefully when planning their birthing
schedules. An average gestation of 335
days produces a single baby (cria) which
is usually delivered from a standing
position during daylight hours. Alpacas
are burdened with the fact that their
crias are unusually large for the size
of the mother. Alpaca mothers weighing
between 120 and 140 pounds often give
birth to babies weighing between 16
- 22 pounds. Not only are the babies
big, they grow rapidly, so mothers need
plenty of good nutrition in order to
transfer enough to a growing cria that
will usually weigh more than 100 pounds
by the time it is a yearling. Crias
are generally weaned at around six months
of age.
Alpaca Health
While hardy and generally disease resistant,
basic care includes yearly vaccinations,
worming protocols, regular toenail trimming
and occasional dental care. On
the east coast, alpacas are shorn every
12 months to harvest their exquisite
fleece and maintain their health. They
also require basic shelter from the
elements and in winter months many breeders
provide bedding.
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