The Alpaca at Dream Catcher Ranchito
Mary Ann Andrews and Linda Kahlich with Mile High Balistreri, their color champion, at the 2010 New Mexico State Fair.
Prized for Their Fleece
For Thousands of Years
Alpacas are native to the Andean countries of Peru, Bolivia and Chile, and have been domesticated there for thousands of years. Prized for their fleece, it clothed Incan royalth and continues to be a valued commodity amoung the rich and famous.
The "New Cashmere"
Hypo-Allergenic and Naturally Sustainable
Hailed as the "new cashmere," alpaca fiber cellular composition closely resembles human hair. Their fiber is dense, hypo-allergenic and doesn't retain water but actually sheds it. The fiber has a medullated core made up of air filled cells that contribute significantly to its insulating properties and strength.
Alpaca fiber possesses some of the greatest insulating properties of any animal fiber. Second only to silk in strength, it is stronger and more resilient than even the finest sheep's wool. It resists solar radiation, and is a totally sustainable, naturally organic fiber.
22 Natural Shades
From Seven Basic Colors
The minimal number of scales and the way in which they lie down against the shaft on each individual fiber is one reason why many people are able to wear it who cannot wear wool. There are 22 recognized natural shades from seven basic colors, something no other natural fiber can claim. In addition, it readily takes dye.
Unlike sheep, alpacas don't have grease or lanolin so their fiber doesn't require the use of chemicals for processing. Because of the absence of lanolin, Alpaca fiber can be spun right after shearing and then washed with a PH neutral cleanser such as shampoo after spinning to set the spin.
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Quick Facts About the Alpaca
Camelid Family Member
The rare alpaca is a charming and valuable member of the Camelid family. Alpacas are prized for their luxurious and costly fiber which is harvested by shearing once a year. In ancient times, it was known as the "fiber of gods.
Alpaca: Huacaya vs. Suri
There are two kinds of alpacas: Huacaya (pronounced wah-Ki-ya) and Suri (pronounced surrey). Huacayas have short, dense and wool-like fiber; while the Suris have silky fiber resembling pencil-like locks.
Physical Attributes
Alpacas have soft-padded feet with two toes, three stomaches and do not have horns, hooves or claws, insisors or upper teeth. Adult generally weigh 150-200 pounds. Their fiber comes in 22 natural colors.
Alpaca Behavior
These alert, intelligent, curious, predictable, and social animals seek companionship. They communicate by softly humming and by using neck posturing, ear and tail positioning, and head tilting. They are a gentle and clean animal.
Alpaca Life Cycle
The average lifespan of alpaca is 20 years. The female has an approximate gestation period of 11.5 months. Babies are known as Crias. Alpacas have single births. Twin births are rare and usually fatal; a one to 2,000 odds.
Alpaca History
Native to the Andean Mountain range of South America, alpacas were primarily found in Peru, Boliva and Chile. Incas domesticated alpaca to be clothing and transporation providers. Alpacas were imported in the United States in 1984.