Alpacas
Author: Alise Schmitt
What is a camel doing in Stanwood?
Charming visitors from all walks of life, and growing some of the softest fleece on earth! Yes, the alpaca is one of four camel relatives native to 
South America. Bred by the Incas to produce fiber to be worn by the nobility, the alpaca has been bred in North America for 24 years and its popularity is growing steadily.
South America. Bred by the Incas to produce fiber to be worn by the nobility, the alpaca has been bred in North America for 24 years and its popularity is growing steadily.Washington is home to 15,000 alpacas, second only to Ohio. Several alpaca breeding farms are found in the Lakewood/Silvana/Stanwood area, and many more families enjoy a few pet alpacas on their small acreage. It is easy to find alpaca-specific feed supplements and expert veterinary care close to home.
Our temperate climate means that Northwest alpacas have the potential to grow the finest fiber in the U.S.! Alpacas are shorn in the late Spring each year, typically yielding 5-12 lbs of fleece. Alpacas’ fleece is hypo-allergenic, naturally free of lanolin and needs no grooming. 90% of alpacas have fluffy fleece and a round topknot: these are called Huacayas (wa-KIGH-uhs). Suris (SIR-ees) account for the other 10%: they have a slim appearance, with their shiny, silky fleece hanging in ringlets.
With their softly padded feet, lightweight Earth-friendly alpacas are easy on pastures. Grazing on green grass, alpacas are also offered fresh water and hay daily, as well as a vitamin/mineral supplement. Their ultra-efficient pseudo-ruminant digestion means that an alpaca eats only 2-3 lbs of grass and hay daily. This results in a gentle, low-odor fertilizer, shaped like coffee beans. Every 2-4 months, alpacas need their toenails trimmed with small rose shears. Your vet can advise you on vaccinations and on treating for internal parasites common to grazing animals.
Alpacas stand 36” high at the shoulder, and weigh 140-180 lbs. Males outweigh females by approx. 20 lbs., but look very similar. Alpacas can live 15-20 years or more.
After a 
gestation of 11.5 months, alpacas easily deliver a 15-20 lb. newborn, called a cria. Crias typically are born between sunrise and noon. Crias begin nibbling on solid foods in a few weeks, but continue to nurse for 6-8 months. Alpaca females are mature and ready to breed at 15-24 months, males at 18-36 months.
gestation of 11.5 months, alpacas easily deliver a 15-20 lb. newborn, called a cria. Crias typically are born between sunrise and noon. Crias begin nibbling on solid foods in a few weeks, but continue to nurse for 6-8 months. Alpaca females are mature and ready to breed at 15-24 months, males at 18-36 months.Alpacas are intelligent and have good memories, making them quick learners and great candidates for clicker training. Often mastering a behavior in just a few practice sessions, they are rewarding animals for children to work with in 4-H. Showing a fascinating sensitivity to senior adults and those that are differently-abled, alpacas make intriguing therapy animals, often choosing a favorite person to befriend.
See pet alpacas on display at The Country Store during Harvest Jubilee. Shop for Christmas gifts at the alpaca booth, where we’ll have luxurious alpaca garments and accessories for sale. We’ll be on hand to talk about training and caring for your alpacas, and have spinning and fiber demos. Check the Jubilee website for a list of alpaca farms that are open to the public during the event.