Common Questions   

What do they eat?

Alpacas are modified ruminants.  They rank high in digestive efficiency and do well on good  quality  forage and hays.  Occasional supplemental feeds, vitamins, and minerals are  provided when  required.  An alpaca costs far less to feed than most traditional domestic animals.
 

What are their personalities like?

Alpacas are alert, curious, calm and predictable.  They need the companionship of other camelids, and will huddle together or move en masse when frightened or wary.
 

Are they dangerous? 

Absolutely not!  They are safe and pleasant to be around.  They do not butt or bite, and do not  have horns, hooves, or claws that other types of livestock typically have.  Children can  safely feed and care for these wonderful animals.
 

How do they communicate?

Alpacas express themselves with a soft hum, with other vocalizations, and with body language, such as neck posturing, ear and tail positioning, and head tilt. They have excellent  eyesight and hearing, and will alert the herd and their human keepers with a staccato alarm  call of perceived danger. Alpacas rarely spit at people unless frightened or abused, but will  use this form of communication with each other to register a complaint.
 

Are they registered?

About 95% of North American alpacas are registered by the Alpaca Registry. DNA  technology verifies lineages.
 

How much do they cost?

Costs vary throughout the United States and Canada.  For most of the 1990's the price structure for females ranged between $12,000 and $30,000. Pet quality males generally start at $1,500; top-end herd sires reached $90,000.  As in other markets, alpaca prices are influenced by supply and demand and general economic conditions.