WHAT DO YOU DO WITH ALPACAS?
They provide an excellent investment opportunity and are the source of luxurious fiber. The fleece, comparable to cashmere, is known for its fineness, light weight and luster.
WHAT DO ALPACAS DO BESIDES GROW FIBER?
They make excellent companion animals and are also show animals with high aesthetic appeal. Alpacas are easily trained to lead and are gentle enough to be handled by children.
WHAT DO BREEDERS DO WITH THE FIBER?
Some breeders also spin and weave, so they use a portion of their fiber and sell the rest to fellow spinners and weavers. There are also companies that process the raw fiber into yarn and then to products. There is also a National Fiber Co-Op where member breeders pool their fiber to be processed and sold in various forms.
WILL THE ALPACA POPULATION EXPLODE THUS DECREASING THE VALUE OF THE ANIMAL?
While the future of the alpaca investment cannot be guaranteed any more than the stock market, the alpaca population cannot increase at the same rate as other recent exotic breeds. The alpaca female has one single birth per year, which significantly impacts population growth.
HOW DO ALPACAS DO IN THE TEXAS HEAT?
The Texas heat and humidity are higher than alpacas prefer, but with extra care they can be kept comfortable in the summer. They must be shorn in early May at the very latest, and they need shade during the hot summer days. Some breeders provide fans for their alpacas to cool off in front of on hot days. New Texas breeders are encouraged to begin with alpacas that have been accustomed to the Texas climate.
