Alpacas are the source of a luxurious fiber. The fleece, comparable to cashmere, is known for its fineness, light weight, and luster. Alpaca textile products are recognized world wide. Because of the limited supply of fiber in North America, the current fiber market is based primarily on a cottage industry of handspinners, weavers, and fiber artists.

The "back to basics" lifestyle which is a part of living with alpacas is also very appealing to many people searching for a business opportunity that can be operated from home and will involve the entire family. Generous tax advantages for the hands on breeder and the chance to generate income, may be incentives for those wanting to exchange high stress corporate or professional lives for country living.

Alpacas can be easily trained to lead, and are gentle enough to be handled safely by children. Gelded males are often kept as pets. A handbook on alpacas has been developed for use by members of 4-H and is available through AOBA. This publication is certain to add to the increasing interest in alpacas as 4-H projects.

Because of their high aesthetic appeal, alpacas are also desirable show animals. Alpaca shows, which include halter and performance classes, are held throughout North America and are great fun for the family. An increasing number of these shows are santioned by the AOBA Show Division and are held in conjunction with llama shows. Halter classes are similar to show events for other forms of livestock, while the performance classes may include both obstacle course and costume classes. Showmanship classes test the skill of the alpaca handler.

Although the llama, a cousin to the alpaca, should be the choice for any serious packing, alpacas can carry light packs for day trip hikes.

Alpacas are hardy and typically have few health care requirements. They need periodic worming and annual vaccinations. Worming and vaccination programs should be developed in consultation with a veterinarian to address the health concerns within the specific geographical area. Newborn crias may also be given supplemental vitamin and mineral shots to get them off to a good start.

The padded feet of the alpaca have two nails which can be trimmed with a common pruning shear. Dental care is minimal, however trimming of the front incisors may be necessary for some animals.

Grooming is discouraged because shampooing and brushing tends to destroy the character of the alpaca's wonderful fiber. It is generally recommended that fleeces should be picked clean and gently blown out with a grooming vacum to remove dust prior to the annual shearing. This annual cleaning process is greatly facilitated by keeping alpacas in clean pastures and facilities throughout the year.

They should have basic shelter available all year. In moderate climates, a three sided shed is adequate. When temperatures and humidity go up in summer, some type of shade is essential. Our alpacas appreciate having access to a shelter with electric fans to cool them and to control pesky insects.

Huacaya alpacas seem to be very cold hardy when covered with their growing fleece, although enclosed shelters may be necessary in extreme cold and damp conditions. Suri alpacas may have additional needs for shelter in cold weather because of the way their fleece hangs from their backs, exposing their top lines. Even crias, or baby alpacas, seem to do well in cold temperatures after they are a few days old, although a "cria coat" may be prudent on especially damp or windy days.

Since alpacas do not challenge fences, fencing is more important to protect them from possible predators (e.g., coyotes, wolves, and domestic dogs). Modular fence panels are an ideal solution for containing and separating alpacas within perimeter fencing.

Crias can be born at anytime, but many breeders choose to avoid the stress of worrying about and ensuring against the possibility of unknowingly loosing a little one to an untimely or unexpected birth outside in extreme cold or heat. Most breeders time breedings so that crias are born in the spring or fall.