Chesapeake Alpacas, Inc.

Alpaca Facts

Lifespan: 20 to 25 years

Gestation: 11 to 11.5 months

Diet: Grass and hay; mineral supplement and/or grain to balance diet

Height: 36-40" tall at withers

Weight: 150 lbs. (average)

Temperament: gentle, shy, easy to handle, do not bite

Fencing Requirements: Minimal (recommend 4 ft., twisted wire, no-climb horse fence)

Alpaca Terminology

Dam: Adult breeding female

Sire: Adult breeding male

Cria: Baby alpaca

Weanling: Juvenile alpaca between the ages of 6 months to 1 year

Yearling: Juvenile alpaca between the age of 1 and 2 years

Maiden: Mature female (18-24 months) ready to breed for the first time

Jr. Herdsire: Mature male (18-36 months) of breeding quality but not yet actively breeding