When they leave motherhood behind, they still produce wonderfully soft fur that is used to make socks, mittens and scarves. The fibers, which are hollow, are extremely warm and lightweight. Alpacas also are easy critters to maintain. Keske said, They are easier to raise than my dog. It takes about 30 minutes a day to take care of them.
Alpacas eat grass and hay, and also receive vitamin and mineral supplement pellets.
Unlike some business owners, alpaca farmers are eager for more breeders to join their ranks. There are only 28,000 alpacas in the United States. The first one came to this country in 1985. Unfortunately, it takes the wool of 100,000 alpacas of one color before mills in the United States become interested in starting up mass production. Right now, we have a co-op.