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Look closely and you will see Houdini's legs and face (Left) as they appeared during the birthing process.
New born alpacas (cria) generally weigh between 15 - 22 pounds. The gestation period of an Alpaca averages 335 days (11.5 months), but in fact may range from 320 to 376 days. Due to the lengthy gestation period, Alpacas only produce a single cria per year. |
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Mother remains calm and takes the birth of Houdini in stride.
Alpacas have single births with the liklihood of twins being born quite rare. |
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The female Alpaca are induced ovulaters, enabling them to breed almost anytime of the year. The adult female, also called 'hembras' (Spanish), will ovulate in response to mating. Although Alpacas are known to spit, they do not normally spit at people. Rather, they will spit at each other when circumstances warrant it. For instance, a pregnant female will spit at an advancing male to warn him off. |
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The baby alpaca is referred to as a 'cria'' whereas the weaned crias are known as 'weanlings' or 'tuis'. |
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The Alpacas are sheared annually for their quality fibre. Their diet is controlled from birth, to help ensure a high quality product. |
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Alpaca fiber is available in a twenty-two recognized natural colors. The fibre can be blended or dyed to achieve desired colours. The spun fibre is as soft as cashmere, yet when compared to wool, it is lighter in weight, as well as warmer and stronger. |
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The demand for Alpaca fibre is great, and it continues to grow. As many as 4 to 6 Alpacas can be raised on a single acre of land, making Alpacas an excellant choice as alternative livestock for small farms and acreages. |
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Huacaya and Suri are the two types of Alpacas. Each are distinguished by their fibre. The Huacaya, which is the most common Alpaca, has a very crimpy fleece that appears fluffy. The Suri is much more rare than the Huacaya, representing about only ten per cent of the world's Alpaca population. The Suri is distinquishable by its' silky hairlike fiber which hangs in tight spirals and locks. |
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Halter Training is very simple. Alpacas are very quick learners and within a few short days they will follow easily and can even be trained for obsticle courses.
The photo (below left) features a close up look at the Alpaca fibre after shearing.
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