Alpacas - Frequently asked questions
Alpacas are native to the
Andes in South America. ABQ Alpacas export live alpacas to
Germany for breeding and fleece from Chile and Peru.
15. Alpaca fibre characteristics.
Alpaca fibre is an incredible fibre. It is soft like cashmere and strong like
mohair. Alpaca fleece is very warm and is an exceptional insulator,
because the fiber is hollow, products have a very soft feel and are
comfortable to wear.
16. Fibre selling.
There are 2 main outlets for alpaca fiber. Weavers and hand
spinners love to work with alpaca fiber. The price is influenced by
the color and the quality of the fleece with the average price being
US$3 to US$5 per ounce in the USA, less in other countries.
The second and most important outlet is the commercial clothing
manufacturing industry market. Alpaca owners and breeders around the
world are actively promoting alpaca fibre and are involved with
fibre co-operatives assisting breeders to sell their products into
these commercial markets. Today in Europe and the USA there are many
examples of alpaca garments selling in the exclusive boutiques and
clothing shops. Alpaca fibre is also used in many instances to blend
with sheeps wool. Some of the poorer quality fibre from the legs of
the alpaca is used for making socks where it is blended with lycra.
This poorer quality fibre is also used for duvet fillings.
2. Different types of alpacas
3. The Alpaca Family
4. How big are Alpacas
5. The alpacas temperment
6. The alpacas lifespan
7. Feeding requirements
8. Grazing requirements for alpacas
9. Alpaca hygiene
10. Farming requirements barns/shelter
11. Fencing requirements
12. Alpaca breeding
13. Veterinary care of alpacas
14. Shearing Aplacas
15. Alpaca fibre characteristics
16. Fibre selling.
