Ask a Country Vet: Livestock Advice




Q: I'd like to add an alpaca to my five-acre farm, but I know it's a herd animal. Is it okay to start with one, or do I need to get two or more?

A: Originally from the high Andes of Peru, Bolivia, and Chile, alpacas were introduced to the United States in the 1980s, and the shaggy animals—raised for their woolly fleece—caught on in a flash. You're right about their herd mentality: While a lone alpaca might mingle with sheep or goats, the social creature won't be truly happy without a buddy of the same breed, which is why I strongly recommend getting at least two. You won't regret it.

The practical reason to tend alpacas is to shear off their fleece each spring and sell the raw fiber, but these smart, inquisitive herbivores also make endearing pets. Roughly half the size of a llama, an average alpaca stands just under five feet tall and weighs between 150 and 200 pounds, about as much as a full-grown Saint Bernard. Given their short stature, alpacas are easy to transport in a minivan or an SUV for visits to the vet (they'll climb in and "cush," tucking their legs under their bodies). Plus, they rarely show aggression, which makes them a good bet even for inexperienced keepers.

Depending on the availability of grass, most farmers devote an acre of grazing land per five to 10 alpacas. On your five acres, a sizable herd would be quite comfortable--and these creatures, with their big doe eyes, are so lovable that I bet you won't be able to stop at just one pair.