What is an alpaca? 

Alpacas are members of the camelid family and, as such, are related to llamas and camels.  They are also related to lesser-known camelids, the guanaco and vicuna.  Alpacas are native to South America, specifically the countries of Chile, Bolivia and Peru.  There are two types of alpacas, the huacaya and the suri.  Huacayas have fluffy, wavy fleece and a “teddy bear” appearance.  Suris have long, lustrous pencil locks that hang down from the body.  Most alpacas weigh less than 200 pounds, and stand about 36 inches at the withers. 

What makes the suri alpaca special?

The suri alpaca is a rare breed, comprising less than 1% of the world alpaca population and only 16% of the U.S. alpaca population.  Suri alpacas are second only to vicuna as the rarest kind of processed camelid fiber.

What are alpacas raised for? 

Alpacas are raised not only for pleasure, and to sell to other breeders, but for their soft and luxurious fleece.  Unlike sheep’s wool, alpaca fiber contains no lanolin and is a relatively clean, dry fiber.  Alpaca fiber is also stronger and more resilient than sheep’s wool and has a very soft and silky feel, with no “itch factor.”   Suri alpaca fiber is easy to dye and comes in more natural colors than any other fiber-producing animal.  Alpacas are shorn once a year and yield anywhere from 2 to 10 pounds (or more) of fleece per animal.  Hand spinners, knitters and weavers enjoy working with alpaca fiber and use it to make garments, rugs, felt hats, and purses.  

Are alpacas easy to care for? 

Yes, relatively so.  Alpacas need shelter and protection from foul weather, but in most parts of North Carolina, a three-sided shelter is adequate.  They also require routine worming and vaccination, both of which can be done by the alpaca owner.  Alpacas do not have hooves, but rather soft padded feet with toenails.  Their toenails typically require trimming every couple of months.  At Credence Farm Alpacas, we have bypassed this requirement by housing our alpacas in a concrete-floor barn, which naturally wears down their nails.  Alpacas also establish communal dung piles, which means that “manure management” is considerably easier than with other livestock.  In fact, alpaca manure makes a fabulous fertilizer for your garden. 

What do alpacas eat? 

Alpacas are highly efficient eaters, so that if you have good pasture to graze on, they require little supplemental hay or grain.  At Credence Farm Alpacas, we have seeded our pastures with a mixture of orchard grass, timothy, and Kentucky bluegrass.  Generally, about 2 pounds per 125 pounds of body weight is consumed each day in hay or grass.  Alfalfa is fed sparingly, due to its high protein content.  For grain supplementation, we have found that ½ cup per animal twice a day is adequate in our area. 

Why are alpacas considered to be a great livestock investment? 

The market for alpacas has grown steadily over the last 15 years.  Alpacas are in great demand, and people pay high prices for them.  In 1998, the US Alpaca Registry closed to imported alpacas, allowing the US herd to grow in size and value.  One of the primary benefits of raising alpacas is the favorable tax treatment.  Not only can the alpaca farmer write off any expenses associated with the business, which can help to shelter current cash flow from tax, but alpaca ownership allows for tax-deferred wealth building.  Unlike a certificate of deposit on which any interest earned is taxed, a small owner can purchase several alpacas, then allow the herd to grow, without paying income tax on the increased size and value.  And, when an animal of breeding stock is sold, the sale qualifies for capital gains treatment, rather than being taxed at ordinary income levels.  For more information, consult your accountant or IRS publication #225, “The Farmer’s Tax Guide.”

Do you allow visitors to come to Credence Farm?

We do welcome visitors at our Open Barn Days, which we schedule 2-3 times per year.  Check our "Open Barn Schedule" for upcoming dates.  For potential purchasers, we are happy to schedule an appointment for you to visit our farm.  Credence Farm is also available to host private field trips and special events.  Contact us for more information and a fee schedule.  Please understand that because we are a working farm, we cannot accomodate unscheduled visitors, except on our Open Barn Days.