Female alpacas are usually ready for breeding once they have reached 75% of their adult weight which normally occurs between 18 and 24 months of age. Since it is possible for a female alpaca to become pregnant as early as 6 months of age, it is very important to separate young females from intact males from this age until they are ready for breeding. Sexually mature females are induced ovulators. If not pregnant a mature female is almost constantly "open" or "receptive" to breeding.

Males mature slower than females and typically begin breeding at 2 1/2 to 3 years of age. However, some are precocious as youngsters and should be separated at about 8 months of age from receptive females since fertilization is possible. Males "orgle" continuously while breeding which lasts a minimum of 15 minutes since the male dribbles, rather than ejaculates, semen in to the uterus of the female.

Breeding is done with the female laying down in a cushed position with the male on top. The mating process induces the female to ovulate so that she can become pregnant.

Methods of determining pregnancy include observing a female's receptivity to an intact male, determining blood progesterone levels after 21 days and internal ultrasound and/or external ultrasound.

The gestation for alpacas is approximately between eleven and eleven and a half months, and females almost always produce a single baby. Twins are very rare. A young alpaca is called a cria and normally weighs between 10-18 pounds at birth. A cria is usually ready for weaning at 5-6 months (once it weighs 60 lbs.). An alpaca birth usually occurs in the morning to early afternoon. It is rare that a dam will birth in the evening but it can happen.

The alpaca gestation period is +/- 335 days and can be up to 30 days longer. Most births happen during the daytime between 7 AM and 2 PM. Late in the day or night time births can indicate a problem. These crias may need special care so keep a close watch on them and check with your vet.

The following are some normal alpaca birthing signs you can watch out for:

2 weeks prior to birthing you may see the alpaca returning often to one spot (she's choosing a place to birth). Alpaca rolling, sitting alone more, and sitting down more will also be a sign. There will also be a slight increase in udder size and a little discharge at vulva.

2-6 hours prior to birth you may notice restlessness, discomfort, lots of humming, frequent visits to dung pile, isolation from the herd, tail is up often and discharge from vulva.

Birth is close (1-2 hours) when you notice increased rolling, swelling of the vulva, lying down and getting up often, straining over dung pile with little results, alpaca trying to look under her tail, tail is up continuously and back is arched. If you notice a very wet tail her water has broken and birth is very close. Have your cria kit ready!

The joy, ease of care and profitability of raising alpacas has attracted many people to become breeders. These gently and unique animals can provide both income and pleasure, along with a peaceful, stress free lifestyle.

Alpacas can be raised on relatively small acreage. With their soft padded feet they are gentle on the land. They are clean, safe, quiet, intelligent and virtually disease resistant.

Alpacas are a member of the camelid family, which includes camels, llamas, vicunas and guanacos. They are a modified ruminant animal which means they chew their cud similar to a cow. Alpacas have three stomachs rather than a true ruminant which has four. Alpacas graze, eating pasture grasses and hay. A little grain given daily makes feeding alpacas relatively inexpensive.

There are two types of alpacas- the Huacaya and the Suri. The Huacaya has dense, crimpy fleece giving it a very wooly appearance. The Suri has fiber that grows quite long and forms silky, pencil-like locks. Both offer one of the world's finest and most luxurious natural fibers. There are approximately 22 basic colors with many variations and blends. The fiber is as soft as cashmere yet warmer and lighter than wool.

Alpacas have an average life span of about 20 years. An Alpaca's gestation period is 11 to 12 months with single births. Twins are extremely rare. A baby alpaca, called a cria, usually weighs between 15 and 20 pounds. Adult alpacas generally weigh between 100-200 pounds.

Whether you are interested in breeding alpacas or just want to have some as pets, you will thoroughly enjoy these lovable animals.