Alpacas!

Yes, alpacas are lovable, huggable and wonderful! And…

Alpacas are indigenous to the Andes Mountains of South America. They belong to the Camelid family which also includes the Llama, Bactrain and Dromedary Camels, Vicuna and the Guanaco.

In South America, the alpaca’s home is the large Altiplano Plateau. The Altiplano, spans southern Peru, Boliva and northern Chile. The plateau sits at an elevation of 12,000 feet and is covered in maze-like canyons, marshlands and lakes. The harsh weather conditions of intense sunlight along with blistering winds and freezing temperatures creates the environment that is home to the alpaca.

Alpacas were first imported to the United States in 1984. Since then, the numbers have risen to approximately 40,586 registered alpacas. Every alpaca coming into the United States or born here, is registered by DNA with the Alpaca Registry.

There are two phenotypes of alpacas, the Suri and the Huacaya. The Suri Alpaca is recognized for its pencil-like locks and the luster of the fiber. Suri represent 3% of the alpaca population worldwide and 17% of the North American herd. The Huacaya Alpaca is known by the "Teddy Bear" look. Their fiber is recognized by the crimp and brightness.

Our family, T3 Weavers uses both Suri and Huacaya fiber grown on our ranch in their weaving studio producing beautiful rugs, blankets and sofa throws.

Alpacas are a gentle, curious herd animal and are very easy to care for.  Their diet consists mainly of grass hay, with mineral and other supplements as needed. Normal care would include de-worming, annual vaccinations, nail trimming and yearly shearing. The females (dam) usually deliver a single baby alpaca (cria) without assistance at the end of 11.5 month gestation. The crias are fun and enjoyable to watch. They stay with their moms until weaning at about six months of age.