Alpacas are gentle and easy to handle. The only sound you hear from them is a calming humming sound, although they do also have a warning voice for danger that will put the herd on alert. Males will sing their orgling song during breeding of a female, a sound of affection to the females and a sound of victory for the other males.

     We enjoy each of our alpacas as they all have their own special personality. At Keepsake Farm, first and foremost we breed for temperament. Alpacas are easy keepers, they eat grasses, small amounts of grain and they chew their cud. The lifespan of an alpaca is about 15 to 20 years. Alpaca gestation is 11.5 months and the babies are called “crias.” A female will typically weigh between 100-150 pounds, and the average male is 140-180 pounds.   A female will produce one cria per year.

     Alpacas are not only an excellent investment, they are truly a joy to be around and live with and care for. You don’t need large acreage to raise alpacas as you can graze 5 to 10 animals per acre. The clean-up is easy as the alpaca consolidate their droppings (size and shape of coffee beans) in few spots in the pasture making it easy to clean and compost. Gardeners love the rich fertilizer for growing their fruit and vegetable gardens.

     Alpacas are owned by individuals with diverse lifestyles.  In fact, many people who live in the city or suburbs are able to own an alpaca by boarding it with the alpaca farmer. They bring their children and grandchildren to the farm to be involved in learning about farm life as well being involved in the feeding, training and even showing at alpaca shows.  Meanwhile, their alpaca is able to live with the herd, and the farmer handles their alpaca's daily care. Some people own a share of an alpaca and share accordingly in raising, showing and breeding expenses and profits. If you wonder why alpacas are becoming more popular as a livestock investment and offer an opportunity for financial reward, come visit our farm and our alpacas.  Touch and feel their beautiful fleece, and experience the comfortable lifestyle at Keepsake Farm Alpacas.
 

Lyn & Alan Kessie  ▪  Waxhaw, NC  ▪  704-843-0517   ▪   kess@keepsakealpacas.com