Input  The diet of an alpaca consists primarily of grass; the same plants most of us have in our backyards.  Low protein, inexpensive hay (i.e. orchard grass) is used as a supplement and as a primary feed when pastures are not available.  The alpaca is a ruminant (three chambers to its stomach) and is very efficient at obtaining its nourishment from native grasses and hay.  South American grasses contain a mineral called selenium which is not present in appreciable quantities in our pastures, therefore, we introduce selenium into their diets through specially prepared gains and/or a mineral powder which alpacas consume as they find necessary.

A.L. Paca’s Farms uses Country Mark Alpaca Supplement “E” and feeds about 1/2 pound per day per adult animal.  A 50 pound bag costs about $12.00.  There are also feeds from other vendors which have been specially formulated for the alpaca.  Rations are increased for females in late stages of pregnancy and for nursing moms.

As many as 5 to 8 alpacas may be kept comfortably in an area as small as an acre.

Output  Alpacas have a nice habit of only dropping their waste in certain areas.  They are clean animals and will not graze where they have located a waste area.  The waste has only a slight odor, which neighbors will not usually notice or find objectionable.  Wouldn’t it be nice if dogs were this way?

A common waste pile makes gathering alpaca waste (dung) an easy chore.  Alpaca dung, like its original owner, has great value, as it makes a terrific fertilizer.  You can always spot the poop pile on an alpaca ranch - look for the spot of  grass which almost grows as you watch!