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Colorado's Largest Alpaca Ranch

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Industry Links:

Link to Alpaca Nation's Web Site

Link to AOBA's Web Site

Link to Alpaca Registry's Web Site

Link to the Suri Network's Web Site

Link to ABR's Web Site

Link to AFCNA's Web Site

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Alpacas Facts

Alpacas!

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

Tyler and LucasAlpacas 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.

Huacaya Alpacas
Huacayas in the Pasture
Click on the images for more information
Suri Alpacas
Suri Alpacas in the Pasture

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.

2008 Crias and Dams

Dams with their Crias

Alpacas are unique, contact Weather’d T Ranch to learn more!


info@wtralpacs.com
303-648-9228
Weather'd T Ranch
Elbert, Colorado


Weather'd T Ranch
For the Selection You Desire and the Attention You Deserve