What IS an Alpaca?

One of the most mystical, incredible and loving creatures God ever created.  Alpacas are members of the Camelid family.  They are close cousins to the Llama, Vicuna and Guanaco.  Alpacas are native to South America, Peru, Chili and Bolivia.  Rare and precious animals, they were domesticated about 5,000 years ago.  The Alpaca's fine wool was reserved for Incan royalty and have been proven to be the easiest to care for of all livestock. Life span can be 15 to 25 years.  Gentle, basically odor free, economically sound and tax deferred opportunities make owning  a herd a great investment for any family or individual  interested in livestock farming.

Physical Facts and Care

bullet Life span is about 20 years
bullet 95% Unassisted births
bullet Gestation - 11 months
bullet Eat grass and chew their cud
bullet Soft padded feet
bullet 22 Natural Colors
bullet Average height - 36" at the shoulder
bullet Average weight - 165 pounds

A treasured fiber from a treasured animal...
There are two breeds of alpaca, huacaya and suri. Huacaya alpacas produce fiber that is dense and soft with a fine crimp. Long, silky pencil-like locks are characteristic of Suri fiber. There are some 22 natural colors of alpaca fleece. Fleece can be colored-dyed to any color once shorn and processed. Shorn once a year, the highest quality of fleece is derived from the barrel of the body (blanket). The very first shearing collected from a young alpaca is priced at a premium because of its extra quality of fineness. This luxurious soft yet durable fiber is available in our Alpaca Fiber Store, Alpaca Obsessions.

 Our mission is to honor and
serve God in all that we do.

  

Tommy & Mendy Royster
6956 Charles City Rd.
Richmond, Va.  23231
(804) 795-5055
Fax: 795-5578


 

The Ease of Alpacas
bullet Gentle and easy to handle
bullet Require minimal feed and shelter
bullet Clean, Safe, Quiet, intelligent and disease resistant
bullet Earth friendly and practical
bullet Fully Insurable!
When grazing, alpacas essentially "mow" the grass.  They do not uproot or destroy the pastures.  Their soft padded feet protect vs. destroying pastures.  Interestingly enough, they share a communal dung pile preferring to keep their waste in one area instead of fowling the pastures.

Virginia provides basically a healthy and disease free environment  for us to raise our Alpacas.  Temperatures are suitable and we can maintain the nurseries for a good part of the year.  We are truly blessed with the many people that have contributed to our endeavor to raise these precious, unusual, domesticated animals. We invite you to visit our farm in person, tour the facilities, mingle with our Alpacas and realize the potential and investment opportunities that can be achieved by beginning your own Alpaca Farm.
 

How to visit CWF:
 

bullet To better serve you, please call ahead to schedule appointments.
bullet Telephone calls are received between 8am - 7pm. Eastern Time.
bullet Worshiping The Lord on Sundays
bullet Click here for Directions
 
 

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