About

Alcatraz Alpacas is situated in the beautiful Swan Valley, where their small herd of Huacaya Alpacas enjoy life while growing their lovely fleece.

Alcatraz are focusing on improving the breed especially in coloured alpacas.

Alpaca Information

Alpacas are a beautiful, calm and gentle animal, they are curious and differ in personality and grow a gorgeous fleece. They are relatively easy to look after but its worth reading up on as much information as you can.
See below for a few tips on purchasing alpacas : 

• They're a herd animal so you must have two or more.
• Two distinct alpaca breeds: The Huacaya alpaca is well covered with a rounded appearance and grows 'sheep like' fleece which is crimped into a staple definition. The Suri alpaca grows a locking fleece that hangs from the centre and into a drape of curtain silk tassel.
• You need a couple of acres of land and like for most farm animals more the better. Fencing similar to sheep fencing, a standard 1.2 metre fence of six strand wire or mesh wire.
• If you intend to breed alpacas check to see that the alpaca is registered with the Australian Alpaca Association. The register records tag identification, age, pedigree and ownership
• Shearing is once a year and at the same time its good to get the shearer to drench, vaccinate, cut teeth and toe nails.
• If you choose males for pets they must be castrated (wethered) at around 8-16 months of age. These are commonly used as sheep guards.
• Decide if you want alpacas for pets or to breed. To get genetic improvement you should be using only the best females and males you can. 
• The better breeding females and males will cost you considerably more than pet quality. 
• If you decide to breed alpacas for the first time consider purchasing an experienced female that is already mated and get more information on breeding.
• Halter trained alpacas are an asset, this makes life much easier when moving them around for vet visits, shearing, etc.
• Good nutrition is a must especially if you have pregnant females, you may have to supplement feed depending on your pasture quality and quantity.
• Check what plants you currently have on your property. Care must be taken to avoid poisonous plants such as toxic oleander, lantana, etc.

Alcatraz Alpacas is happy to help any new people thinking of getting into the alpaca industry.