Breeding Alpacas

Breeding age:

• Females start to breed around 18 months of age
• Males start to breed around 2 years of age

Alpacas are induced ovulators.  Ovulation occurs only if the female is bred when a mature follicle is present.

The majority of alpacas have a gestation between 335 to 355 days but there are some that will go longer.  Visit our alpaca cria due date calculator to calculate your cria's due date.

The non-pregnant female alpaca will cush when the breeding male sings (orgles).  Breeding can take as long as 45 minutes.  A pregnant female will spit or run from the male.

Testing for pregnancy:

• the female alpaca will spit at the male
• blood progesterone will be elevated
• an ultrasound may be taken to verify pregnancy

Important to remember:  The first two months and the last two months of pregnancy should be stress free for the pregnant female alpaca.  She is most vulnerable to miscarry during this period.  Do not transport her or stress her during this time.

Most alpacas deliver their cria during the morning hours, but there are exceptions to the rule.

Signs of delivery :

• mammary enlargement
• perineal region become relaxed and puffy
• vulvar lengthens

Stages of labor:

• contractions and cervix dilates - 1 to 6 hours
• birth of cria - normal position - nose & toes - usually less than 1 hour
• placenta is expelled usually within 4 to 6 hours

For more detailed information and an excellent resource on breeding and cria care we recommend the book Llama and Alpaca Neonatal Care .  This book has been a very valuable reference tool during breeding season.  Most problems are easily solved when you have the right tools.

Newborn Cria: 

• most crias will stand and walk in less than an hour after birth
• most will attempt to nurse within the first hour and should be up and nursing within 4 hours
• the first 12 hours - it is very important that the cria get the colostrum they need
• most newborn cria's weigh between 15 and 20 lbs.

~ Any sign of a problem - consult with your veterinarian ~

The whole herd will gather around to greet the new baby.  A precious moment, a sight to see as they welcome their new little member into the herd.  Then the herd will leave mom and baby alone so they can bond.  Isn't life wonderful on the alpaca farm!