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Developing the Finest Colored Huacaya Alpaca Herd in the World

Alpaca Shearing 101

Alpacas are shorn once a year in the Spring.  Each alpaca produces between 3 and 13 pounds of fiber depending on age, genetics, environment and nutrition.  Alpacas can be shorn standing up or stretched out on the ground or a table.  We prefer to stretch them out, tying the front legs together and the back legs together.  This method allows the shearer to work faster and get a more even cut.  We think it is less stressful too because it is faster.  Shearing time varies greatly by the expertise of the shearer, but 20 - 25 minutes per animal is standard.  Alpacas are shorn with the same clippers that are used for sheep.  Blades have to be sharpened and oiled often.  Because alpacas don't have natural lanolin oils like sheep, the clippers need to be oiled more frequently.  Below are highlights from our 2001 shearing day.

Jenny Foshay finishing off Silver Bullet's haircut

Esther Friedman clipping Amber

In Spring 2001, we sheared 40 alpacas.  After rescheduling numerous times because of severe rain, we finally had our shearing day.  Esther Friedman came to do the shearing.  Because of a last minute cancellation, Jenny and Les Foshay, of Bridport VT were also able to come and help us get everyone shorn before the rains began again.  With 8 adults (2 of which were shearing), a teenager, and two kids, we were able to complete the task in about 8 hours and be done before the rains came again.   

Les Foshay untying Silver Bullet's back legs

In 2001, we turned in 150 pounds of fiber to the New England Fiber Co-Op for processing to finished product.

In Spring 2005, we donated 1,500 pounds of fiber to North Carolina State University College of Textiles for product development.  We are now in the process of applying for grants to develop a processing plant in North Carolina. 

In Spring 2006, we sheared 256 alpacas.  With nationally acclaimed shearer, Mark Loffhagen, shearing and 9 people assisting, it took us three relatively short work days to run through the entire herd.  That included setting up and breaking down in two locations.  Each year, we get a little better at this!