What is involved in breeding and birthing?
A. Female alpacas are ready to breed at around 18 months of age. They do not have a breeding season and can usually be mated at any time of the year. Alpacas require ‘live breeding’ – artificial insemination is not possible because they are induced ovulators, which means that the act of breeding causes them to ovulate. The gestation period is approximately 11.5 months. Births are usually trouble free and most often occur in the middle of the day. Typically, no help is needed in the birthing process. The whole process of breeding to birth is relatively easy and problem free.
