How much does an Alpaca cost?
The answer to this question, like the answer to so many questions in life, is: “It Depends” Many factors influence the cost of an alpaca. Examples of the factors affecting the costs include: • Whether the alpaca is registered with the Alpaca Registry • Whether the animal is of “breeding” quality or is of “pet” or “fiber” quality. • Show awards • Whether the animal is a male or a female • Whether the animal is a Suri or a Huacaya • The age of the animal • The health history of the animal Generally speaking, registered animals are much more expensive than non-registered animals. Breeding quality animals are more expensive than “pet” or “fiber” quality animals. Show winners increase the value of the animal. Males can range in value from $500 for a pet quality male to upwards of $100,000 for a championship herdsire. (Recently, Dom Lucilio, a fawn hyacaya male sold for the staggering price of $400,000.
There is no simple answer to this question. The price is determined by the free market and is driven by the perceptions of quality and value held by buyers and sellers. With that said, there are some generalizations that can be made. And while these dont cover all possibilities, they are good for the purpose of example. A non-breeding male (that is gelded or still intact) that will be used only as a pet, fiber producer, or companion animal can range in price between US$500 and $2,000. This variance is driven largely by his age and quality of his fleece. A proven breeding age female (has already given birth to a live cria (baby, in alpaca-speak) can generally range in price between US$10,000 and $25,000. Age, conformation and fleece quality as well as her bloodlines will be determiners of price. Older females with fewer reproductive years ahead of her may be less expensive even if she has great fleece and confirmation. Proven mothers, who are 3-5 years old with great conformation, excel
