| Average Gestation Period | 335-360 days (approximately 11.5 months) |
| Range of Gestation Period | 320-370 days (can vary among individuals) |
| Signs of Pregnancy | Physical: Enlarged abdomen, weight gain, behavioral changes (increased nesting behavior, decreased appetite). Ultrasound: Detectable fetal heartbeat and movement. |
| Prenatal Care | Regular veterinary check-ups, proper nutrition, vaccinations, parasite control. |
| Labor | Usually occurs during daylight hours. Alpacas typically give birth without assistance, but it’s important to monitor for complications. |
| Cria (Baby Alpaca) | Newborn alpacas are called crias. They usually weigh between 14-20 pounds and are capable of standing and nursing shortly after birth. |
| Nursing | Crias nurse for several months before transitioning to solid food. They generally wean off milk around 6-8 months of age. |