There is such an animal that has an adorable appearance, beautiful soft fur, and is greatly loved by the public. It is known as a "divine beast," and it's also referred to as the "walking gold of the Andes Mountains."

Many of you may have guessed it already; this animal is called the alpaca. Due to its cute and lovable appearance, as well as its rarity, alpacas hold significant value.

Alpacas are gentle and friendly animals, which has led them to become pets for many people in recent years. Keeping an alpaca not only brings joy but also provides some practical value. However, the cost of maintaining an alpaca can deter many people. So, how much does it cost to keep an alpaca?

Feed Costs

Alpacas are herbivores, primarily feeding on hay and feed. An alpaca requires 1-2 pounds of hay and 1-2 cups of daily feed.

The price of hay varies depending on the region and type, generally ranging from $2 to $4 per pound. Feed prices vary by type, typically between $20 and $30 per bag. Therefore, the monthly feed cost for one alpaca is approximately between $50 and $100.

An alpaca needs to drink 8-10 gallons of water per day. The water cost can be negligible if you have your own well or water source. However, if you need to purchase water, the price per gallon typically ranges from $0.5 to $1. Therefore, the monthly water cost for one alpaca is between $15 and $30.

Housing Costs

Alpacas require a dry, warm, well-ventilated shelter to maintain their health and comfort. Housing costs can be ignored if you already have a suitable room or shed for alpacas.

However, the price varies by region if you need to buy or rent a shelter for alpacas. Generally, a suitable room or shed for alpacas ranges from $500 to $1000. Therefore, the monthly housing cost for one alpaca is approximately between $16 and $33.

Medical Costs

Alpacas require regular vaccinations, deworming, and check-ups to ensure their health. If you have veterinarian friends or veterinary knowledge, medical costs can be reduced.

However, the price varies by region if you need to hire a professional veterinarian to treat and examine alpacas. Generally, one veterinary check-up costs from $100 to $300. Therefore, the monthly medical cost for one alpaca is approximately between $50 and $100.

Other Costs

In addition to the above costs, keeping alpacas also requires considering other factors, such as cleaning and entertainment costs. Cleaning costs include removing alpaca feces and urine and cleaning the alpaca's shelter.

Entertainment costs include buying toys and snacks and providing enough space for alpacas to exercise. These costs vary from person to person but generally do not exceed $20 per month.

The cost of keeping one alpaca per month is approximately between $150 and $300, with feed, water, housing, and medical costs accounting for the majority. If you have your land, water source, construction ability, and veterinary knowledge, you can reduce the cost of keeping alpacas. However, regardless of the method you choose, it is essential to ensure the health and comfort of the alpacas to ensure they grow up healthy under your care.