Alpacas are adorable docile animals. Their behavior is generally peaceful and gentle. But they are not 'cuddly' by nature. Alpacas are somewhat fragile and vulnerable as they really don't have much ability to defend themselves. They can spit - and kick (but since they only have padded feet with large toe nails that's a pretty limited defense.) So it's understandable that they tend to be a little 'high anxiety'- and like to keep their distance a bit. They know each other, with some forming particularly tightly bonded groups. Alpaca also know their handlers - and develop varying degrees of trust and comfort with them. (In our case Elysian, being the 'Herd Health Manager', is not always the most popular with the alpaca. When the alpaca see her, they know it may be time for vaccines or something else they aren't going to love.)

 

Alpacas are originally from South America. - high in the Andes Mountains of Peru, Ecuador, Bolivia, and Chile. Alpacas were first domesticated about 6,000 years ago! However, they weren't imported to the United States until 1984! (Though there were a few alpacas in US zoos prior to 1980.) 

 

Alpacas are 'camelids' - meaning they are members of the same family as camels and llamas. Alpacas are very closely related to llamas.  In fact, alpacas and llamas can produce fertile offspring. The main difference between an alpaca and a llama is size. Llama are much larger than alpaca. Alpaca generally weigh between 110-180 pounds. Llama generally range from 250-450 pounds. The other main difference between llama and alpaca is their fiber /fleece (their coats.) Llama fiber is course and isn't suitable for making yarn. Llamas are used as pack animals to carry things. Alpacas are too small and fragile to be used as pack animals, and instead are valued for their fiber.

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Alpaca fiber (fleece) is valued as one of the finest natural fibers. Alpaca fiber is naturally hypoallergenic (as it doesn't contain any lanolin). It is naturally water repellent and fire resistant. Alpaca fleece is also stronger than mohair, finer than cashmere, softer than cotton, smoother than silk, and warmer than wool or goose down.

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Alpaca manure is valued as well! It is sometimes called "Alpaca Beans" and  "Black Gold". Alpaca manure is nature's richest fertilizer. It is low odor, high in nutrients, is naturally time released, improves soil, holds moisture, and has the most balanced content of any natural fertilizer. 

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Alpacas are herd animals. They are happiest when in a herd of at least three or more. When kept on farms, male and female alpacas must be kept separate. Male alpaca can become much too aggressive with the females. Alpacas communicate with each other through sound. Alpacas mostly 'hum', though they can make other sounds as well - such as a high pitched alert call, a sort of 'clicking', and I've heard babies grumble with a sort of grunting sound. 

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Alpaca are officially classified in 22 different colors! Basically though those colors are shades of: white, black, brown, and gray. White was originally the favored color as the fleece could easily be dyed to any other color - including shades of light pastels. But now, different colors are favorites among different farmers, breeders, fiber artists, and fans! I don't have a favorite color - though I do sometimes have a favorite alpaca. (Please don't tell them that though!  ;-) )

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