Alpacas of the Andes

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Alpacas are kept in herds that graze on the level heights of the Andes of southern Peru, northern Bolivia, Ecuador, and northern Chile at an altitude of 3,500 m (11,500 ft) to 5,000 m (16,000 ft) above sea level, throughout the year.[1] Alpacas are considerably smaller than llamas, and unlike llamas, they were not bred to be beasts of burden, but were bred specifically for their fiber. Alpaca fiber is used for making knitted and woven items, similar to wool. These items include blankets, sweaters, hats, gloves, scarves, a wide variety of textiles and ponchos in South America, and sweaters, socks, coats and bedding in other parts of the world.

Do they spit? Yes, they do, but not as much as llamas. Only if they are really mad or afraid will they let one fly and it is usually at each other, not people. They have three levels; One is a poof noise and they spit what is in their mouths at each other (or you). Two involves a louder noise and a bigger hunk of wet matter from the mouth. Three (get a raincoat) is VERY dramatic and is brought up from one of their three stomachs, this is when they really MEAN it. This is very unusual and you will rarely see this level of spitting, trust us on this one.

Do they spit? Yes, they do, but not as much as llamas. Only if they are really mad or afraid will they let one fly and it is usually at each other, not people. They have three levels; One is a poof noise and they spit what is in their mouths at each other (or you). Two involves a louder noise and a bigger hunk of wet matter from the mouth. Three (get a raincoat) is VERY dramatic and is brought up from one of their three stomachs, this is when they really MEAN it. This is very unusual and you will rarely see this level of spitting, trust us on this one.

How many colors are there?Twenty-two natural colors. Are they camels? In the camelid family, which includes alpacas, Dromedary and Bactrian camels, llamas, vicunas, and guanacos. Where are they from? Peru, Chile and Bolivia. They evolved into hardy animals with thick fleece. What do you DO with them? Alpacas are bred mostly for their soft fabulously cuddly fleece, like cashmere. The fleece can be blended with wool, silk or even acrylic. Hand spinners, artisans and the commercial fiber industry purchase the fleece. Are there different kinds of fiber? There are two types of alpacas, the suri (su-ree), with the dreadlocks, and the huacaya (wah-kai-yuh) that looks like a teddy bear. Ours are huacayas.

What do they eat? Alpacas graze, eating grass and hay. They also get grain and mineral supplements. Why are their teeth & feet like that? Alpacas have soft padded feet with two toes and toenails, which make them easy on the environment They have no top teeth in the front just a hard palette; when they chew they grind their food sideways. They chew a cud like a cow.

How big do they get? They weigh up to about 120 to 200 lbs. and are usually not over 36 inches at the withers (shoulders). How many babies do they have? Alpacas have only one 15-20 lb. baby, called a cria, at a time, after an 11.5 month gestation. Most alpacas give birth between 10:00 am and 2:00 pm. Can I have just one? No, they must be in pairs or they may get so depressed they die! They MUST have another alpaca companion. If you want pets, get two gelded boys.