10 Interesting facts
about Alpacas

Alpacas are small camelid mammals raised by the ancient Incas of South America over 6000 years ago. Alpacas made their dainty way among the mountains of Peru, Chile and Bolivia where clothing was made from their hair, although similar in many ways alpacas are smaller than the llama, they are characterised by small heads, big eyes, flame shaped ears that can stand up and long necks. They are friendly, intelligent, curious and gentle that makes them wonderful pets.

 

1. There are 2 breeds of Alpaca, the first is the HUACAYA (wuh-kai-ya), these have fluffy hair, just like a soft teddy bear. The second is the SURI, this breed has long wavy hair that falls down the body of the Alpaca.

2. Alpacas fleece is gentle on the skin  - its warm and unlike sheep's wool, it doesn't itch. It contains no lanolin and allows treatments that don't require extremely high temperature or harsh chemicals when cleaning. like sheep, alpacas get shaved for their super hair, which can be made into sweaters, scarves and other things.

3. Alpacas give birth in the morning - due to life in the high desserts of South America, where temperatures are constant lows at night, this gives them time to dry and feed off mum before night falls. female alpacas pregnancy last for eleven and a half months. In 90% human intervention is not needed.

4. Alpacas spit when they get angry - Alpacas spit when they are very angry or annoyed, they spit as a form of defence against predators and also unwanted attention, for instance they become possessive over their food and might express their displeasure by spiting at other alpacas they consider a threat to their food, they can also spit at humans from time to time.

5. Alpacas Communicate using non-verbal signs and sounds - Alpacas produce a few vocalizations to communicate, they also communicated through body language, using their tails to express their feelings when they are afraid or in trouble. Alpacas hum when they are happy, curious, worried, fearful, bored, distressed or cautious. You may find a mum and her baby humming together when bonding, males tend to cluck in a welcome to others. Alpacas snort when they feel threatened by other alpacas and give a gurgling sound to warn others of incoming danger.

6. Alpacas are herd animals - It’s not advisable to own only 1 alpaca, they should always to be bought in pairs to enable them to have contact with others as they enjoy living as a herd, they have strong herd instincts and need the company of other alpacas to lead happy and fulfilled lives, Crais are left with the mum until they are 6 months before being separated to fend for themselves.

7. Alpacas love the sun -the cols harsh climate they originated from makes alpacas love the sun’s rays and warmth, they love to sunbathe by laying on their sides stretched flat out.

8. Alpacas can live for 20 years

9. Alpacas come in 22 colours

10. Alpacas like to go to the toilet all in one spot and at the same time.

11. Alpacas are herbivores- they eat grass and hay as their main diet. They can also eat apples, carrots pears and broccoli as a tasty treat, bark and wood for extra fibre.

12. Alpacas have a three chambered stomach that helps them properly digest roughage. 

13. Alpacas have 30 to 32 teeth, 18-20 cheek teeth, 6 fighting teeth, 6 incisors.