Fiber Facts

Alpaca fiber is naturally hypoallergenic, making it suitable for people with sensitive skin. It is also warmer, stronger, and lighter than sheep's wool.

Huacaya Alpaca Facts

Huacaya alpacas make up about 90% of the alpaca population. Their fleece grows perpendicular to the body, giving them a teddy bear-like appearance.

Huacaya fleece has a natural crimp, which gives it elasticity and loft. This crimp also helps the fleece to hold its shape and resist matting.

Suri Alpaca Facts

Suri alpacas are known for their long, lustrous fleece that hangs in elegant locks. This fleece is highly prized for its softness and drape.

Suri fleece is smoother than Huacaya fleece because it has fewer scales on its fibers. This gives it a silky texture and a natural sheen.

Suri alpacas are rarer than Huacayas, making up only about 10% of the alpaca population.

Alpaca History Facts

Alpacas have been domesticated for over 6,000 years. They were highly valued by the ancient Incas for their luxurious fiber.

Alpacas were first imported to the United States in the 1980s. Since then, the alpaca industry has grown steadily, with alpacas being raised for their fiber, as pets, and as livestock.

Alpacas are well-suited to a variety of climates, and they can be raised in many different parts of the world.

Alpaca Fiber Production Facts

Alpacas are typically shorn once a year in the spring. An adult alpaca can produce between five and ten pounds of fiber per year.

Therapeutic Alpaca Facts:

Alpacas are increasingly used in animal-assisted therapy programs. Their gentle nature and calming presence can help to reduce stress and anxiety in people of all ages.

Grazing Facts:

Alpacas are efficient grazers, and they can help to control weeds and improve pasture health. Their soft foot pads minimize damage to the soil.

Guardian Facts:

Alpacas can be used as livestock guardians to protect other animals from predators such as foxes and coyotes. Their alert nature and protective instincts make them effective guardians.

Body Temperature Facts:

The normal body temperature of an adult alpaca is between:

• 37.5 °C and 39.5 °C

On average, it is approximately 38.5 °C.

• The temperature may vary slightly depending on the time of day, activity level, or the weather (e.g., on warm days, the temperature may be slightly higher).

• Temperatures above 39.5 °C may indicate fever, infection, or heat stress.

• Temperatures below 37 °C may indicate hypothermia, especially in weak animals or crias (baby alpacas).

If you want to measure temperature regularly, use a digital rectal thermometer and record any deviations.

Social Behavior Facts:

Alpacas are truly herd animals. An alpaca alone feels unhappy — they need companions of their kind.

Spitting Facts:

They (usually) spit on each other
Spitting mainly occurs during fights or when they defend their place in the hierarchy — rarely on humans, unless you are too intrusive.

Character Facts:

Gentle character, but clear boundaries
They are curious and friendly but do not like cuddling like dogs or cats. Approaching them calmly works best.

Defecation Facts:

Pooping in fixed places
Alpacas use a kind of "toilet spot" in the meadow. This makes cleaning easier and keeps the rest of the area clean.

Pregnancy Facts:

Pregnancy lasts almost a year
A pregnant female carries her cria for an average of 11 to 12 months. Usually, only one young is born.