Alpacas are long-necked, doe-eyed creatures that look like a camel mixed with a Goldendoodle. And yes, they are as adorable as that sounds! Native to the Andes Mountains of South America, here are 10 interesting alpaca facts I learned visiting the Seven Stars Alpaca Ranch in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, and hiking with an alpaca at Clover Brooke Farm in Hyde Park, New York.
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Do You Love Alpacas?
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1. An Alpaca is Not a Llama
…look like Mother Nature paired a camel…
…with a Goldendoodle!
3. Alpaca Fiber is Practically Magical
4. Alpaca Fiber Comes in a Rainbow of Colors
Alpaca Fun Fact: When the Incas domesticated alpacas nearly 6,000 years ago, the fiber was exclusively used to make clothing and blankets for royalty. So, in ancient times, alpaca fiber was known as “Fiber of the Gods.”
5. They Could Probably Write a Travel Blog
6. Alpacas Are Like Goldendoodles in Two More Ways
7. Alpacas Eat Like Supermodels...
8. ...and Drink Like Camels
9. They are Relatively Easy to Clean Up After
Alpaca manure, also known as a
10. Momma Alpacas Give Birth Over Their Lunch Hour
Frequently Asked Questions About Alpacas
Are alpacas and llamas the same animal?
While both part of the camel family, alpacas and llamas are different animals.
How much do alpacas weigh?
An adult alpaca is typically between 105 and 185 pounds when fully grown. Baby alpacas, known as cria, weigh about 18 to 20 pounds at birth.
Why do alpacas spit?
An alpaca might spit for a variety of reasons. If the animal feels threatened, is stressed, or is protecting food, it might spit. Most commonly, alpacas spit at each other, but they will spit at humans for the same reasons.
Can alpacas be pets?
Alpacas are primarily raised for their fiber (or wool). It’s deliciously soft, incredibly warm, and super breathable. But alpacas can also be great pets. (Although I wouldn’t recommend keeping one in the house.) But before you get an alpaca as a pet, know that they are pack animals. So, if you plan to get an alpaca, you’ll need to plan on purchasing at least two! And as a general rule, one acre of land is enough space for up to ten alpacas.
Can alpacas be house trained?
I wouldn’t keep an alpaca in the house. But outside in the pasture or barn, alpacas will designate a spot that they’ll consistently use as a toilet. This makes it easy to clean up after your pack of alpacas (and you have less landminds to watch for in the yard!
Do You Have Another Fun Fact About Alpacas?
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I love alpacas! And yes, jumpers and scarves and shawls made from their wool are so soft and lovely. I saw the animals (and llamas) a lot in South America, particularly in Peru. Watch out for scams when buying alpaca wool, a lot of souvenirs labelled as such are not, though you should be able to tell from the feel and the price! LOOK AT THEIR CUTE LITTLE FACES!!!!
I took a lot of ag classes in college and even worked on a petting zoo farm during that time and I did not know you could crossbreed llamas and alpacas! Also, I love any animal that picks one place to poop! Our old lab was like that.
I wish my dogs were more like your old lab (or an alpaca)!
I love these adorable creatures! So full of personality and fun to feed!!
Thanks for the reminder about the farm days! We’ve done this before and it is such a fun experience to see their cute and cuddly faces!
Yes, visiting an alpaca farm is always SUCH a great time!
Oh my goodness these pictures are precious. There was an Alpaca farm close to where my grandparents live. I did not know all of this about them, much mroe interesting animals than I realized
They are sooooo adorable!
Oooh, the alpaca fiber does sound magical! Sounds like the perfect type of material for the coming fall weather. Baby alpacas are the cutest!
Yes, they absolutely are!
How adorable can these animals be? They are always so “in the mood”.
They are cuties. That’s for sure!
Humming is the most common sound alpacas make. They hum softly when they e curious, content, worried, bored, distressed, or cautious. When startled or in danger, one of them will announce a threat with a staccato alarm call and the rest will follow suit. When they breed, the male emits a unique throaty vocalization known to the alpaca-raising community as “orgling.”
They are so darn cute, no matter what sound they make! <3