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What are alpacas?
What are alpacas?
Alpacas are herbivorous, fleeced animals that come in a wide variety of colours – from snowy white through to fawn and chocolate browns, to ash greys and midnight blacks. Alpacas are very friendly and docile animals, standing at an average height of just 3ft at their withers (the top of their shoulder). As social animals, they enjoy being part of a herd and should always be kept in groups of 3 or more.
Where do alpacas come from?
Originating from the mountain ranges in southern America, alpacas are very used to scaling heights and being exposed to extreme weather conditions, making them hardy animals who enjoy being outdoors. That being said, a field shelter serves to protect them from extreme rain and sun. They have been completely domesticated since their beginnings (around 6000 years ago), so you will not find alpacas in the wild!
How many breeds of alpaca are there?
There are two different breeds of alpaca; Huacayas (the most popular, teddy bear looking breed) and Suri (not as common breed with a much longer fleece that looks like dreadlocks!).
What animals are alpacas related to?
Part of the Camelid family, alpacas are related to camels, vicuñas, guanacos and llamas.
What is the difference between alpacas and llamas?
You can easily tell the difference between alpacas and llamas by their size, ears and head shape. Alpacas are smaller in size than llamas. Alpacas have smaller and more pointed ears, whereas llamas have large, banana-shaped ears. Alpacas have a smaller, wedge shaped head, whereas llamas have amore elongated face.
Alpaca Husbandry Courses
If you're embarking into alpaca keeping, whether as a recent newcomer to the field or as a prospective owner, having a sounds understanding of alpaca husbandry goes a long way to making sure your alpacas will be happy and healthy. The foundation provided in our Alpaca Husbandry Courses ensure you begin your alpaca journey on the right foot...