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Alpaca | Alpaca Farms | Alpaca
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The Alpaca (Vicugna pacos) is a domesticated
breed of South American
camel-like ungulates, derived from the wild vicuna.
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Alpacas
An Alpaca resembles a sheep in
appearance, but is larger and has a long erect neck.
Alpacas are kept in herds that graze on the level heights of the
Andes of southern Peru, northern Bolivia, and northern Chile at an
altitude of 3500 to 5000 meters above sea-level, throughout the year.
Alpacas are considerably smaller
than llamas and unlike them are not used as beasts of burden but
are valued only for their fiber (wool), used for making blankets and
ponchos in South America, and sweaters, blankets, socks and coats in
other parts of the world. The fiber comes in more than 22 natural
colors.
In the textile industry, alpaca primarily refers to the hair of
Peruvian alpaca, but more broadly it refers to a style of fabric
originally made from alpaca hair but now often made from a similar
fibers, such as mohair, Icelandic sheep wool, or even high-quality
English wool.
In trade, distinctions are made between
alpacas and the several styles of mohair and lustre. However, as
far as the general purchaser is concerned, little-or-no distinction is
made. Photo Copyright
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Alpacas are social
herd animals and should always be kept with others of their kind, or at
the very least with other herd animals. They are gentle, elegant,
inquisitive, intelligent and observant. As they are a prey animal, they
are cautious and nervous if they feel threatened. |
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Alpacas like having their own space
and do not like an unfamiliar alpaca or human getting close, especially
from behind. They warn the intruder away by making sharp, noisy
inhalations, putting back their ears, twisting their heads and necks
backwards toward the perceived threat, screaming, threatening to spit,
and eventually may spit and kick. Due to the soft pads on their feet,
the kicks are not as dangerous as those of hoofed animals.
Alpacas and Spitting
Not all alpacas spit, but all are capable. "Spit" is somewhat
euphemistic. While occasionally the projectile contains only air and a
little saliva, the alpaca often bring up and project regurgitated
stomach contents.
Spitting is mostly reserved for other alpacas, not for humans, but
sometimes a human gets in the line of fire. If an alpaca is extremely
displeased at a human, that person may well become covered in smelly,
green goo. The smell is so foul that many people who work with alpacas
would much rather come into contact with alpaca feces than with alpaca
spit.
For alpacas, spitting results in what is called "sour mouth."
Sour mouth is characterized by a loose-hanging lower lip and a gaping
mouth. This is caused by the stomach acids and unpleasant taste of the
contents as they pass out of the mouth.
Physical contact
Alpacas generally do not like their heads being touched. Once they
know their owners and feel confident around them, they may allow their
backs and necks to be touched. They do not like being grabbed,
especially by boisterous children. This is probably because when alpacas
are caught up for medical or otherwise unpleasant procedures, people
generally grab their necks and hold them by the neck and head.
Once socialized well, most alpacas
tolerate being stroked or petted anywhere on their bodies, although many
do not like their feet and lower legs handled. If an owner needs to
catch an alpaca, the neck offers a good handle — holding the neck firmly
between the arms is the best way to restrain the animal. |
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Source: Wikipedia |
Alpaca | Alpaca Farms | Alpaca
Picture | Cria
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