Meet The Alpacas

The Girls

Aria

(Maestro's Mother - Rita's Daughter)

Calypso

Firestar
(Archimedes' & Eclipse's Mother)

Laelia
(Posie's Daughter)

MaryLou

Posie

(Laelia's Mother)

Rita

(Sonni's & Aria's Mother)

Salsa

(Paxson's Mother)

Sonni

(Rita's Daughter & Aria's Sister)

Splenda

(Murphy's Mother)

Sumi

The Boys

Aniken

Archimedes

(Firestar's Son)

Eclipse

(Firestar's Son)

Hamilton

Murphy

(Splenda's Son)

Paxson

(Salsa's Son)

Maestro

(Aria's Son)

Space Cowboy

(Archimedes' Father)

Frequently Asked Questions

We get all types of questions here at the farm, we thought we would go over some the most commonly asked questions.

What is an Alpaca?
Alpacas are a domesticated species of South American Camelid. They resemble a small llama in appearance. However, unlike llamas alpacas were not bred to be "beasts of burden" they were bred specifically for their fiber. As well, Alapcas are significatly smaller than llamas. An Alpaca is a hybrid of llama and a vicuna.

Space Cowboy, one of our herdsiers.

Do they spit?
Spit happens!

All Alpacas are capable of spitting, though some do so more or less than others. "Spit" is somewhat euphamistic, often the projecticle only contains air and occassionally a small bit of saliva. Although alpacas commonly bring up acidic stomach contents (generally a green grassy mix) and project it onto their chosen target. Spitting is mostly reserved for other alpacas.

For alpacas, spitting results in what is called "spit mouth". Spit 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.

Here is a picture of spit mouth. So now when you come visit and you see someones lower lip hanging loose you will know that they just spit!

Do they really all go the bathroom in the same spot?

Yes! They really do!
Alpacas use a communal dung pile, where they do not graze. This behaviour tends to limit the spread of internal parasites. Generally, males have much tidier, and fewer dung piles than females who tend to stand in a line and all go at once. One female approaches the dung pile and begins to urinate and/or defecate, and the rest of the herd often follows.

What types of noises do they make?
Come for a visit and listen closely, you will hear Alpacas make a variety of sounds.


When they are in danger, they make a high-pitched, shrieking whine. Strange dogs—and even cats—can trigger this reaction. To signal friendly or submissive behavior, alpacas "cluck," or "click" a sound possibly generated by suction on the soft palate, or possibly in the nasal cavity.

Individuals vary, but most alpacas generally make a humming sound. Hums are often comfort noises, letting the other alpacas know they are present and content. The humming can take on many inflections and meanings.

When males fight they scream a warbling bird-like cry, presumably intended to terrify the opponent.

Are Alpacas allergic to anything?

It's more than an allergy! Some things are poisonous to Alpacas. Which is exactly why we ask that you not bring any treats or snacks for the Alpacas.

Many plants are poisonous to the alpaca, including the bracken fern, fireweed, oleander, and some azaleas. In common with similar livestock, others include: acorns, African rue, agave, amaryllis, autumn crocus, bear grass, broom snakeweed, buckwheat, ragweed, buttercups, calla lily, orange tree, carnations, beans from the castor oil plant, and a great many others.

How long is an Alpacas gestation period?

The gestation period is 345 ± 15 days, and usually results in a single offspring, or cria. Twins are rare and not desired, occurring about once per 1000 deliveries.

How long do Alpacas live?

Alpacas generally live up to 20 years.

This is Rita, the eldest Alpaca on our farm. She is 17 years old.

What do you use Alpacas for, are they a pack animal like llamas?

Quite the opposite actually. Alpacas are not a pack animal, you would be lucky to get an Alpaca to carry your lunch for you. Alpacas were specifically bred for their fiber.

It's all about fiber!

Alpaca fleece is a lustrous and silky natural fiber. While similar to sheep’s wool, it is warmer, not prickly, and bears no lanolin, which makes it hypoallergenic. It is also soft and luxurious. In physical structure, alpaca fiber is somewhat akin to hair, being very glossy. The preparing, carding, spinning, weaving and finishing process of alpaca is similar to the process used for wool.

Space Cowboy's raw fiber

Do you have questions?

Ask them in the comments section below!

Pronking

What is pronking?

Pronking is a verb that describes the alpacas’ version of skipping. Most of you are familiar with PePe Le Pew doing this when he’s in love. It is like hopping around with all four feet hitting the ground at the same time. There is a kind of “Boing! Boing!” feeling to it. Alpacas do this when they are happy, most often around dusk. Cria (baby alpacas) are most likely to pronk. But it is really heartwarming to see the older (even very pregnant) alpacas pronking in the fields. Truly a joy to behold.

Enough talking -- let's see some pronking in action!

Here's a video of some pronking! Enjoy!

Mud season came early this year. This video shows the difference between running and pronking. The first group of Alpacas are running. Calypso (white) in the rear, is actually pronking! Enjoy!