The Alpaca (lama pacos) is from the Camelid family. The Camelid family also includes camels, llamas, guanacos and vicunas. There are two types of Alpacas, the Suri (known for its long pencil type non-crimped fibre that resembles dreadlocks), and the Huacaya (the more common Alpaca with crimped fibre which resembles a big fluffy teddy bear when in full fleece)! They make excellent companion animals, they are also show animals with a very high aesthetic appeal to all, they have a loveable disposition are graceful and endearing. As they are easily trained to lead and are gentle enough to be handled by children. They are safe to be around, they do not bite or butt. They do not have horns or hooves they are not only gentle to be around they are gentle on the ground, very earth friendly soft pads.
Alpacas are ruminants (which means they chew cud like deer) with three stomachs. They mainly eat pasture grass with supplements of hay and a small amount of suitable camelid mix containing the necessary vitamins and minerals. Clean and fresh water daily is essential as they would rather dehydrate than drink stagnant water. Alpacas digest their food more efficiently than other ruminants.
They are used as breeding stock, fibre producers, field pets and are extremely good for therapy and make an excellent financial investment and future. Alpacas are shorn for their valuable fleeces. Their compact size contributes to easy management and to a desirability as a companion. They are very intelligent and can be easily trained. Alpacas pick up and retain skills such as accepting a halter, being led and loading in and out of a horsebox or other vehicle. Alpacas travel extremely well and will kush and enjoy the journey, this makes showing and transporting very easy.
Alpacas are very gentle and also very curious, so keeping Alpacas is delightful. They are social herd animals but love human company. With a little training they can become great field pets. Alpacas have two little soft pads per foot with toenails, they are very graceful and gentle on the ground.
Alpacas communicate with each other by series of tail and ear positions. They also make a soft humming sound. Alpacas also emit a shrill sound known as bugling if threatened or alarmed by a predator or strange animal. The main sound you will hear from your Alpaca is the gentle sound of munching grass. "Orgling" is probably their most unique noise. This male-only, melodic mating sound attracts females.
They are transported very easily in horse boxes. However, they can be transported in the family van, and have been known in other countries to travel in pick-up trucks and other utility vehicles. Once en-route with your Alpacas, they typically kush (sit down) and peacefully enjoy the ride.