Alpacas as Pets - Adorable & Easy to Care for

Alpacas are members of the camel family, along with llamas, vicunas, guanacos, and camels. They arose in South America through selective breeding (although it is believed that, as with other camelids, their distant ancestors migrated from North America), and are quite close in size and fiber type to the wild vicuna.

They are quite a bit smaller than llamas, and have a gentle, curious disposition. Their fiber is very fine, soft, and highly valued by the textile trade. There are two types of alpacas with very different fleece appearances: the huacaya, whose fiber is very soft and crimped appearing puffy, and the suri, which has straight fiber that falls from the body and ends up in curls that give the appearance of dreadlocks. Both types of fleece are valued, although the suri type is much less common. The fleece, in addition to being extremely soft, is also estimated to be 5 times warmer than wool, not itchy and is very light. Alpaca fiber is lacking in lanolin, which makes it hypoallergenic and also allows it to be processed without the need for high temperatures or harsh chemicals in washing.

They are quite a bit smaller than llamas, standing only about two and a half to three feet at the shoulder, and weighing in at 100-190 lbs.  Although the primary domestic use for the alpaca is it's fiber, they are increasingly popular as companion and show animals.

They have a calm, gentle and predictable personality. They tend to spit at each other if disgruntled about something, but will rarely spit at a human. Aggressive behaviors are rare such as foot stomping and kicking. Alpacas use a communal dung pile. Because of their predisposition for using a dung pile, some alpacas have been successfully house-trained. Alpacas are intelligent and easy to train. In just 4-5 repetitions they will pick up and retain many skills such as accepting a halter, being led, and loading in and out of a vehicle. They can be taught to carry packs as well and other simple commands. They are very sociable, it is advisable to have more than one (2 minimum). They are pack animals by nature and will huddle together if they are nervous or frightened. They produce several vocalizations but the one most owners find most charming is their humming - in different tones for different situations.

Alpacas are hardy animals, and do well in most climates. A decent, well fenced pasture will be necessary, as well as some sort of shelter. A good quality, relatively low protein forage, with some supplementation will take care of dietary needs. Routine veterinary care and maintenance will be needed for things such as nail trimming, tooth care, and shearing. Shearing will be needed every Spring. You can always sell or give away the fiber/fleece. These are by far the fairly easiest animals to look after.