The animal itself

Alpacas

Everything on this site that isn't a farm listing lives here: where alpacas come from, how to tell them from llamas, how they're bred, and what their fleece becomes. Pick a topic.

History Six thousand years in the Andes, near-extinction, and how alpacas reached the United States. Andes · Conquest · 1984
Keeping alpacas Land, fencing, feed, and vet care — what ownership actually involves.
Starting a farm Feed & land Vet care
Clothing & fiber Why alpaca fleece is warm, soft, and hypoallergenic — and what gets made from it.
Sweaters Socks Blankets
Alpaca vs. llama Size, ears, temperament, and job description — the differences at a glance. Size · Ears · Temperament
Behavior Humming, herd life, and the truth about spitting. Humming · Herds · Spitting
Breeding Gestation, crias, and what breeders select for in Huacaya and Suri lines.
How it works Costs & stud fees