Alpacas are very intelligent and naturally inquisitive creatures. They are members of the camelid family and are native to South America. They have been bred for thousands of years for their wool or fibre, which is often referred to as the “Fibre of the Gods”. Whereas their cousin, the Llama was largely used to transport goods around its native South America.  

Alpacas have many positive features:

• They are environmentally friendly, with their soft feet and spilt lip they do not compact the soil like sheep and cattle, they are gentle on pastures and are gentle on our fragile Australian environment.
• They are gentle natured, inquisitive and easy to handle.
• Their fleece is light and soft but also extremely warm.
• They require minimal maintenance and easy animal husbandry.
• They generally give birth in the mornings and babies (cria) are usually up on their feet and drinking within a few hours.
• They are ideal for small acreages with their minimal environmental impact and easy handling
• Wethers can make great sheep guards and will protect against foxes during lambing. Some are also used as pets.
• They will spit, particularly females with young or pregnant females, to ward off males or intruders.

For more information visit: http://www.alpaca.asn.au/resources/faqs?catid=2