#9 ~ Did you know that...

• Alpacas are interesting animals. They are small, hardy and easy to keep in a commercial farm. They are small, cute, and friendly.

• Alpacas are native to the South American continent, and they usually graze in herds on level height grasses at an altitude of 16,000 ft. above the sea level.

• Alpaca fiber is superior to sheep wool. The wool from alpaca fleece is actually better than the sheep wool. It’s warmer, long lasting, water resistant, flame resistant, and does not have the itching effect like lamb wool.

• Alpaca fiber comes in 16 colors from white to light rose gray to dark fawn.

• There are two types of alpacas, the Huacaya and the Suri. Huacaya alpacas are fluffy and because of their cuddly looks have a greater appeal. Suri are much more expensive and rare.

• Alpacas make humming noises. Alpacas hum when they are content, worried, curious, bored, fearful, distressed or cautious.

• Some farms use alpacas to guard their flocks against foxes since alpacas are very territorial and will accept a herd as part of their own, defending them by chasing off predators. Below you see them with a flock of sheep.

• When an Alpaca gives birth, it’s called Unpacking.

• Alpacas do not spit on humans. But they do spit on other alpacas for stealing their food.