All About Alpacas

Farm Practices

Husky Alpaca Ranch is unique in that we raise the alpacas for both clothing fibres and for meat consumption, unlike other Alpaca farms in Ontario. As a result of this sustainable, no-waste practice, Husky Alpaca Ranch produces, beautiful, natural coloured Alpaca hides, as well as sustainable, breathable, moisture-wicking, eco-friendly, durable and warm clothing and winter accessories.

Difference between Alpaca and a Llama?

Alpacas are very often confused with llamas. You can differentiate the two by size and fleeces.

Llamas are much bigger, and shaggier, and are bred for carrying goods across mountain ranges, llamas have banana shaped ears.

Alpacas are smaller and bred for their fibre quality, they have much straighter ears, and have two different breeds.

Alpaca Origins

Alpacas are native to the Andes Mountains in South America, the current countries of Peru, Ecuador, Chile and Bolivia.

They were domesticated in South America by the Incans over 6,000 years ago. During the time of Inca Empire, alpaca wool was only allowed to be worn by the royal family as it was knowns as the "The Fibre of the Gods".

Alpaca Breeds:

There are two breeds if alpacas:

Huacaya (pronounced wuh-kai-ya) - these predominantly represent 90% of alpacas. It's main characteristic is its coat, since it is conformed by different colours in natural tones. The coat grows perpendicular to the body , and is dense and curly. They have more of a 'teddy bear' look to them.
Suri - the remaining 10% of alpacas are Suri, you can differentiate it by its fibre which is long, wavy fibre. It is known for its wide range of colours ranging from beige, brown, gray and black.

Alpacas are part of the Camelid family, which includes guanaco, vicuna, dromedary camels, and bactrian camels.

What makes the Alpaca Fibre so special?

The Alpaca fibre is soft to the touch, light weight, and is naturally flame retardant, resistant to solar radiation and has moisture wicking properties. This allows the alpacas to adapt to the rapidly changing weather in the extreme climates. It is also hypo-allergenic and super soft. Alpaca fibre helps keep you drier and more comfortable in comparison to other natural fibres.

Hunters and people that spends long hours in fluctuating temperatures swear by Alpaca Socks as "the best things I've ever tried, and recommend to everyone, yes they are pricey, but they are worth it!"

Member of Alpaca Fibre Co-Operative of Ontario

Alpaca Consumption

Although alpacas are mostly raised for their soft and luxurious fleece, they are considered a savory traditional meat source in Peru. The alpaca meat has almost no cholesterol, is very lean, and is high in protein. The meat itself is tender, and tastes similar to a lean beef or veal.

Many meat eaters do not notice a big differences in alpaca meat. Ground alpaca meat can be substituted for ground beef, turkey or chicken in any recipe.

Alpaca Care

Alpacas are easy to take care for in comparison to other livestock. They eat primarily hay and grass, although grain supplement is recommended for winter, growing alpacas and pregnant alpacas.

Alpacas are calm and inquisitive in their nature, which makes them great companions. Their calm nature allows them to be trained to go for a walk with on a halter.

Mating and Pregnancy

Alpacas can induce their own ovulation. Male alpacas sing to the females during mating, this singing is also called orgling. The maiden or dam (female alpacas) can be triggered into ovulation by stud alpaca singing (male alpaca).

Alpacas carry their babies for 11.5 months, at times its not uncommon for them to carry their pregnancy to a full year. They have one baby at a time, called a cria. Twin alpacas are very rare. Alpacas give birth during the daylight hours, when the sun is out, because they cannot stick their tongues out to lick their cria dry before nightfall.

Alpaca Fun Facts

Incans were known to use every part of the alpacas, including burning their manure as a clean fuel source
Alpaca fibre and hide was used as armour in Peru and is also fire resistant
There are no true wild alpacas as they have been domesticated as far back as any written or oral history
Alpacas live to approx. 15-20 years
Alpacas are potty trained from birth and the whole hed used communal poop piles
Alpacas don't usually spit at people - people just tend to get caught in the crossfire
They are herd animals, and can die of loneliness if they are on their own
They only have bottom teeth at the very front, they have a hard upper palate and when they bite it feels like a baby "gumming"
Full grown alpacas often weight about 130-200lbs
During long car/trailer rides they lay down in a cushion positions, with their legs tucked under their bodies

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