ALPACAS

Welcome to the world of gentle alpacas, where softness and serenity intertwine in a symphony of wool and wonder.

Originating from the highlands of the Andes Mountains in Peru, Bolivia, and Chile, alpacas have a story as old as the mountains themselves.

Mistaken for their larger cousins, llamas, alpacas stand apart with their smaller, delicate build and finer fibres. They have small, pointy ears, reminiscent of spears, in contrast to the llamas' curved ears that resemble bananas.

Alpacas come in two distinct breeds: Suri and Huacaya. White Ridge Farm has both breeds on display. The key difference lies in their fleece. Suri's fleece is long and resembles dreadlocks, while Huacaya's is fluffier, akin to a sheep's wool. Their luxurious fleece is one of the features that make alpacas truly special. It’s soft, warm, and hypoallergenic, and can be spun into yarn and crafted into a wide range of exquisite products, such as clothing, blankets, scarves, and accessories.

These enchanting creatures have a life span of 15 to 20 years and weigh between 60 to 90 kilograms. Their gestation period is quite long by human standards – with pregnancy lasting 242 to 345 days, or approximately 11 and a half months. And now, let's meet the family. Males are often called "Macho" or simply "Male," while females go by "Dam" or "Female." Desexed males are referred to as "wethers," and the little ones? They're affectionately known as "crias," - a Spanish word for baby.

Known for their gentle and docile nature, alpacas have a calm demeanour and are rarely aggressive. They are timid and shy, preferring harmony over confrontation. And here's a fun fact: alpacas don't usually spit. Unlike llamas, they rarely spit at humans, though, on occasion, they might unintentionally involve you in their disagreements.

Alpacas are herbivores, savouring a specialized diet of grasses and hay. Our alpacas also relish a daily feast of fresh fruits and vegetables. Similar to cows and sheep, alpacas are ruminants, with a specialized stomach boasting three compartments, unlike the traditional four.

So, as you delve into the world of alpacas, remember their rich heritage, gentle souls, and the warmth they bring through their luxurious fleece.