What is the difference between an alpaca and a llama?
People often consider alpacas and llamas to be synonymous, but in reality the animals are quite different. Here are some of the distinctions between the two:
Llamas are roughly two to three times the size of alpacas.
Alpacas have a single, soft coat, which can be used for luxury clothing. Llamas have a coarse outer coat, with a softer inner coat, not to be used for textile products.
Though llamas are much larger than alpacas, they produce much less fiber than alpacas.
Alpacas, as a general rule, tend to be more gentle and timid than llamas, which are typically brave and independent-minded.
Alpacas require protection, as they don't usually defend themselves. Llamas can serve as great guard animals for an alpaca herd.
Llamas have curved ears and a long face, while alpacas have straight ears and a smaller face.
How difficult is it to care for alpacas?
Alpacas are great farm animals, as they are much easier on an environment than other animals. Alpaca only have bottom teeth, so they graze gently. Where horses might pull up grass from the roots while grazing, alpaca simply take the tops off of grass. The padded feet that alpaca have do not crush pasture-land, leaving pastures usable for years. These animals also pick only a few places to use the bathroom in a pasture, making communal waste deposit areas that are easy to clean up. Their manure is a very strong fertilizer for gardens, which is a bonus! Alpacas don't drink excessive amounts of water and only eat about 2-4 pounds of food per day. In addition, alpacas do not challenge fencing so it is easy to keep them contained. Alpacas are so much fun to work with and make the job easy for the owner!
are alpacas friendly?
Alpaca are shy but extremely curious animals. While each alpaca has a different personality, just like with any animal, the inquisitive characteristic of the breed remains constant. Alpaca are herd animals, so with handling and care, alpacas begin to accept known human faces as a part of their lives. Depending on the personality, some alpacas are extremely friendly and like nothing more than to hang out with "their people". While some are more shy, with patient handling and care, any alpaca can come to enjoy the company of a human!