Many people confuse alpacas with llamas. Although they are both camelids, there are many distinct differences between the two. Alpacas are more docile and gentle in nature than llamas and are easier to handle. They are smaller in stature, about one-third to one-half the size of a llama, and have finer fleece. Alpaca fiber comes naturally in 22 colors ranging from true white to true black. Alpacas are shorn once a year, usually in the spring, and their fleece is highly sought after by spinners, knitters, and other fiber artisans.

Alpacas originate from Peru, Chile, and Bolivia, and their natural habitat is the high Andes Mountains of South America. Alpacas are adaptable, as demonstrated by the way they have flourished in the United States since 1984. Alpacas are herd animals and are generally not content without a companion. There are two different kinds of alpacas in the United States. The Suri has long, silky fiber that looks a bit like dreadlocks. The Huacaya (pronounced wa-ki-a) has fine, crimpy fiber that gives it a wooly appearance. Female alpacas carry their babies (cria) for about eleven months. The cria usually stands and begins nursing within an hour of birth. Because of the controlled environment in which they live, in the United States cria mortality is very low. A cria typically doubles its birth weight in the first month. They are playful and work to get the entire herd involved in their games. Alpacas are playful and curious. They each have their own distinct personality. One look into their large, bright, intelligent eyes and you may fall head over heels in love.