Contact us !
Follow alpacas
Follow the Petit Rêve
All the answers to your question
ALPACAS: DO THEY SPIT OR NOT ?
Yes and No.
Unlike llamas, alpacas spit very little and rarely at humans.
Alpacas spit at each other to establish social hierarchy within the group, to express strong displeasure towards a fellow alpaca, or when they feel threatened.
This is the case, for example, during the annual shearing. To put on their summer coat, alpacas need to be restrained and held down. Some alpacas then feel threatened because they can't stand up and defend themselves. They spit as a defence mechanism because they have no other recourse left.
(Promise, we'll provide photos if it happens this year !)
Alpaca or alpaga ?
Both are correct.
The spelling "alpaca" was imported from Spanish and then in French transformed into "alpaga".
"Alpaga" is the more commonly used spelling in French whereas “alpaca” is the only correct spelling in English.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN AN ALPACA AND A LLAMA ?
There are several differences between alpacas and llamas.
Size: A llama is much larger (about 50 cm taller at the withers).
Ear Shape: The shape of their ears differs. Llamas have banana-shaped ears, while alpacas have straight and pointed ears.
Temperament: Llamas are less timid and more daring, sometimes even aggressive. They are sometimes used as guardians for alpaca herds to ward off wild animals.
Use: Llamas are sturdier and are used in South America for carrying loads, while alpacas are primarily raised for their fibre.