Learn About Alpacas

Alpacas are wonderful--calm, gentle animals with personality and FIBER! Alpaca is

considered a luxury fiber.

Alpaca fiber (sometimes inappropriately called wool) is softer and warmer than most wool

(which is from a sheep).

Take this opportunity to browse around judyB's Alpacas and Fiber to look at the hand-knitted items

from alpaca, purchase alpaca yarn, roving (for weavers and spinners) or whole fleeces.

Suri or Huacaya?

Alpacas, like llamas, are members of the camelid family. There are two breeds of alpacas

--suris and huacaya.

A suri's fleece grows long and drapes down the side of her body in long, distinctive locks.

Suri fleece is known for its silky feel and luster. A huacaya's fleece grows out full and fluffy and has crimp like a sheep's.

But unlike a sheep's fiber, alpaca fiber has no lanolin and few guard hairs. It is extremely soft and hypoallergenic.

People who are allergic to wool can wear garments from alpaca because alpaca, processed correctly, has no itch.

Itchy Alpaca?

Some people have purchased "alpaca" items that were made and/or purchased in South America.

It's interesting to note that in South America, an item can be called "100% alpaca" when it contains

llama or sheep fiber. Items like this are often sold to tourists.

Alpacas are not large animals--the average height of an alpaca is 35" at the withers, a

nd the average weight of a mature adult is under 150 pounds. Alpacas have soft, padded feet. They have no upper teeth, so can't bite; they eat grasses and chew a cud.

Alpacas originated in the Altiplano of Peru--so they are used to cooler weather. In the summer, they enjoy standing or laying (!) in kiddy pools. That's Jean in the pool! They love to get squirted with a hose, too.

And when they think they are going to an alpaca show, they take special care (sure!) to stay clean!

Learn more about alpacas and their babies, called crias-->

My brother, owner of Big Meadow Creek Alpacas, and I occasionally take some of his animals to alpaca shows, where the alpacas are judged for their conformation and fiber.

In 2005, we went to the Eastern Alpaca Jubilee in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, sponsored by the Mid-Atlantic Alpaca Association.

I got to show BMCA Jane Wagner, who placed 4th in the Light Brown Juvenile Female Suri class.

Jane is now a mother herself.

Her fleece is lustrous as ever and will be available from the 2008 shearing this spring.

Hopes and Dreams, another of Brad's female suris--a darker brown, took a first place ribbon. Her fleece is also available. (contact me)

judyB Alpacas and Fiber