Alpacas

Alpacas are related to llamas. Most people that see these noble creatures confuse the two. Llamas are much larger than alpacas. Llamas are considered beasts of burden, whereas alpacas are fiber animals. The wool (or fiber) from alpacas is known for its extremely high quality. Both hand spinners and industrial textile markets demand alpaca fiber and pay handsomely for it.

Alpacas are native to the western part of South America. For centuries, they were raised by the local populations for wool production. Because alpacas are extremely easy to care for, gentle on the environment, and beautiful animals, many have sought after these animals for profit and pleasure. Alpaca farming in the US has grown steadily since the 1980s. Today, it is highlighted by such newspapers as the New York Times and Washington Post as a "great investment".

Not only is the wool a valuable commodity, but so to is alpaca manure. Alpacas are clean animals that normally pick one or two spots to relieve themselves. This makes cleaning alpaca waste much easier than other animals that tend to scatter it. Once collected, alpaca manure can be spread directly onto the garden without having to compost it.

Alpacas are very friendly and docile. From time to time they do spit, as do llamas, however, it is rare that an alpaca will spit at a human. The majority of spitting is done at each other, but this too is rare. Most alpacas can be handled without any fear of spitting.

Because of their gentleness, alpacas can be housed with other, smaller animals. They have excellent herding instincts and get along well with everyone.