Alpaca Product FAQs

How long is an alpaca’s gestation?
An alpaca’s gestation period is typically about 11.5 months, or approximately 345 days on average. However, it can range from 320 to 370 days, depending on the individual alpaca and environmental factors. It's quite a long pregnancy, and alpacas usually give birth during daylight hours, often without assistance.
What is the difference between a llama and an alpaca?
While llamas and alpacas look similar, they’re quite different:

Ears: Llamas have long banana-shaped ears; alpacas have shorter spear-shaped ears.
Size: Llamas can weigh up to 400 lbs; alpacas average 150 lbs.
Face: Llamas have long faces; alpacas have short, rounded, “smooshed” faces.
Purpose: Alpacas are bred for fiber; llamas are used for packing and meat.
Hair: Alpaca fiber is finer, softer, and more colorful than llama fleece.
Behavior: Alpacas are herd animals; llamas are more independent and often serve as guard animals.
Do alpacas spit?
Yes—but rarely at people. Alpacas generally spit at each other to show dominance or disapproval. If you see one with raised chin, pinned-back ears, and a hard stare—back away slowly. You may be in the splash zone!

What makes alpaca yarn so great?
Alpaca yarn is a favorite for both professional and hobbyist fiber artists because it’s:

Extremely warm and lightweight (up to 7x warmer than sheep’s wool)
Naturally hypoallergenic—no lanolin means it’s gentle on sensitive skin
Durable and strong, even when spun into fine strands
Silky and soft—it feels luxurious, not scratchy
Resilient—naturally flame-resistant, water-repellent, and mildew-resistant
Softer than cashmere (really—feel it to believe it!)
What types of products are made with alpaca fiber?
Alpaca fiber is used to create:

Yarn and roving for spinning and weaving
Socks, scarves, gloves, and hats
Blankets, throws, and home décor
Dryer balls and felted crafts
Stuffed toys

All these items are available through our shop.

Can alpacas be ridden?
No—alpacas are not meant to be ridden. They’re much smaller than llamas and are not built to support the weight of a person, even a child. Trying to ride one can harm the animal and will almost certainly result in some unpleasant spitting.
What do alpacas eat?
Alpacas are grazing animals. Their diet typically includes:
Grass and pasture plants
Hay, especially during winter or drought
Specialty grains for added nutrition
Fresh water at all times

Their efficient digestion makes them easy on the environment and relatively inexpensive to feed.