Sherry and I recently visited the Carolina Alpaca Celebration to learn a bit about alpacas. Neither one of us really knew what to expect. We learned about their husbandry, their birthing needs, their food requirements, and just how many things you can make out of alpaca wool. But the best thing we learned is that THEY ARE DARN CUTE and THEY TALK TO YOU (well, sort of). In short, we like them. In fact, I even learned how to kiss an alpaca.
As soon as we walked into the building, we were greeted by the most surreal and sweet sound– an alpaca humming. They seem to talk to you, but in a quiet, hum.
They are just too cute! Wow, our staff and volunteers just never stop working!
Adorable! Can we have one? They look like a cross between a camel and a poodle.
Do they have to be sheared regularly like sheep or do you just clip them when you want to make a pashmina?
Leslie,
The alpacas are usually sheared once a year, most often in the springtime. Their fleece is incredibly soft. The range of colors is beautiful. White alpaca wool is also dyed other colors (like red, blue, etc).