Alpacas are often raised for their soft and luxurious fleece (sometimes called fiber to differentiate it from the fleece of a sheep). Each shearing produces roughly five to ten pounds of fleece per animal, per year. This fleece, often compared to cashmere, can be turned into a wide variety of products from tapestries and blankets to yarn and apparel. Alpaca fleece is recognized … [Read more...]
Worms with Superpowers?
Sadly, parasitic worms are a problem that affects most animals. But as animal owners, we treat our animals with de-wormer and BAM the nasty creatures are gone. Problem solved, right? Well, it may not be that easy anymore….. A growing concern for many alpaca and llama owners is anthelmintic (dewormer) resistance by the barber’s pole worm (Haemonchus contortus). These worms … [Read more...]
Snug as a bug in an Alpaca fiber rug….
Alpaca wool is just like sheep wool right? Well, not exactly. It is quite a misconception that the wool you get from an alpaca is the same as the wool you get from a sheep. Alpaca wool is usually called “fiber” or “fleece” instead of wool to help differentiate it from a sheep’s wool. So what’s the difference? In general, alpaca fleece is stronger, lighter, warmer, and … [Read more...]
Alpacas, Llamas and Bears? Oh My!
We live in bear country; so how do you keep your alpacas, llamas, farm property, and yourself safe? The black bear population in New Jersey has been on the rise over the last 50 years. The majority of the black bear population inhabits the northwestern part of the state; however, they have been documented in all 21 counties. According to the Rutgers University resource … [Read more...]
Llama and Alpaca Care – Soup to Nuts
Llama and Alpaca Care – Soup to Nuts Are you looking for a soup to nuts llama and alpaca care book? Well look no further! The recent book, Llama and Alpaca Care, 1st Edition, by Dr.’s Chris Cebra, David Anderson, Amed Tibary, Robert Van Saun, and LaRue Johnson might be the right resource for you. This 808 page book is designed for camelid caretakers, veterinary students … [Read more...]
Llamas and Alpacas – Getting to Know Your Animal
Are llamas and alpacas the same? What’s the difference? Where did they come from? What do I do with one after I buy it? And will it spit at me? These are commonly asked about llamas and alpacas. This post will attempt to answer these questions and more by referencing the Rutgers Cooperative Extension Fact Sheet (FS917) titled Llamas and Alpacas. It is a common … [Read more...]