Alpacas & Llamas

Alpaca ears have short spear-shaped ears while llamas have much longer, banana-shaped ears.

Alpacas generally weigh in at around 150 pounds while llamas can get as heavy as 400 pounds. At the shoulder, an average alpaca stands between 34 and 36 inches, while a llama generally ranges between 42 and 46 inches.

Llamas have a longer face; an alpaca’s face is a bit more blunt, giving them a “smooshed in” look.

Llamas and alpacas are two of very few species that were capable of being domesticated in South America and have been used for thousands of years for farming, transportation and fleece production. While alpacas are more desired than llamas for their hair, llamas can carry generous amounts of weight and can be used as livestock guardians to protect alpacas, sheep and other small livestock.

The alpaca produces a much finer fiber than the llama. The alpaca also produces more fleece than its larger cousin and in a much greater variety of colors. Llamas also generally do not have as much hair on their head and face as alpacas do.

Alpacas are very much herd animals, while llamas are more independent minded. Llamas tend to be more comfortable around people while alpacas tend to be more skittish and aloof.

b. 2012

Felix came from an inner-city youth program in the mountains that had to downsize their program. He originally came with another black alpaca named Oscar but he has sadly passed away. Felix has a traditional alpaca disposition in that he is aloof around people. He likes to eat treats from your hand over a fence but will move away if someone attempts to pet him. He is very calm and sweet but he generally prefers the company of the other animals over people.

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