When the Spanish invaded South America over five centuries ago, they discovered woolly animals with a long neck, called "pacos". From "el paca" in Spanish, the word evolved to Alpaca, which is now the common name. The Alpacas have been domesticated for around 6000 years, and the Incas developed them into a superior fiber producer. The conquistadors eradicated the alpaca breeding program and a program was not re-established until about a half century ago by Julio Barredo.

Alpacas are found in Peru, Chile and Bolivia. Alpacas were first imported in to the US in 1984. Alpacas belong to the Camelid family and some believe the Alpaca developed from the wild Vicuna. There are a very small number of Vicunas left. Vicunas provides the finest fibre in the world.

Alpacas are known for their small size, abundant and soft fiber, and long necks and ears that point outward. Their short wedge-shaped heads are adorned with lots of wool and they have large, expressive eyes.

There are two types of alpacas-huacaya and suri. The huacaya alpacas have fiber that is dense, and wooly in appearance and gives them a teddy bear look. The suri alpaca is more rare. Their fiber hangs in long, separate, non-crimped locks. Alpaca fiber is prized for its softness, fineness and strength. It is three times stronger than sheep wool. There are many different colors of alpaca fleeces and they are a joy to spin.

Alpacas are very herd oriented and prefer the company of their own kind. They have a very gentle character. Alpacas are highly intelligent and clean animals.

At Big Sky Fiber Farm, we have just introduced our other animals to some Huacaya female alpacas. Boy, were they ever surprised. Life is settling down for them now and they are all getting along well.