Alpaca Canada is hosting Canadian Alpaca Farm Days. Canadian alpaca breeders are welcoming visitors eager to experience alpacas up close, learn more about the Camelid family, how to raise and breed alpacas, and develop the fibre industry.
The quality of Canada’s alpacas is outstanding and the momentum in the growth of fibre is escalating. Alpaca Canada represents the Alpaca Canada members and promotes the development of a viable, sustainable, and integrated Canadian alpaca industry.
Alpacas are quiet, peaceful, and intelligent. These easy to raise animals can be handled by anyone and are safe around children. Visit a participating farm to learn more about these endearing creatures.
Search a registered member near you.
About Alpacas
Alpacas are Indigenous to the High Andes of the South American countries of Peru, Bolivia, and Chile.
Alpacas can adapt to most climates, elevations, and conditions. Their thick layer of fibre keeps them warm during winter and after being sheared in the spring, the hot summer does not bother alpacas. Alpacas can produce 3-10 lbs. of fibre per year.
Alpacas produce fibre as fine, soft, and silky as cashmere. Its luxurious feel provides incredible warmth, stronger than sheep’s wool, making it the perfect fibre for Canadians during extreme winters.
The two main types of alpacas are Huacaya and Suri alpacas. Huacaya alpacas produce crimpy, curly, dense, and soft wool while Suri alpacas have longer cylindrical locks resembling dreadlocks. Huacayas account for about 85-90% of all alpacas, and so, the Suri alpaca fibre is more rare and highly prized, as opposed to Huacaya alpaca.
Because of the two different fleece textures, the fibre is used slightly different. Huacaya fleece is used especially for clothes such as socks, mittens, and sweaters, whereas Suri fleece is ideal for high-quality outerwear such as coats and shawls.