Alpacas are domesticated animals who can be found on farms all over the world. Originating from South America, they are distant relatives of camels and llamas, and resemble a small llama in their appearance. Female alpacas have a cria (baby) once every year, and are pregnant for 11 and a half months.
The reason why alpacas are becoming more popular on farms across the world is because of their wool. Alpaca fleece is incredibly soft and thick. Alpaca wool is similar to sheep wool, but is softer, warmer, and hypoallergenic (does not cause allergic reactions). In addition, Alpaca wool is also flame resistant!
Our Alpacas are sheared once every year in the Spring time, and our specialist shearer travels from New Zealand to do this with the greatest care. Our Alpacas are a part of our family and are raised in a comfortable environment, producing some of the greatest wool on offer, all our Alpacas even have names! Whenever you purchase from Ellie Jake Farm, your product will come with a picture and a name tag of the Alpaca that provided the wool for you.
The alpacas are let out into the field every morning and brought back to the front of the house in the evening, this ensures they are under constant supervision and we can keep an eye on them.
Alpacas are very inquisitive animals, and make fantastic guards! Our alpacas run out in the fields with our new-born lambs and their mothers, as well as running with the chickens. The alpacas make a great deterrent from foxes.
Rachel
