Alpaca Association New Zealand

25/11/2025

“Alpacas make great guard animals for sheep” ✅ TRUE

Yes! Many overseas farmers use alpacas to protect their sheep as they’re naturally alert and will chase off foxes or dogs. However, they can still be attacked by dogs so it isn't 100% protection.

👉 Always use a small group of alpacas, not just one.

24/11/2025

“Alpacas spit all the time” ❌ BUSTED

Alpacas don’t spit for fun! 😆
They spit mainly to show dominance or irritation — usually at each other, not people. Sometimes you may get caught in the crossfire!

If one spits at you, it’s probably because it’s frightened or feels cornered. Handle calmly and give them space.

Have you been christened with alpaca spit?

23/11/2025

“You can tell if an alpaca is healthy just by looking” ❌ BUSTED

Fleece hides a lot!
Alpacas can look plump but be underweight underneath.

✅ Always check Body Condition Score (BCS) by feeling along the spine and ribs.
Ideal range: 2.5–3.5 out of 5.

20/11/2025

“Alpacas are no-maintenance” ❌ BUSTED

They’re hardy, yes — but not “no-maintenance”!

They need:
🌾 Quality feed and pasture management
💧 Fresh water daily
🩺 Vaccinations, drenching, and toenail trims
🐑 Annual shearing

They’re wonderful animals — but they still need daily care.

20/11/2025

20/11/2025

Please feel free to tag yourself and/or your Alpaca Herd on the relevant photos.

18/11/2025

“Alpacas don’t need shearing every year” ❌ BUSTED
Annual shearing is essential for alpaca welfare!

Skipping a year can lead to:
🐑 Overheating and heat stress
🧵 Matting and skin issues
💧 Flystrike risk

Aim to shear once a year — usually in spring — and provide shelter after shearing if it’s cold.

Not to mention the fleece is glorious for spinning and knitting, or you can sell it raw from the animal!

17/11/2025

“Alpacas can live alone” ❌ BUSTED

Alpacas are herd animals through and through.
A single alpaca will suffer stress, anxiety, and loneliness.

✅ Ideally keep at least three alpacas together.
✅ They rely on their herd for comfort, protection, and communication.

Happy herds = healthy alpacas 💚

13/11/2025

“Alpaca fibre is itchy like wool” ❌ BUSTED

Alpaca fibre is luxuriously soft! ✨
Unlike sheep’s wool, alpaca fibre has a smooth surface and no lanolin, making it hypoallergenic and non-itchy.

That’s why it’s prized for next-to-skin garments. A few of our members have farm shops that sell garments, like this gorgeous jersey from Nevalea Alpacas Farm Shop.

💬 Have you ever worn pure alpaca fibre? How did it feel?

12/11/2025

Alpacas don’t get flystrike” ❌ BUSTED

Alpacas can and do get flystrike!
While their dense fleece offers some protection, moisture, dirt, or wounds can attract flies.

✅ Check animals regularly — especially around the tail, legs, and any wounds.
✅ Keep paddocks clean.
✅ Shear and crutch as needed to reduce risk.

🚨 Flystrike is painful and can be fatal — prevention is key!

09/11/2025

💥 Think you know alpacas? Let’s find out!

This month, we’re busting some of the biggest myths about alpacas — from fibre and feeding to behaviour and welfare.

We’ll share a dozen myths — some BUSTED ❌, some TRUE ✅ — to help promote better understanding and care for alpacas across Aotearoa 🇳🇿

💬 How many do you think you’ll get right?