Alpaca Etiquette 101

How to make friends and avoid getting spit at

When I enter the pasture, my buddy Clementine trots over to meet me. I bend over to look her in the eye and she softly sniffs my face. Cooing a greeting to this sweet girl, I gently tip my forehead into her topknot—the fluff of fleece between her ears. I reach a hand slowly to brush her neck. She jumps back. I will not pet her today. But, still, Clementine’s hellos lift my mood as I move through the barn chores.

One of the joys of keeping alpacas is the calming influence they have. Studies show that spending time with cows can lower blood pressure and has mental health benefits. Although I am unaware of any studies on the impact of alpacas on human health, I would bet that they have a positive influence because of how interacting with them demands you to calm and quiet your own body language. Alpacas, however, have emotional needs too, and how overeager visitors approach them actually scares them off. We like to give visitors to our herd Alpaca Etiquette 101 so they have the best chances of a snuggle from one of the girls.

I think it helps if people consider how much alpacas have in common with deer as opposed to cows or horses. Alpacas are prey and that makes them alert, sometimes skittish, and sensitive to movement and touch. Allowing an alpaca to warm up to you before you try to pet them goes a long way. Get down on their level. Alpacas like to smell you first. Some people get nervous having an alpaca’s face so close to theirs, but they will not lick or bite. Probably, they will not even touch you, but if they do, it will just be a gentle, whisper-light nuzzle.

To pet an alpaca, remember that they do not especially like to be touched, even by each other. Sometimes when we have visitors, a couple of our girls will cush—lie down—so people can pat their backs, but this is not typical behavior for them. If an alpaca lets you pet them, use the back of your hand so they do not feel grabbed, and focus your affection on the side of their neck or back. Do not grab their ears, heads, or tails. That’s rude. Sudden movements startle alpacas, so calm your body.

Do not stand behind them. Alpacas do not have many natural defenses, but kicking is one of them. In my experience, they are quick to kick, whether they feel threatened or annoyed. It’s best just to stand a leg’s distance away from their back ends. Alpacas weigh between 100 and 150 pounds on average, so a kick is not likely to injure you, but why not avoid the bruise?

A bit about spitting. Like llamas, alpacas spit. Females are spittier than males. No one has been spit at on our little farm more than I have. The smell is terrible. Mostly, alpacas do not spit at people, but they spit at each other plenty and it is easy to get caught in the crossfire. Before they spit, alpacas usually warn you by jutting their chin in your direction or making a guttural clucking sound. They also usually give a warning shot that is just breath and whatever is in their mouth, not the full-on regurgitated hay mess of real anger. If an alpaca is annoyed with you, give her space. Their spit has range.

No snacks, please. As with any animal, there are foods safe for humans that are not safe for alpacas. Mostly, though, they prefer hay.

Alpacas are wonderful creatures to spend time with, but like anyone, they appreciate your presence more when you show basic respect for their boundaries and customs.