I M Nottallama

   I am an Alpaca. Although I belong to the family, Camelid, I'm not a Llama. Alpacas are smaller. There are two kinds of Alpaca, Huaycua and Suri. Suri have longer, straighter fiber, which looks a lot like they are wearing mops. Huaycua, like me, have shorter fiber, which makes us look fluffy. Although some Two-Leggeds say we are cuddlely and like hugs, not a lot of us really do. We are quite friendly though, and like to be given treats. Some of my favorites are apples, carrots, and on occasion Cheerios. I also love Dandelions, so please don't spray my field for them. I like clover too, but it doesn't like me so much.

There are also other plants that I may like to eat, but should stay away from. I depend on Two-Leggeds to keep these plants away. I am so curious at times, that I may eat a plant that isn't good for me.

   I'm very quiet. Instead of making lots of noise like other animals, I like to hum once in a while. Some Alpacas hum more than others. Sometimes, if you are paying attention you may notice that certain things make me hum. Sometimes, it's a way for me to say I'm not comfortable with something. Or I may be just talking with another alpaca. I can also make a noise called an "Alarm Call". I won't describe it here, but Two-Leggeds that have heard it will always remember it.

   I like to romp and play. If I am really happy, you will catch me bouncing across my field. Sometimes, I like to jump high in the air and kick. Two-Leggeds seem to enjoy watching me play.

   I'm not difficult to care for, but I am a farm animal. This means that I need you to watch out for me and care for me. I don't eat a lot, but I need you to make sure I have enough and that I have plenty of fresh water.

   I need a good shelter also. I don't like having to lie in a really dirty, wet spot. I would rather have a place where I can get out of the rain and wind when I want to. I don't mind the cold a lot, but if it gets too cold I need to be able to have a nice warm shelter to get into.

   Once a year Two-Leggeds will cut my fiber. They call it shearing, I call it torture. It doesn't hurt me, but like I said before, not all of us like to be held onto.

   My fiber is used for all kinds of things too. Many Two-Leggeds will spin it into yarn for knitting. Or use some of it for making felt. There are places that will make it into very fine clothes, rugs, and other things. It's very soft, and not itchy.