Are there llamas in canada

There are a growing number of alpaca product specialty stores handling local as well as imported alpaca products. As the North American market for alpaca fibre grows and develops, we are expanding to the commercial level.

A show circuit, as well as fleece shows for alpacas has developed in Canada. Public awareness of our industry has grown tremendously in the last few years. As an opportunity for agricultural diversification, or as a hands off investment, the alpaca in Canada is certainly finding its niche. There are registered alpaca farms and ranches in Canada at present and that number is continuing to grow. Given Canada's pre-eminent registry system, the high quality and diverse nature of the genetic make up of our national herd, and the positive prospects for the alpaca fibre industry in Canada, the future of the alpaca in Canada is assured.

The industry can expect to grow and flourish in the new millennium. For information about alpaca care, fibre production and more, please complete the request form. Discover the Alternative Lifestock. The fibre mill has a waiting list of almost two years. Shet said more mills are opening across the province and she hopes they will pick up the slack, as the interest in using alpaca fibre for clothing continues to grow.

Jody Pellerin, vice-president of the Canadian Llama and Alpaca Association, said more and more uses are being found for the fibre. Everybody likes their socks. The rise in Alberta's alpaca population is concerning for Pellerin. She said she is often contacted by people who have already acquired one but have little knowledge on how to care for the animals. They have no registration.

They have no idea of what the animal is or where it's come from. South of Edmonton, Rynn Parraw, a shaman therapist with a doctorate in parapsychology, works with a client to work on creating deep relationships. Parraw uses the animals in therapy sessions. They stand inside a pen with a dozen alpacas.

An alpaca will not necessarily spit regurgitated green matter but instead may only air spit. Some female alpacas can get pregnant when they are less than 12 months old. In the UK most breeders mate their females at months by which time they have already grown a good strong frame.

Stud male alpacas tend to start working from years. Alpacas are induced ovulators so are able to get pregnant at any time of year. It is best to have cria born in the spring. Alpacas are herd animals and cannot be kept on their own. A minimum of two is required, but preferably a group of three would be better.

Also a female cannot be kept without the company of at least one other female. In this case you need to purchase castrated males or young males which are not good enough quality to breed from. These will be the cheapest alpacas to buy as they are not breeding stock. Llamas have a very dignified aristocratic manner about them and are naturally curious, often coming close to sniff strangers. They prefer to be petted on their necks and backs and are a natural combination for working with children as they are gentle and rarely bite or kick unless provoked.

They are highly social animals and need the companionship of another llama. Llamas communicate their moods with a series of tail, body and ear postures, and vocalizations. Humming is a common manner of communicating between llamas and indicates a variety of moods from contentedness to concern. Another interesting llama vocalization is the shrill rhythmic alarm call emitted at the sight of a strange animal or a frightening situation.

Seldom directed at people, spitting is usually related to disputes over food and to establish a pecking order between llamas. If a llama has been mishandled, mistreated or become imprinted on people through bottle feeding as a baby the llama may have a tendency to spit at humans. Bottle fed male llamas can be potentially dangerous when they reach adulthood as there is no longer the normal boundary between themselves and people.