Spoiler alert: Alpacas don’t like to spit
Kelley Tantau steps out of the office to learn how to train an alpaca, for the latest in our series.
A small cria named Te Kowhai Quiddam ( Qui to his friends) cuddled up to his mum with a shy demeanour.
Outside the shed, others were peering in, nosily resting on the gate to get a closer look.
They each had their own personalities: bashful, brave, proud, poised.
There is certainly more than meets the eye with alpacas.
I was recently challenged by Ann Weir to train a cria (baby alpaca) for the upcoming Waikato A&P Show, October 28-30.
Although I don’t think I have the stomach for showmanship, I was more than happy to go behind the scenes with Ann to her business, Te Kowhai Alpacas.
The sprawling land was scattered with the animals, who each have their own names (Mr. T, Barbie).
I was introduced to four alpacas and lead around Qui, his mother Santa, and another cria called Te Kowhai Top Wire.
But before I did, Ann ran me through the basics, and said to just treat them like you would a human.
If you were walking down the street and someone ran up to you and started patting your head, you would most likely back off.
‘‘There is certainly more than meets the eye with alpacas.’’
If they haltered you and proceeded to lead you around, you’d be concerned.
It’s all about respect, Ann explained.
I had never been close to an alpaca before and I admit I was nervous. In a weird way, I wanted them to like me.
But Ann was a great teacher and has many years of experience with the animal, and I enjoyed my time with all of the alpacas at Te Kowhai.
Alpacas are commonly mistaken for llamas, and vice versa.
They are both Camelids, from the same family as camels, but a llama is a lot larger than an alpaca.
Llamas are more of a packcarrying animal, while alpacas are a luxury fiber-producing animal.
And (spoiler alert), alpacas don’t often spit. It is the final straw, Ann said. When alpacas spit they regurgitate their stomach contents, leaving the animal with an unpleasant taste in their mouths.
There are so many things you can learn about alpacas.
They are affectionate, inquisitive and empathetic.
They are interesting to watch and are easy animals to fall in love with.
And while I might not be game enough to show a cria, keep an eye out for a few of Ann’s alpacas at the Waikato A&P Show this weekend.