Have you ever walked with Alpacas? If not, you’re probably wondering what all the fuss is about!
Ten years ago, a handful of people could claim to have walked with an alpaca! Today, it’s that uncommon! There are many alpaca farm across the UK and many provide alpaca walks or experience. Why has this peculiar event become so well-known?
There isn’t one definitive answer and there’s a myriad of possible answers! Let’s take a look at some of them! First, but not the most important to me is how cute alpacas can be! What could be better when you post the photos you post on your Insta photos or posts on Facebook picture then posing for one of the cutest selfies of animals!
I completely agree that their luxurious fleeces and adorableness should not be overlooked However, there’s a lot more to these amazing animals. That’s why I’m of the opinion that walking with alpacas is a great way to become as well-known as it is. Alpacas have a gentle nature, sweet and sweet. They’re unassuming, yet clever. Alpacas are incredibly intelligent and unassuming. unlike an outing with a furry pet! First of all, the majority of alpacas don’t have a quest to reach the next lamppost! They’re not sniffing around or rushing to the park. Alpacas remain in the moment. They walk at a pace that is suitable for them. They take for a couple of steps, then stop to smell the grass, grab some leaves from the tree, or take an entire bite of delicious bush! They don’t hurry or hurry, and in fact, rushing doesn’t exist in their vocabulary! Alpaca walking is all about relaxation in being with a lovely and relaxed animal while you observe the birds singing in the sky and the buzzing of bees in the hedgerow, and the crickets running around on the grass. Walking with an alpaca is a wonderful way to relax. The pace of the alpaca is calming to the soul and during the time you’re walking, you will forget all your worries because the small bubble that you’re in with your alpaca companion is all you require immediately.
There’s also the huge eyes with soul. Yes, they’re out for ‘predators’, and it’s true that walking an alpaca and spotting an unassuming dog that’s off the lead could result in a stressed alpaca! When they’re calm and walking along with you, their eyes are awe-inspiring! an incredible dimension! Their souls are visible through their gorgeous long eyelashes. There’s a sense of confidence in knowing that you’re enjoying your walk with the alpaca and they’re equally enjoying the experience. They’re curious about everything that surrounds them. They’ll be the first to notice the deer in the distance and the red kite soaring over the rabbits who are playing in the corn fields next to them. Be attentive and walk one or two steps in their shoes and you’ll discover that the life of an alpaca is mostly one of peace and enjoying the present moment.
Walking with alpacas can also give you an exclusive glimpse into the fascinating herd dynamics. As we cherish and care for our loved ones and family alpacas have the same feelings. Every time we walk, we inform those who visit us about the group order and how it plays out on a walk with alpacas. Similar to us, alpacas have the leaders, the followers and those who like to be secure within an entire group. The pioneers are those who are looking for the shady and seek out the peaceful life! If you are walking with alpacas, we will try to match you with an alpaca who is right for your preferences! If you’re looking for a slower pace, relaxed lifestyle, we’ve got Achilles and Alcatraz in a relaxed state, scooting around behind enjoying their leisure and enjoying their time out of their paddocks, not having any pressure to hurry. But if you’re that kind that likes to be in the lead and leading the way taking a step forward and demonstrating the how, Apollo and Pan are your two best friends. Their curious personalities and their intuition allow them to be pioneers who give others confidence to follow.
There are also the ‘naughty’ ones or the “cheeky” ones, which we call them. …. These are the alpacas who do not adhere to the rules. They say “hey, I’d rather walk in front of you now and then “Hey, you’re right! I’ve changed my thoughts, and I’m now going towards the rear! “Why are we walking this slowly today? Why are we walking so quickly right now? These are the rebels in the alpaca community and while there is always a few within every group, there are an equally large number of alpaca walkers who love only the wild spirit exhibited by these individual individuals! This is why we often employ the expression, ‘there truly is an alpaca that’s suitable for anyone’!
Alpacas are an ideal walking companion or are there more to these soft, intelligent creatures that are terrified of birds, but sturdy enough to fend off the wild fox?
Of course, there’s much more to it. Cats, horses, dogs and others have been employed in therapy with animals for a long time. Their “domestication” has established them at the forefront of helping those in need of therapy. The gentleness, the unassumingness, the affection for humans as well as empathy, companionship and the capacity to be present are just some of the many qualities that are essential in therapy with animals. Many people do not realize that alpacas are also domesticated. Alpacas aren’t wild animals, and never have been! They share the same amazing characteristics of our typical animals So why wouldn’t they offer emotional support to people who require it?
The truth is that they can, and they are! There are a few alpaca farmers, just like us, bring our alpacas from the fields for a few hours (always with a couple of friends and remember that they’re herd animals!) to meet with people who are in dire need of alpaca affection. Imagine, for instance, you are in a residential care facility with a bed or being restricted to wheelchairs when a small group of alpacas show up to delight you! You can touch them, feed them and discover more about them in sitting in the privacy of your chair or bed. While it’s not as exciting as going to a farm, or having the opportunity to take an alpaca-walk, however, it’s the next best thing. And for that moment, you have an extremely beautiful and precious animal to meet and get familiar with. These experiences make a huge difference for many people in care home, in end of life treatment, hospice or those suffering from various additional issues or mental illness.
You’re probably thinking”wow! Alpacas are so much more than I could ever imagine and it’s true! However, walking with alpacas and animal therapy isn’t the only place where the magic of alpacas ceases. ….. The article has only touched on the appeal of’male alpacas”! The males are the only ones that accompany our guests, and it’s only males offer therapy. I’m sure you’re interested to find out why. …. It all comes down to the reality that female alpacas play an extremely important position in the herd, and has a different perspective in comparison to male alpacas. Are you interested in learning more?
Females belong to what prefer to refer to as an ‘evolved’ animal. If I told you that they are able to give birth in a variety of ways, depending on the time they want and that they have babies during daylight hours, and that they are aware of their pregnancy just seven days into their pregnancy, would you be with me? What would you think if I said to that you could get pregnant anytime in the season, at any time of the day, and that there are no seasons and just mating can make pregnant? Are you beginning to understand why alpacas are amazing and so advanced?
Female alpacas mature at approximately 18 months. Males usually reach three years old before they’re fully grown to maturity’. Females are in herds with other female alpacas, but they aren’t afraid of female llamas or two that are added to the mix. In our herd, Misty our llama is a vital part of the herd. She is an incredible ‘aunt’ the alpacas are having their ‘cria babies ‘, which are alpacas’ newborns.
Females typically’sit with a male about 18 months. Ours wait until they’re two years old, to give them those some extra months of maturity. Males enter the field wearing an animal harness and typically have a mate with three or more females in a single session. After seven days, the male will be sold and returned to female. If she’s had a baby (females have ovulators induced which means that success on the first try is not uncommon) she will not sit. Instead, she will spit into the face of her lover! That’s right She will then splatter her former lover with a huge face of chewed grass regurgitated! What a romantic idea! Mr. Lover will be aware that there’s no hanky-panky this morning and he’ll head back to his home field!
It’ll be nearly twelve months later before the baby makes its debut. Mum is also savvy and gives birth between 8:30am between 2:30pm and 9:30am. There are of course some exceptions, but the instinct of mums to give her child the best chance of survival is a solid one! This is rooted in their homelands in the Andes. Birthing in the darkness in the Andes is a risky venture. It’s cold, and predators can be found. This is why these wise mothers have developed to birth during daylight hours, during the time when the sun’s out and babies have the best chance of warming well. The baby can start feeding in the nick of time and be protected within the safety that the group. Smart!
If you’re familiar with watching other animals birth, you’ll realize that a lot of them are much more chilled than humans. Alpacas are, in fact, the most relaxed birthers! I’ve seen moms in the morning eating breakfast while their baby is on the way out! The year we had a baby, when one of our moms was born, she happily strolled over to meet our guests for a bit of food! The baby was born 5 minutes after! There are of course problems, but it’s very rare, and the majority of adorable babies are in the air and part of the herd in a matter of minutes!
Walking with alpacas can be an experience that is relaxing. If you’re looking for an alpaca walk close to you, make sure to check whether you’ll get to know more about the incredible life of the females in her herd. There’s a lot to know about fascinating facts, and no alpaca walking experience is not complete if you leave not only at peace, but filled with new knowledge about the amazing animals and the eagerness to plan your next alpaca trek!