Huacaya (wah-KI-ya) – The “teddy bear” alpaca, whose full coat presents a round woolly appearance. The Huacaya fleece is crimped and very dense.
Suri (SIR-ee) – The alpaca with dreadlocks. The Suri has long, non-crimped, lustrous “pencils” growing downward.
Cria (KREE-ah) – Baby alpaca 0-6 months of age.
Weanling – 6-12 months of age.
Yearling – 12 months to 2 years of age.
Adult, Mature – 2 years of age and over.
Maiden – Unproven, breeding age female.
Junior Herd Sire – Unproven, breeding age male.
Herd Sire – Proven, breeding age male.
Unproven – Hasn’t produced offspring.
Proven – Has produced offspring.
Absorb – Loss of pregnancy in early months.
Orgle – The sound a male alpaca makes while breeding a female.
Alarm Call – Alert or warning sound. High pitched whistle.
Hum – Hmmmmmm . . . . Sound alpacas make when they perceive things to be “not quite right.”
Scream – Screech alpacas make when they are fighting or fussing.
Pronking – Running and hopping in the air with all 4 feet off the ground at once. Picture “Pepe le Pew” above.
Spit – Partially digested stomach contents.
Cush – Sitting/Lying down with all 4 legs tucked up under their body.
Agist – Boarding alpacas off your property.
Skirting – Preparing fleece sheared off the alpaca for show or processing.