Here's a fun one to impress your friends with: there are actually two different types of alpacas. They're the same species, they act the same, they hum the same, but their fleece is completely different. One looks like a walking teddy bear. The other looks like it just came from a very fancy salon. Let's break it down.
Huacaya: the fluffy teddy bears
Huacaya (pronounced wah-KI-ya) alpacas are the ones most people picture when they think "alpaca." Their fleece grows straight out from the body in a dense, fluffy, crimpy coat, which gives them that puffy, huggable look. Crimp is the natural waviness in each fiber, and it's part of what gives Huacaya fiber its loft, softness and warmth.
Huacaya are by far the more common type. The large majority of alpacas around the world are Huacaya.
Suri: the silky superstars
Suri (pronounced SUR-ee) alpacas grow fleece that hangs down from the body in long, silky, twisting locks, almost like dreadlocks. Suri fiber has a beautiful luster and drape. They're much rarer than Huacaya, and when you see one, they really do stop you in your tracks.
Quick ways to tell them apart
- Shape: Huacaya look round and puffy. Suri look sleek, with fleece hanging down.
- Texture: Huacaya fleece is crimpy and spongy. Suri fleece is smooth and silky.
- Shine: Suri fiber has a noticeable luster. Huacaya fiber has a softer, more matte look.
- Numbers: If you're looking at an alpaca, odds are pretty good it's a Huacaya.
Our herd: Team Huacaya
All of the alpacas at Eagle Eye Farm are Huacaya except Viper, our one Suri. If you spot an alpaca with long, silky locks, that's Viper! We love that fluffy, crimpy fleece, and we're proud of the quality of our herd. Eagle Eye Farm was named the #1 small alpaca farm in the country in 2022 and the #1 medium alpaca farm in 2023 by the Alpaca Owners Association. When you visit, you'll see firsthand what great Huacaya fleece looks like, especially in the months before shearing when they're at peak fluff.
What happens to all that fleece?
Alpaca fiber, whether Huacaya or Suri, is warm, lightweight and naturally free of lanolin (the oily stuff in sheep's wool that bothers a lot of people). It's turned into yarn, socks, hats, blankets and so much more. If you've never worn alpaca socks, I'm sorry to tell you that you'll be ruined for regular socks forever.
You can find alpaca goods and other farm favorites at All Things Sheared, our farm store. And next time you visit the farm, take a close look at our Huacaya herd. Once you know what to look for, you'll be spotting crimp like a pro.
