The spitting of alpacas is very normal and natural. They spit when they are nervous, stressed, or want to demonstrate dominance over another alpaca. They also spit when they are being sheared or trimmed by a human in order to avoid being hurt.

If you have just brought home an alpaca, it is a good idea to allow them time to adjust before trying to groom them yourself. If you try to groom them too soon after purchase, they may spit at you out of fear or nervousness. If this happens and it bothers you, wait until they become more comfortable with their new surroundings before attempting any grooming.

It is also important to keep in mind that if your alpaca has been bred recently (within the last 90 days), they will be very protective of their cria and may become aggressive towards anyone who approaches them during this time period.

Last modified: October 4, 2022