Do They Spit?

Yes, they spit... green volleys of the stuff and with amazing accuracy. I couldn't be happier! It's been fourteen days since I bred four of the alpaca females on Stormwind Farm. They had "spit off" on day seven, but I don't assign much importance to the first behavior test. Spitting at that time simply means that the female ovulated and is producing progesterone. It can take up to thirty days for the embryo to attach to the uterine wall. Many pregnancies are lost during that time frame.

In any case, my second test always takes place on day fourteen. Usually, if the first breeding did not result in a pregnancy, the alpaca will allow another breeding to take place that day. If the female is pregnant...spit happens!

Maribel initially did not spit at all but tried to run away from Fortune. After a few seconds, I put a stop to the chase and got a nice rope burn from Fortune's lead for my trouble. Alpaca males are very strong, especially if they don't approve of the plan to be led out the breeding pen. Maribel managed a few meek, dry spits after she assured herself that she was safe from her unwanted suitor.

Caramel was next. During her first pregnancy, she spit such volumes of the green stomach juices that I—often caught in the crossfire—started wearing an old rain coat and a shower cap during her behavior tests. Caramel has become more confident and now spits less and with more accuracy. This time, T-Man left the pen with the vile stuff dripping down one side of his face. I escaped without a drop on me.

Then it was Claudia's turn. I think all experienced alpaca males know for certain when a female is pregnant. Some simply hope for a miracle. Not Tasman! He is too smart and pragmatic to indulge in wishful thinking. Knowing the outcome of our little test, he reluctantly entered what I call the bull pen. Obediently, he permitted me to halter him and followed me into the breeding pen. Claudia stood with her neck and head held high—ready for battle! Resigned to the futility of it all, Tasman turned his own head away from Claudia and stood quietly by my side. He's no fool!

Two days later, it was T-Man's turn again. I am convinced that Breeze totally enjoys the "game " of behavior testing. It gives her the opportunity to show the males just who is the boss on Stormwind Farm. She always lures them close to her with deceptively calm demeanor. T-Man, like other males before him, fell for Breeze's trick and...lots of spit. Poor fellow.

I would not advise novice alpaca breeders or those who work off the farm to schedule summer breedings and births in our climate here in New Jersey. Special care must be taken to protect health and fertility of dam and sire as well as the health of the cria born during high temperatures and humidity.