Contoocook Alpaca is located in Hopkinton, just west of Concord. There are currently 23 alpacas, 9 males and 14 females, at our farm. We are expecting 6 more new arrivals this year, 2 having been born so far this spring. Females give birth to one cria (baby) after a gestation period of approximately 10 ½ to 11 ½ months.  

Alpacas are camelids, members of the camel family, and from a distance are often confused with the more common llama, to which they are smaller cousins. There are 2 kinds of alpacas (and llamas): the huacaya, which has a soft bushy fleece, and the suri, which has long silky dreadlocks. Our herd is made up of huacayas. 

Their main vocalization is humming. While they sometimes spit, it is usually a defensive measure, and most often directed at one another. They are gentle, curious, and stick together as a herd. Instinctively they share a common pile for their “business.” 

Alpaca fiber is extremely soft and warm, many times warmer than sheeps’ wool, and hypoallergenic. Shearing takes place yearly, in the spring. 

We are members of AFCNA, the Alpaca Fiber Cooperative of North America, and NEAFP, the New England Alpaca Fiber Pool. After our animals are shorn, we prepare the fleeces by separating the usable parts and picking out debris, then ship the fiber to be processed. Finished products, including the very popular Extreme socks, are then made available to us to sell. 

Please call to visit the animals and/or select from our beautifully warm alpaca products.