Oh my...Alpacas!

[Kindred farm]

I recently moved to a new barn with my horses and to my surprise they have a couple alpacas. They are 2 neutered males, one just ignores me, the other is what they call friendly--but I have to tell you I am a bit put off by him. I feel what they call friendly might be a mild form of aggression. I know absolutely NOTHING about these beautiful animals, but would really like to get along with them since I have to walk through their area daily. So my questions are...

1. What signs do I look for if he is being aggressive? He will run right up to people with ears back and stand eye to eye with them. Is this normal? I am afraid to even touch him--I just side step around him, never turning my back to him. If I talk to him, the ears go up--but he stares at me, it is so weird.
He also "likes" to chew on the owners' (and others) hair, which they think is cute. I think he might be actually biting at them--not really showing a form of afffection.

2. If he does attack me--how do they attack? Will he try to knock me over? How do I handle that?

I just need to coexist with these guys because occasionally they are turned out with the horses. Any tips or suggestions would be great. Thanks for your time!

 

[mully]

They are curious animals and he wants to get to know you but is not quite sure of you at this point. You are in his space so give him time to get to know you. I doubt that he will attack you but you are wise to keep your eye on him, Give him time and he will get used to the idea of you coming into his space.

 

[Kindred farm]

Thanks Mully! Can I do anything to win his favor? What healthy treats can I give them without interfering with their diet? Anything to put the both of us at ease.

 

[ksalvagno]

You can try carrots or apples for a treat. Although I probably wouldn't feed him. That would just encourage him to come up to you even more.

If he is going to go after you, he will either spit or try and chest butt you. If he does do the chest butt, a good hard hit with your elbow should do the trick. The ears back is not a friendly gesture. If the ears go up when you are talking to him, that is good.

I don't consider chewing on hair or not respecting my personal space a good thing. The only problem is that you don't own the animal and will have to tread lightly since they think what he does is cute. I guess see what happens as time goes by and maybe when he gets used to you, he will just ignore you.

 

[mully]

Don't win his favor with treats just your respect by being a good strong "being" in his space. Ears back is not a threat just a sign like do not touch me. Just talk to him and do what you came to do... work with your horse.

 

[Kindred farm]

I don't consider chewing on hair or not respecting my personal space a good thing. The only problem is that you don't own the animal and will have to tread lightly since they think what he does is cute. I guess see what happens as time goes by and maybe when he gets used to you, he will just ignore you

I didn't think it was a good thing either--glad my instincts were right about that one. I would rather he just ignore me or respect my space while I'm there--my interaction with him is very limited--but I dont want to dread going to the barn because of this guy. Thanks!

Don't win his favor with treats just your respect by being a good strong "being" in his space.

This is exactly what I want our "relationship" to be. Thanks everyone for your advice.