Humming, Orgling and Pronking… 10 Things You Probably Didn’t Know About Alpacas and Their Fibre - theHumm July 2016
Humming, Orgling and Pronking… 10 Things You Probably Didn’t Know About Alpacas and Their Fibre - theHumm July 2016
By — Shannon Rouleau
Aside from being cute, these relatives of the camel are popping up on modern day farms across the country. Sometimes called the “green sheep”, they were domesticated about 6000 years ago, and continue to intrigue and surprise us. Test yourself on the fun facts below and see how many you knew.
Alpacas hum, even if they do know the words! Although they appear to enjoy music in the barn, that’s not the reason they hum. Alpacas hum to communicate their curiosity, uncertainty, or distress. Mothers will produce a distinct type of hum after giving birth, and “talk” regularly to their new cria (baby) to promote bonding. Alpacas also use an alarm call when they spot something unusual, and males orgle (sing) to their partners at breeding time.
Alpacas are neat-freaks (at least when it comes to their bathroom habits). They use communal dung piles — all making a deposit in the same spot (which makes clean-up a breeze). They also like to play “follow the leader” when it comes to washroom breaks — when one goes, there’s a line-up and everyone waits their turn.
Alpacas don’t like spitting either! While they usually only spit at other alpacas over space or food, even they think it’s a nasty experience. After an alpaca has been spitting, it will develop “sour mouth” and will have to air-out its mouth by letting it hang open for a while.
Along with the haircut (spring shearing), alpacas get pedicures too. Since alpacas have soft pads instead of hooves, they require toenail clipping sessions to snip off anything not worn down in the pasture. With no upper front teeth, an alpaca ‘clips’ grass instead of pulling it out of the ground. This combination of padded feet and gentle grass “cutting” means alpacas are pasture-friendly.
Alpacas give new meaning to “chew your food”. They chew their cud in a figure-8 motion and, if you watch closely, you can actually see it move up and down their long necks. They are modified ruminants with three stomachs instead of four. Food ferments for about sixty hours in the first stomach before moving on, and alpacas ruminate about eight hours a day!
Alpacas are all about the heat, but not the fire. While the hollow core of the alpaca fibre makes it many times warmer than wool, alpaca fibre meets US standards to be classed as a fire-resistant fibre for use in clothing and furnishings. That’s one reason why alpaca duvets are so popular.
Alpacas respond to a simple and inexpensive pregnancy test. About four days after breeding, the female alpaca “knows” she is pregnant. When the male is re-introduced to her, she spits at him and runs away. She will do this for the next eleven-plus months while she carries the cria.
Alpaca really is a “dry” fleece. It has no lanolin — the greasy lubricant in sheep wool that requires intense chemical scouring. (This lack of lanolin and lack of scales on the fibres is often credited for the hypo-allergenic label given to alpaca.) But what really makes alpaca “dry” is that it is virtually waterproof when felted; as knitwear, it can absorb between 20%-50% of its own weight in moisture while keeping the wearer comfortable.
It’s all about the “beans”, according to gardeners. Because of the alpaca’s efficient digestive system, weed seeds don’t make it through to the waste. Alpaca beans (feces) have low odour and ideal levels of nitrogen and potassium that won’t burn plants, even when applied fresh. Bean connoisseurs swear by alpaca “tea” (for the garden).
Alpacas dance when they are happy. Well, maybe it’s not dancing, but this graceful all-four-feet-off-the-ground bouncing, called pronking, is always associated with happiness: a member of the herd returning from an off-site event, crias enjoying a new pasture, or the celebration of a sunset after a perfect day. If you’ve seen joyful alpacas pronking you’ll agree — they’re celebrating and, yes, maybe even dancing!
There’s so much to learn about these fascinating creatures that are making a name for themselves in the fashion industry, in crafting communities, and with families looking for unique, green farming opportunities. Visit one of the area farms opening their barn doors on September 24 and 25 for this year’s National Alpaca Farm Days: Ballintotas Alpacas ballintotasalpacas.com , Silent Valley Alpaca silentvalleyalpaca.ca , and Wilhaven Ridge Alpacas wilhaven-ridgealpacas.ca . You’re sure to find out more interesting facts about alpacas!
Pieter Doef —In the Service ofArt and Humanity - theHumm July 2016
Fifteen years ago, theHumm was pleased and privileged to feature artist and sculptor Pieter Doef as our profiled artist in April 2001. The headline read “Pieter Doef — A Life-long Art of Givin......
Fibrefest Marks 21 Years - theHumm July 2016
Mark the weekend of September 10 and 11 on your calendars because you won’t want to miss the Mississippi Valley Textile Museum’s 21st annual Fibrefest. At two locations — the Museum and the Al......
Walk These Ways with MMLT! - theHumm July 2016
This fall, the Mississippi Madawaska Land Trust (MMLT) offers two great opportunities to get out and enjoy nature walks in beautiful Lanark County.
Walk on the Wild Side w......
Humming, Orgling and Pronking… 10 Things You Probably Didn’t Know About Alpacas and Their Fibre - theHumm July 2016
By — Shannon Rouleau
Aside from being cute, these relatives of the camel are popping up on modern day farms across the country. Sometimes called the “green sheep”, they were domesticated about 6000 years ago, and conti......
Almonte in Concert Returns for New Season - theHumm July 2016
By — Maureen Nevins, Artistic Director
Almonte in Concert’s 2016-17 season features an outstanding roster of Canadian and international artists in performances that promise to be exciting and diverse. We are exceedingly fortunate to hav......
Choral Evensong in Perth - theHumm July 2016
You are invited to Choral Evensong at St. James the Apostle Anglican Church in Perth on Sunday, September 25 at 4pm. The service follows Evening Prayer in the Book of Common Prayer, which is n......
First Annual “tapastree” Fundraising Event - theHumm July 2016
Just in time for National Seniors Day and the International Day of Older Persons, Mills Community Support is delighted to invite everyone to attend tapastree — a wonderful weave of local food, drin......
Smiths Falls Hits Hole in One with Team Henderson - theHumm July 2016
On Friday, September 9, the Town of Smiths Falls is hosting a celebration to welcome their hometown golf pro — Brooke Henderson — back from the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janiero and to acknowled......
Ottawa Valley Country Music Hall of Fame 2016 Inductees Include Gord Barnes, The Countrymen, Clarence Bowes & Jim Hickey - theHumm July 2016
Mac Beattie was the very first musician inducted into the Ottawa Valley Country Music Hall of Fame, in 1981, and the organization is set to celebrate its 35th anniversary by welcoming four new memb......
OVMF PresentsClassicism Par Excellence - theHumm July 2016
The Ottawa Valley Music Festival’s final concert of the 2016 season takes place in Pembroke on Sunday, September 18, when they present a programme of Haydn and William Boyce.
Classicism Par ......
Kingston Writersfest 2016 - theHumm July 2016
By — John Pigeau
Every year since its inception in 2009, the Kingston WritersFest has brought a wealth of top-notch literary talent to Canada’s first capital. This year, they may have outdone themselves.
To say t......
Two Launches at the Book Nook - theHumm July 2016
The Book Nook in Perth is looking forward to two local launches in September!
On Saturday, September 10 from 1 to 3pm, author Amanda West Lewis will read from and sign copies of her book The......
A Salon of the Masters Richard Gill’s Annual Fall Show - theHumm July 2016
“Salon”, from the French word meaning a livingroom or parlour, denotes a conversational gathering. Traditionally this was a select group of intellectuals, artists or politicians who met under the r......
Granary’s Lil’ Sprouts Program Returns - theHumm July 2016
Last fall The Granary in Carleton Place launched its ?rst ever Lil’ Sprouts Grant Program. The idea was a simple one: to help a local organization connect kids with food. Interested community group......
Fibre, Food & Drink in Mississippi Mills - theHumm July 2016
Well, I certainly hope everyone soaked up all the sun there was to be had in August! Fortunately, as the days grow shorter, there is no shortage of terrific events to keep you entertained, educated......
Pfaff and Cormier in General - theHumm July 2016
An exhibition featuring the work of Leta Cormier and Mary Pfaff runs from August 16 to October 2 at General Fine Craft in Almonte.
Leta Cormier (North Gower) has passionately work......
Competition: Local & International - theHumm July 2016
Watching the Olympics last month, I got thinking about the positive and negative aspects of competition.
Some people have a competitive nature. I am not one of those people… well, except in grad......
Wander, Savour, Collect The 2016 Crown and Pumpkin Studio Tour - theHumm July 2016
By — Laurel Cook
The 20th Crown and Pumpkin Studio Tour will take place in the Almonte and Clayton areas on the Thanksgiving weekend (October 8–10) from 10am to 5pm each day, with more studios and participatin......
Take a Closer Look at Nature with the Field Naturalists - theHumm July 2016
By — Pauline Donaldson
On Thursday, September 15, the Mississippi Valley Field Naturalists (MVFN) begin a new season of natural history talks — this year’s theme is “Wild Creature Close-Ups”. Be prepared to meet dra......
Doors Open North GrenvilleEdge-of-Your-Seat Mystery Closes CTF - theHumm July 2016
A body has shown up, and everyone on stage is a suspect. It’s the starting point for An Inspector Calls, and what at first glance sounds like a familiar plot becomes, in the hands of legendary Brit......
The Grandmotherof All Comedies… - theHumm July 2016
By — Paul Joyce
Nick has just received a job offer in Seattle that he simply can’t refuse. Trouble is, accepting it means he’ll have to tell his grandparents he’s moving away from New Jersey. And if you’re Italian......
Celebrate — It’s a Duty! - theHumm July 2016
I am writing this column in an apartment precisely three blocks from the K-Rock Centre in Kingston where, in two days, The Tragically Hip will perform their last concert. The mood in the city is ce......
Lots to See in Galleries and on Tours! - theHumm July 2016
“Witness” in Almonte
From September 2 to October 9, Sivarulrasa Gallery is proud to present a solo exhibition of new and recent sculptures by Almonte-b......
Discover the Art of Véronique Stéfanica - theHumm July 2016
The 2016 North Gower/Kars Discovery Tour, which takes place on September 17 and 18, 10am to 5pm, showcases the work of more than thirty fantastic artists, at fourteen stops within an hour’s dr......
Settlement & Return Perth Autumn Studio Tour - theHumm July 2016
The Tay Valley has a history of European settlement reaching back over two hundred years, which is being celebrated this year. Settlers came for many reasons, but mainly to escape hardship and star......
David Ross MacDonald Returns to MERA - theHumm July 2016
Australian singer-songwriter and fingerstyle guitarist David Ross MacDonald has a special relationship with Canada. MacDonald, who performs on Sunday, September 25 at MERA Schoolhouse in McDon......
R.I.P. Pete Fountain - theHumm July 2016
By — Tony Stuart is the Music Director at Notre Dame Catholic High School in Carleton Place, and a freelance professional musician
There have been some very high profile musicians who have left us over the past year, including David Bowie and Prince. However, on August 6 of this year, the jazz world lost a true gem, as cl......
Storywork: Telling Tales Rooted in the Land - theHumm July 2016
By — Jennifer Cayley
How long has it been since someone told you — not read, but told you — not just a good story but a great story, filled with adventures, transformations, compelling journeys and valiant people facin......
Movies to Fall For… - theHumm July 2016
By Matt Roche
Our summer season is finally winding down. Those mega-blockbusters and frivolous flicks are ending their run, and fall Oscar season will kick into high gear soon enough. In the meantime, while we a......
W-RI (GH) T-E for Reading - theHumm July 2016
English is a funny language sometimes, and words can be used to enlighten, bemuse or even fool. I am not familiar enough with other languages, but this month I will introduce you to a group that is......
The EasiestPath to Knowledge - theHumm July 2016
On these pages you’ll find a great collection of classes, courses and lessons for all ages and skill levels, as well as several testimonials from area students.
Taught by talented local artists, ......
Community Choirs - theHumm July 2016
By — Glenda Jones
“No more teachers, no more books…” Oh, the luxury of learning for its own sake! The Almonte Lecture Series, that informative but relaxed way to spend an evening, returns on the last Friday of the n......
On Children’s Books - theHumm July 2016
By Pam Harris, Librarian
Stacy Horn wrote in Time magazine that: “When you sing, musical vibrations move through you, altering your physical and emotional landscape. Group singing, for those who have done it, is the most e......
A Shout-Out to Great Teachers - theHumm July 2016
Our Classes, Courses, Lessons section is always full of ads from many great teachers, artists and studios in the area, but this year we thought we would ask some students to weigh in too. We invite......
Cutting Down onBird-Window Collisions - theHumm July 2016
By Bob Volks
Cathy Blake
Almonte Potters Guild
Justine Kummer, a University of Alberta researcher, recently released a new study on how we can best avoid bird......
New at the Festival of Small Halls… - theHumm July 2016
At its core, the Ontario Festival of Small Halls is about celebrating community.
The Festival is set to start strumming this month, welcoming an inspiring combination of big names in music and l......
Art and Healing - theHumm July 2016
Since 2007, art has been part of the healing environment of the wonderful Almonte General Hospital (AGH), as well as Fairview Manor (FVM), the attached long-term care facility. Shortly after the ne......
Hypnosis for Creative Types - theHumm July 2016
By — Trevour Strudwick, CH, MNLP, can be found at The INSIGHT Studio, located at 163A Bridge Street in Carleton Place <InsightStudioCanada.com>
If you’re like most people, you probably have a misunderstanding about what hypnosis is and the many ways it can help you. Others may have heard about the benefits of using hypnosis to stop smoking......
Blues on the Rideau - theHumm July 2016
The Carleton Place Drug Strategy Committee is proud to announce that the 6th annual Brett Pearson Run for Your Life fundraiser will take place from 9am to 1pm on Saturday, September 24, to rai......
The 6th Brett Pearson Run for Your Life - theHumm July 2016
Blues On The Rideau — the dinner and show fundraiser series that has been running at The Cove Country Inn in Westport for the past eleven years and is now recognized as one of the premier blues ser......
Our Olympics - theHumm July 2016
Our big adventure of the summer is over, our trip to the national agility trials done, with two ribbons to our credit. It was truly a huge endeavour, not only for me and dear little Bonnie, but als......
The Best theFilm World Has to Offer - theHumm July 2016
By Glenda Jones
Now in its 14th year, Film Night International continues to seek out and bring the best of the best in award-winning and festival favourites from across North America and around the world to local ......
A Delicious Reason to Go to Dunrobin - theHumm July 2016
If you do not live in Dunrobin or drive through it en route, it is an unlikely destination — although frequently mentioned in travel directions (as in “go through Dunrobin and…”). But we are please......
Jul 8 Storytime with Heidi at the Maberly Hall
Jul 8 Storytime with Heidi at the Maberly Hall
Jul 13 Community "Yart" Sale
Jul 13 Community "Yart" Sale
Jul 18 Multicultural Potluck
Jul 18 Multicultural Potluck
Jul 18 Multicultural Potluck
Jul 18 - 27 Bloomfest Garden Art Show & Sale
Jul 18 - 27 Bloomfest Garden Art Show & Sale
Jul 26 Craft and Colour
- Jim Fisher — Popularizing Art
- Back by Popular Demand Almonte Craft Beer Fest Returns on July 25
- Have You Heard this Joke Before?
- Celebrating Elder Trees in Perth
- Stewart Park Festival Full Lineup and Super Schedule for 2025!
- 5th Merrickville Festival of the Arts A Marvelous Mix of the Arts from July 25–27
- HerbFest Returns A Celebration of Healthy Living, Music, and Local Flair
- BarnDoor Productions Bringing Summer Shakespeare Back to Perth
- A Community Yart Sale!
- Transform Your Garden with Art From Birdhouses to Bold Sculptures — Find them at Bloomfest!
