Alpaca Sounds & What They Mean
If you spend any time around alpacas, you quickly realise they’re far from silent. Their sounds are usually gentle and subtle, but once you learn to recognise them, they tell you a lot about what’s happening in the herd.
Here at Rhyndaston Alpacas, we listen to these sounds every day — from quiet humming between mothers and babies, to the occasional sharp alarm call that sends everyone on high alert. Some noises are reassuring, some are expressive, and some are very clear warnings.
Understanding alpaca sounds isn’t just interesting — it’s useful. Whether you’re visiting on an alpaca walk, thinking about ownership, or simply curious about how alpacas communicate, knowing what you’re hearing helps you understand their behaviour and wellbeing far more clearly.
Humming: the most common alpaca sound
Humming is the sound most people notice first. It’s a soft, continuous noise and usually signals reassurance or gentle communication. Mothers often hum to their crias, and you’ll hear it during feeding times or when the herd is settling.
It’s not a sound of distress — quite the opposite. Humming is one of the ways alpacas maintain calm within the group.
Clucking and clicking between mothers and crias
Alongside humming, some alpaca mums use soft clucking or clicking noises when communicating with their babies. It’s a gentle, rhythmic sound — not loud or urgent — often used to guide a cria to feed, encourage them to follow, or offer reassurance.
Interestingly, this isn’t something every alpaca does in the same way. We have one particular female here at Rhyndaston who seems to “teach” all her crias this sound. Once you’ve noticed it, you can hear the same pattern repeat with each new baby. It’s a small detail, but a lovely reminder that alpacas have individual communication styles.
Alarm calls: when something doesn’t feel right
Alarm calls are sharp, loud and unmistakable. They’re used when an alpaca perceives a threat — whether that’s a dog, a sudden movement, or something unfamiliar in the environment.
When one alpaca calls, the rest of the herd will usually respond instantly. Heads go up, bodies tense, and everyone focuses in the same direction. It’s a strong example of how alpacas rely on each other for safety.
Squabbles and disagreements
Not all alpaca sounds are calm and soothing. During feeding or when boundaries are being tested, you may hear short, sharp noises that signal irritation or disagreement.
These moments are usually brief and part of normal herd dynamics. Alpacas are herd animals, but like any group, they occasionally need to negotiate personal space.
Why alpaca sounds matter
For owners, recognising these sounds helps with day-to-day care and welfare. Changes in vocalisation can signal stress, illness, or disruption within the herd.
For visitors, noticing these sounds often deepens the experience. Many people find the gentle communication between alpacas surprisingly calming — one of the reasons alpacas are so often associated with wellbeing.
If you’re interested in learning more about alpaca care, you may also enjoy reading Are Alpacas Easy to Keep? or Understanding Alpacas in Winter.
Want to hear these sounds for yourself?
The best way to understand alpaca communication is to spend time with them. On our alpaca walks and meet & greets, guests often notice humming, gentle squabbles and the occasional dramatic alarm call — and we explain what’s happening as it unfolds.
If you’re curious about alpaca behaviour, thinking about ownership, or simply looking for a calm, grounding experience in Pembrokeshire, you’re very welcome to visit us at Rhyndaston Alpacas.