Brown eyes or blue?
October 2nd 2007 22:28
Alpacas can have either brown eyes or various shades of blue, from very dark to an ice water blue. Some have one brown and one blue.
There is a lot of controversy within the industry about whether alpacas with blue eyes should be used for breeding. Some people think that the blue eye gene is a defect and should be bred out, Other people prefer the blue eyed alpacas.
There are some thoughts out there that alpacas with blue eyes are deaf. The one in this photo is definitely deaf, (a lovely calm girl too), but there are also blue eyed alpacas who can hear perfectly.
I heard a theory that if you put white, blue eyed alpacas together, you’ll always get a white cria. I haven’t tested this out (our boys have all had brown eyes). If it’s true, then that would be useful for commercial breeders, who, like sheep breeders, want all white fleeces.
I don’t believe that alpacas with blue eyes are any less healthy than their brown eyed counterparts. They don’t appear to suffer any ill-effects because of their eye colour. So, I think it’s just a matter of personal choice.
I think the ones with the really icy eyes can have a spooky look about them, but you get used to it and it kind of grows on you. I don’t mind them. I’ve found that the brown eyed ones are more popular and sell more quickly though.
There is a lot of controversy within the industry about whether alpacas with blue eyes should be used for breeding. Some people think that the blue eye gene is a defect and should be bred out, Other people prefer the blue eyed alpacas.
Alpaca with blue eyes
I heard a theory that if you put white, blue eyed alpacas together, you’ll always get a white cria. I haven’t tested this out (our boys have all had brown eyes). If it’s true, then that would be useful for commercial breeders, who, like sheep breeders, want all white fleeces.
Alpaca with brown eyes
I don’t believe that alpacas with blue eyes are any less healthy than their brown eyed counterparts. They don’t appear to suffer any ill-effects because of their eye colour. So, I think it’s just a matter of personal choice.
I think the ones with the really icy eyes can have a spooky look about them, but you get used to it and it kind of grows on you. I don’t mind them. I’ve found that the brown eyed ones are more popular and sell more quickly though.
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Comment by JoH
Persistent Parent
Its very unusual for an animal to have blur eyes, isn't it? Your blue-eyed Alpaca looks very handsome!
Comment by Rosemary
Alpaca Notes - Tasmania
Are you sure that's not just "selective" deafness? Just mention, very quietly, that you're out of beer and see if he hears that.
Most of our alpacas have brown eyes. The blue runs in families and I think the brown gene could be dominant, (but not 100% sure about that).
Cheers.
Comment by katyzzz
Photography Tips
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I think they are getting their species mixed up, info is common for cats.
I had to laugh at the 'selective deafness' tho.
I just adore them all.
All so beautiful, too beautiful for words. I feel a song coming on.
Keep on bringing us those lovely posts.
katyzzz
Comment by Lilla
Enviro Warrior
An Extra Ordinary Life
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Fascinating, as always. I had no idea about this, although I find icy-blue in humans spooky too ... my husband has sideways pupils (cat's eyes) ...that's more spooky than the alpaca *chuckle* who is quite cute.
Does that mean blue eyed humans might be inferior too?
Lilla ...