Marcello is another one of our alpacas that I just don’t “get” (Morocco is the other). No matter how much I interact with the herd, I still can’t pick up on his personality. I’m not entirely convinced he has one.

"Hur durr durr durr."

Marcello was an “intact” male when he arrived at the ranch, but we weren’t too sure of his lineage, so there was no reason to keep him that way. He was the acting herd boss of the older boys until we weaned Tuscany and Morocco and added them to that herd. Marcello picked on them, biting and bullying, so he got booted to the girls’ herd. Now Mikayla bosses him around, and he hasn’t put a two-toed hoof out of line since.

Tulip: "I'm very distressed!" Marcello: "Now, how long has this fence been here?"

We often find Marcello standing at the far side of the paddock, staring blankly out over the range. Mom thinks he can see the cows in the valley below us. I think he’s got a screw loose. He is protective of the herd and its queen bee, though. Last time a coyote dared to approach the barn, Marcello put on quite a show of strength, stomping and snorting in his most threatening way (which is not very threatening). Mikayla was underwhelmed.

Whatever his personality is, I can’t complain about his fiber. It’s of average softness, but the color is a wonderful chocolate brown that blends well with white and looks great with gold accents. It’s also easy to work with, clinging together nicely while being spun and knitting up into chunky delicious hats and scarves.

Deep Roots: Marcello blended with Tuscany.