WHY LLAMAS?

Because they are gentle, highly intelligent, easily trained animals, that will give you hours of enjoyment.  The perfect "Companion Animal".  You might ask "What do you do with a Llama?"  Some people are satisfied to simply watch them graze in their pastures.  More and more people are enjoying showing their llamas in local, regional and national llama shows.  Of course, llamas were originally domesticated for packing, so there is nothing more enjoyable than a mountain hike with the llama carrying the provisions.  People are also using them as guard animals for sheep.  Cart driving is also becoming more and more common.

OTHER LLAMA FACTS YOU SHOULD KNOW

Life span:        15-25 years.
Weight:            250 - 450 lbs.
Height:            3 to 4 feet at shoulders.
Colors:            Solids, spotted, tuxedos etc.  gray, white, brown, black, and all variations of colors.

Llamas are natives of the Andes Mountains and have been domesticated and used as pack animals, a valuable source of meat and wool, with their droppings providing a source of fertilizer and fuel for over 5,000 years.  Llamas, Alpacas, Vicunas and Guanacos are members of the Camelid Family.

DO LLAMAS SPIT?

Yes, for the same reasons a dog would bite you or a horse might kick you.  It is a way of defending itself or establishing territory or dominance in the herd.  A bred female will also "spit off" a male.

IS IT TRUE, LLAMAS GUARD SHEEP!

Yes, a single gelded llama will protect a flock of sheep from many predators, such as coyotes or marauding dogs.

CAN I AFFORD A LLAMA?

Yes.  Llamas sell at a variety of prices, depending upon whether you are buying breeding stock or want pets or packers.  Because llamas are highly social animals, you should plan on buying at least two unless you have other compatible livestock.

ARE LLAMAS DIFFICULT TO KEEP?

No.  For hoursing a simple three sided structure that will provide shade in the summer and protection from the weather in the winter is all that is necessary.  Yearly vaccinations, routine worming and toenail trimming are the basic health care requirements, all of which can be done by the owner.  The llama's diet consists of good quality grass hay (8-12% protein) with llama pellets and free choice minteral supplements to round out their nutritional needs.  The cost to feed the average llama year round is usually less than the family dog.  One acre of good pasture is sufficient to graze 4 llamas.

WHEN CAN I HAVE A CUTE LLAMA BABY?

Females can be bred when they are 16 to 24 months of age.  The gestation period is an average of 350 days.  A baby's or "cria's" weight averages between 20 and 30 lbs.  The births are usually during daylight hours and require little assistance.  The cria is weaned at 5 to 6 months of age.  If in good health a female can produce for up to 20 years.

HOW DO YOU HAUL THEM?

Llamas can be hauled in vans, pickup trucks with racks or canopy, and in stock or horse trailers.  They generally kush (lie down) when traveling and are excellent travelers.
 
 
 
 
 
 

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