About Llamas

Heritage - Llamas are members of the camelid family, including the llama (a domesticated beast of burden regarded throughout the world  as the premier symbol of South American animals); the domesticated alpaca (selectively bred for its fiber); the free-ranging guanaco (probable progenitor of the llama); and the wild vicuna (fine-fleeced denizen of the central high Andean mountains).

Llamas and their relatives originated on the central plains of North America and spent their first 40 million years right here in our own backyard!  Then, some three million years ago, camels migrated to Asia and Africa, while the llama-like animals dispersed to South America.  Just 10,000-12,000 years ago, at the end of the last ice age, camelids became extinct in North America.  Meanwhile, in the highlands of Peru some 4,000-5,000 years ago, llamas were domesticated, placing them among the oldest domestic animals in the world.  In the late 1800s and early 1900s, private animal collectors and zoos reintroduced them to their original North American homeland.

Characteristics - Mature llamas weigh an average of 280-350 pounds, but range from 250-500 pounds.  Full body size is reached by the fourth year, and while there are no obvious differences between the sexes, males tend to be slightly larger.  They are long lived, with a normal life span of 15-25  years.

Llamas are multi-stomached ruminants that chew their cud.  They have a hard upper gum (no upper teeth in front), grinding upper and lower molars in back, and an ingenious upper lip for grasping forage  in unison with the lower incisors.  Adult males develop large, sharp upper and lower canines for fighting and which are removed to prevent injury to males pastured together or to females being bred.

Housing and Fencing - Fencing can be woven wire, cattle wire panels, wooden rails or poles, chain link or electric.  Barbed wire does work but is not recommended.  Exterior fences should be at least five feet high and as dog proof as possible.  A three-sided shelter to provide shade and protection from extreme heat, cold, wind and rain should also be provided.  If you have severe chill factors in winter, a completely enclosed shed is necessary.  Heat stress should be a concern if you have hot, and especially humid, summers when a sprinkler, wading pool or small pond are helpful.  A small 12-20 foot square catch pen will make it easier to catch them.  Feeding and watering troughs should be clean, high enough to be free of possible fecal contamination, and spacious enough to allow access by all animals.  Fresh water should always be available.  Shearing of heavy fibered animals is recommended.

Care and Feeding - Llamas are highly adaptable feeders, being both grazers (grasses and forbs) and browsers (shrubs and trees).  They have relatively low protein requirements due to their efficient digestive systems and can be kept on a variety of pastures or grass hays.  They eat about 2-4 percent of their body weight in dry matter every day and a daily alfalfa pellet supplement can assure complete vitamin/mineral requirements.  Plan on about three to five animals per acre on a moderate-producing pasture.  Salt/mineral blocks or  granulated minerals may also be provided.

Llamas should have an unlimited, fresh, clean supply of water at all times.  They tend to drink  less in winter and when on lush, green pasture, and more when working or lactating, especially in summer.

Toenails may have to be trimmed once or twice a year--it varies from animal to animal and depends on the surfaces on which they walk.

Llamas are amazingly hardy animals with very few disease problems.  To ensure good health, regular dung pile removal and a preventative medicine program (which may include protection from enterotoxemia, tetanus, leptospirosis, and internal and external parasites) by a large animal veterinarian is a must.

Llamas are by far one of the easiest to care for of any domestic livestock.

Habits and Behavior -  Llamas are cautious, curious, aristocratic animals; they don't spook easily and rarely bite or kick unless provoked.  They are highly social and need companionship of another llama or other grazing livestock.

Llamas communicate with a series of tail, body and ear postures, and vocalizations.  Humming communicates moods from contentedness to aggression and a shrill alarm call alerts herd members to strange or frightening situations.  Spitting, usually related to disputes over food or space, is seldom directed at people unless a llama has been mishandled or abused.

Llamas use a common dung piles that facilitates easy pasture cleanup and frequently roll in the dust to maintain fiber coats.

Breeding and Reproduction - Although females may be able to conceive earlier, they should not be bred until 18-24  months of age, depending on size and development.  While males may be fertile at seven to nine months, they aren't fully dependable breeders until two to three years of age when they are socially and sexually mature.

Because they are induced ovulators (the act of breeding induces the ovulation), llamas can give birth throughout the year; gestation averages 350 days and a single offspring is produced--twinning is rare.  Offspring, called "crias" in South America, weigh 20-40 pounds at birth.

Transportation - Llamas are easy to transport and will usually "kush," or lie down, when vehicles begin to move.  A covered,  wind-proof pickup, van, horse or livestock trailer with room for animals to stand comfortably works well.  Good ventilation is important in both summer and winter.

Uses and Training - Common uses of llamas are breeding, packing, fiber production, guarding, cart pulling, and companionship.  They are intelligent and easy to train and are popular attractions in parades, shows, fairs, community events, and school and nursing home visits.

Buying and Value - Whether you are looking for a pack animal, fiber producer or pet, do your research first.  You might want to subscribe to a llama publication, join a local llama organization, or visit fairs and shows in your area.

Before you buy your first llama, visit several ranches and talk with as many llama owners as possible.  Base your final selection on the animals that most appeal to your interests.  You will generally find that females are more expensive than males and that prices will vary depending upon conformation, age, health, training, fiber, color and use. 

Do business where you feel most comfortable and, if you are a first time owner, where you are assured you will receive mentoring and support before and after you bring your new llama home.  Reputable breeders will be more than willing to assist you with information and encouragement.

And remember, interacting and having fun with the new addition to your family is of primary importance!