Why Llamas
Llamas are intelligent, well-mannered, clean and attractive animals with definite, individual personalities. They are wonderful companion animals. Once you own a llama you will no longer question their use, as you will have fallen in love with a very special friend.

History and Sources
Llamas are of the Camelid species and supported evidence indicates they were domesticated as early as 3000 BC. There are four varieties belonging to the Lama family -- the alpaca, vicuna, guanaco and llama. The history of llamas goes back thousands of years to when their ancestors were native to North America. They are currently native only to the high mountain areas of Peru, Chile, and Bolivia, but are found in other South American Countries. Several prominent people imported llamas to the United States in the 1800's, the most notable being William Randolph Hearst. Imports were stopped in the 1930's due to concern over hoof and mouth disease. Late 1983, the importation ban was lifted and several hundred animals were imported into this country from Chile. There are thought to be over 200,000 llamas in the entire United States today; a very small overall herd size.

Shelter, Feeding, Pasturing and Routine Health Care
Five-foot high fencing will usually contain a llama and a three-sided shed is sufficient weather protection from wind and rain. Cold weather and even snow does not always force them to seek shelter, but most llamas prefer to get in out of the rain and extreme heat. We recommend shearing your llamas yearly. Llamas do not require special feed and do well on proper pasture grass and hay. They need a trace mineral supplement and clean water. It is best to seek a veterinarian's advice on proper nutrition needs for your area. Protein content of feed is important, as are trace minerals. Llamas are a herd animal and are much happier and thrive better with other llamas. Domestic dog packs can be very dangerous, so fences should be secure to guard against their entry. Most owners routinely give their animals normal livestock vaccinations and worming as prescribed by their local veterinarian.

Reproduction
We recommend the first breeding of the female llama at about 24 months of age. Normal gestation is 335 to 355 days and single births are the rule. Babies are generally born in the daylight hours and usually the mother does not need assistance. The male llama usually begins breeding at or about 36 months although some may be used at a younger age. Male llamas are often neutered before 24 months when not used for breeding. Babies are weaned at around 5 to 6 months of age.

Llama Behavior
Llamas are normally silent and may appear to be a bit distant when you first approach. They are most often curious about something new, especially children and strangers. Llamas hum, cluck or warble on occasion. Llamas give definite signals of communication by their head and tail positions. Spitting is generally reserved for other llamas.

Training and Transportation
Llamas are quite intelligent and respond to patience and good training practices. With proper training they are very adaptable to all sorts of activities. When you go jogging, your llama may like to run with you. Hiking is a favorite outing. The llama can fit into a mini-van or a covered pickup truck. To carry several llamas, a horse trailer can be used. Most llamas handle transportation quite well, often lying down while observing the scenery.

Packing with Llamas
A llama can carry from 60 to 100 pounds, depending on the individual animal and circumstances. Normally only the makes are used for packing. Llamas are not generally ridden, but children have used llamas for that purpose. With its easy-going nature, the llama is a great packing animal. Little extra food needs to be packed on short hikes, as the llama will forage on grass and other greens along the trail.

Fiber Production and Use
Llamas can be shorn, or the fiber can be combed out. Depending on the animal, you can get as much as 3-4 pounds of fiber every year. The market for llama fiber is especially popular with hand spinners and is often mixed with sheep's wool. Shearing provides you with wonderful llama fiber and your llama with coolness from the summer heat.