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Last updated 03/06/2010 |
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FAQ’S |
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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 then a mountain hike with the llama carrying the provisions. Cart driving is also becoming more and more common. The fiber is also being used to make garments, in weaving, felting, knitting and crocheting.
OTHER LLAMA FACTS YOU SHOULD KNOW
Life span: 15-20 years Weight: 250-450 lbs Height: 3 to 4 feet at the shoulders Colors: Gray, white, brown, black, and all variations of colors. Color patterns include solids, spotted, tuxedos, paints and many other variations 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.
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.
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
ARE LLAMAS DIFFICULT TO KEEP?
No. For housing 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 mineral supplements to round out their nutritional needs. The cost to feed the average llama year round is usually less then the family dog. One acre of good pasture is sufficient to graze 4 llamas.
LLAMA REPRODUCTION
Females can be bred on average when they are 18 to 24 months of age, though there are records of females being bred as early as 6 to 8 months. A male can impregnate a female as early as 6 months of age and should be separated from the female herd. The gestation period is an average of 355 days. A baby’s or “cria’s” weight averages between 20 and 30 pounds. 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. |
