About Llamas
HISTORY
Camelids originated in the central North American plains over 40 million years ago. Some migrated across the Bering Straight into Asia and the Middle East where they became the Camels. Others migrated to South America where they adapted to the mountains and became the Guanacos and Vicunas. The Andean people selectively bred llamas and alpacas from those wild precursors over 6000 years ago. They are one of the oldest domesticated animals on earth. While they may seem newcomers to American agriculture, llamas and alpacas are really coming home!
William Randolph Hearst is credited with the earliest imports of llamas at the turn of the century. Descendents of the llamas from his estate went to the Catskill Game farm in the east and to the Patterson Ranch in Oregon. The record keeping and breeding program at the Patterson farm helped to establish the International Llama Registry.
KEEPING LLAMAS
Llamas are one of the easiest livestock species to keep. They are respectful of fences and a four-foot fence is usually adequate. They need a dry, draft free space to get out of the weather. In some areas a three-sided shelter is ample. In Michigan, a full barn is generally provided. I allow my animals to come and go from barn to pasture as they wish. In winter they prefer to remain inside on all but the sunniest days. I provide mats and straw bedding to keep them off the damp ground. In summer they seek out shade trees , bask in the sun and often return to the barn, especially if fans are on! Hot, muggy weather is the most difficult weather for llamas. On very hot days other ways to keep llamas cool in summer are sprinklers; kiddy pools or watered down sand flooring in the barn. Most llamas need to be sheared once a year. Llamas cool from their stomach and armpit area so the mid section is often sheared, leaving the shoulder, hip, neck and leg wool.
Llamas are ruminants and are very efficient eaters. They consume only about 6 pounds of forage a day.
Good grass pasture, hay in winter and llama specific minerals are required. Grain, as a treat, is appreciated. Pregnant and nursing llamas will need supplemental food- usually a pellet- type Llama food found in most feed stores.
Llamas need constant, clean water. I use containers that can be dumped and filled twice a day. Water containers are cleaned frequently to keep them free of mineral deposits and algae.
Llamas are hearty animals. They require the same type of annual vaccine as most livestock. An annual injection of C & D vaccine is given to prevent enterotoxaemia, a fast moving disease causing diarrhea, convulsions, un-coordination and sudden death. Combined with tetanus vaccine as C, D and T ,it is given as one shot.
In Michigan, or anywhere with white tailed deer, a monthly shot of Ivormectin or Dectomax is given to prevent Minengeal worm, a disease carried by deer and the intermediate host - snails. This disease effects the brain and can cause crippling and death. Prevention must be given to llamas exposed to deer.
Worming meds can be rotated so worms do not develop and immunity to a product.
Llamas are herd animals and need companionship. They communicate using a wide variety of subtle postures of ears, neck and tail. Under normal conditions they do not spit, bite or kick at people. They do spit at other llamas for a number of reasons- territory, food protection, and females "spit off" males when they are pregnant. They vocalize with a soft humming sound and have a shrill alarm call to warn of danger.
Llamas mature by age three and can weigh between 250 and 500 lbs. They come in all natural colors and a wide range of patterns. They have a unique fiber that is warm and can range between wooly and silky. They have two soft toe pads with a protective nail, which helps them negotiate difficult trails yet, is easy on pastures. Toe nails need to be trimmed as needed to prevent growing under or curling.
Llamas use a communal dung pile. They may have several scattered though out their pastures. The dung is very low odor and pelletized and makes a great addition to soil. It does not need to be composted before adding directly to gardens.
Llamas are induced ovulators so they have no estrus or heat cycle. The act of breeding causes the female to ovulate. Mating occurs in the kushed position with the male making specific breeding sounds called orgling. They generally produce one offspring, called a cria. Gestation is 11 ½ months.
Cria get most of their immunity from the mother's first milk, called colostrum. That first milk is essential to the cria in the first 24 hours of life.
Cria nurse for at least 6 months, sometimes longer if not weaned. Young males are often weaned and separated from the female herd at 6 months. Males may be capable of breeding as early as 8-10 months.
Never purchase a llama cria to raise on a bottle. Llamas imprint, and much has been written on what can occur, especially with male llamas. Imprinting can also occur by keeping single llamas alone, with too much cuddly human interaction. One has only to watch "Funniest Videos" to see the nasty and possibly dangerous behavior of llamas that have imprinted and now treat people the way they would another llama- spitting, charging etc. Herd animals need their own kind so be sure to have a companion for your llama.
Males should not be gelded before 12 months, to avoid growth problems. Eighteen months is the standard time to geld, so young males are usually housed in small herds. If a young male shows good promise for future breeding, he is called a herd sire prospect. He usually goes to compete in the show ring to see how he stacks up to other males his age and to get points towards his ROM or Championship.
Halter fit is critical on llamas. They have bone only from the top of the head to just below the eye. Then it becomes softer cartilage and soft tissue that can't withstand pressure and constriction.
There are halters to fit every llama's appropriate age and head size. Llama suppliers are listed on my Links page. Llamas are easily taught to accept a halter and load into trailers and even the family van.
Breeding age for males and females is generally 3 years or older to assure they have completed their full physical development.
Only the best animals should be bred to avoid overpopulation.