LLAMAS
Llama is a common name for long-eared South American ruminants. They chew their cud like cattle and sheep; however, they only have 3 chambered stomachs. They are among the oldest domestic animals in the world dating back 5,000 years to the Andean Highlands in Peru. North American owners find llamas hardy, healthy, easy to care for and remarkably disease free. Efficient digestive systems and low protein requirements make them economical to keep.

Mature llamas reach 40 to 45 inches high at the shoulder and 5½ to 6 feet at their head. The average llama weighs between 300 to 400 lbs. Their hair color may range from white to black with shades of beige, brown, red and roan in between. They may be solid, spotted or marked in a variety of patterns.

They are primarily considered “beasts of burden” but also provide native herdsmen with meat, fiber for clothing, hides for shelter and manure pellets for fuel. Their 2-toed feet with its leathery bottom pads give them great surefootedness. They can carry 25 to 30 percent of their body weight (75 to 100 lbs) for up to 8 miles but are never ridden except by children. Llamas are easy going, calm animals by nature however, when weary or overloaded, llamas will lie down and refuse to move.

Llamas are intelligent and easy to train. In just a few repetitions they will learn and retain behaviors such as accepting a halter, being led, loading in and out of vehicles, pulling a cart or carrying a pack. They are highly social animals and need the companionship of their species. They are independent yet shy, gentle and curious.

Contrary to popular belief, spitting at humans is the exception rather than the rule. Normally spitting is used among llamas as a means to ward off perceived threats, annoying suitors or to establish the pecking order at mealtime. Nonetheless, llamas do give definite signs of territory, dominance and likes and dislikes with their head and tail positions. Occasionally, when a llama has been forced to tolerate excessive human contact, it may develop a fear of humans. In this case, a llama will spit if it feels threatened.

Females are first bred at 18 and 24 months of age. The average gestation period is 350 days. A single baby cria is normally delivered during daylight hours with the mother standing. Twins are rare. Birth weights average 20 to 30 lbs. Crias are usually up and nursing within 90 minutes of birth and are weaned by 6 months.

The long coarse hair on the llamas can be shorn or their wool can be combed out, although this is not generally done in North America. Depending on the llama, they can generate as much as 7 pounds of wool every year. Their grease-free, lightweight hair is warm and luxurious and is especially popular with spinners, knitters, weavers and other craftspeople. Their wool is also used in weaving of textiles and can be braided and used for rope.

Pigs ::Cattle :: Poultry :: Llamas :: Goats :: Sheep :: Equine