Distinctive llamas of the quiet corner

Misty Meadows Llamas

Yes, llamas spit but usually at each other. It is their last resort at communicating they are not happy about something, such as for competition for food.

Llamas survive very well on just hay, water, and minerals. They require some kind of simple shelter from the heat and cold wind and should be shorn in late spring/early summer. In the Northeast, they also need shots for meningeal worm, which is a nematode parasite that can cause paralysis if untreated. Other worming needs depend on the farm and area. Lactating moms may need some extra food supplementation during the period they are feeding young before weaning.

For the native of South America, they were used as beasts of burden, fiber, and meat. Now they are used for fiber, show, pack, performance, public relations, cart driving, pets, and guard animals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Llamas were domesticated 5000 years ago. The wild relatives of the llama are the vicuna and guanaco. The guanaco is the closest relative to llamas and the vicuna is the closest relative to the alpaca. Originally, llamas were from South American high plains of the Andes.

Where did llamas come from?

What do you do with llamas?

What are their basic needs?

Do llamas spit?

Adults weigh 250-500 lbs

Crias (baby llamas) weigh 20-40 lbs at birth

Life Span ~20 years or more

Temperature ~90-102°F

Heart Rate ~60-90 beats/min

Respiration ~10-30 breaths/min

What is a normal llama?

1) Research all aspects of care and maintenance. What do you want to do with llamas?

2) Visit several farms to see the different methods of care and different types of llamas.

3) Have your facility ready for your new llamas.

4) Buy llamas from someone who will help you afterward.

5) As a first time owner, do not buy a bottle fed llama and make sure you have more than one. They are herd animals and will be very upset alone.

I want to buy a llama. What should I do?