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Where did they come from?
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 closest relative to the alpaca. Originally llamas were from South American high plains of the Andes.
What do you do with them?
For the native of South American, 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.
What are their basic needs?
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.
Do llamas spit?
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.
What is a normal llama?
Adults weigh 250-500 lbs
Crias (baby llamas) weigh 20-40 lbs at birth
Life Span--20 years or more
Temperature-- 99-102 degrees F.
Heart rate--60-90/minute
Respiration--10-30/ minute
I want to buy a llama. What should I do?
1) Research all aspects of care and maintenance. What do you want to do with llamas?
2) Visit several farms to see difference 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.
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