Llama Basics

Llama Basics & Llama Management

Llamas are probably the easiest to maintain, most versatile, field stock in the world

Llamas...

	can be described as pony sized although much lighter in build, weighing circa 120-150kg.
	Llamas do not have hoofs but two toes with soft pads. The toe nails may need an occasional trim but usually wear down naturally.
	can be sheared annually or, more usually, every two years. They need not be sheared, however, if you do not wish as their coats stop growing at a manageable length.

	have very soft, light and warm fibre which is described as alpaca if its thickness is measured as under 28 microns. It can usually be sold at a good price.
	are intelligent and highly trainable...
	are very hardy, having flourished for thousands of years in a climate where it can be freezing before sunrise and over 100F by midday.
	do not have to be exercised, nor do they need to be housed at night or in winter.
	calve easily, rarely requiring human intervention.
	eat less than sheep, cattle etc, on a weight ratio basis.
	do not need annual dipping as with sheep.
	are relatively resistant to most diseases found in European livestock and although originating from South America do not suffer from any unusual problems specific to llamas. They have high resistance to foot-and-mouth disease and many believe they cannot contract it naturally.

A Roseland female llama with banana ears and woolly eyebrows to die for!

	Grass is the staple diet of llamas, although they will nibble on fresh hedge and tree shoots etc. They are not goat-like, however, in that they will not stay to strip a tree.
	Fresh water should always be available.
	Hay can be given ad lib, especially when grass is in short supply, or conversely, very lush.

A small amount of "concentrate" such as a goat mix or pony mix can also be given as a treat and to bring the llama/s to hand. Over-feeding should be avoided.

	A llama should not be kept on its own. If not kept in a pair or group, then other field stock such as sheep make good companions
	Standard stock fencing is adequate in most situations, although higher than average fencing may be required if you plan to keep more than one breeding group.
	Barbed wire should be avoided.

Another young Roseland female llama with curly "suri" type fibre.

Fertiliser: "what goes in must come out"
or... "where there's muck there's brass" (for non-English Web Surfers, brass = money)