Llama Information

Before buying any animal, do your research and visit other ranches as much as possible.   Make sure this is the animal for you - before you get it home.  Make sure the ranch you choose to buy from has follow-up support after the sale is complete.   Also, ask for references.   Below is some basic information about llamas.   

Herd Oriented

First and foremost, llamas are herd animals and require companionship. They should have another llama or goats/sheep  can also be good buddies.

What are they used for?

Breeding, family pets, packing, wool production, cart driving and livestock guards.  Because llamas are so gentle and easy to train, they are popular with families.  Llamas are great to take in parades, shows, local fairs, community events, schools and nursing homes.

Life Span

The average life span is 15-25 years.

Ruminants

Like cattle, sheep and deer, llamas' are multi chambered stomached ruminants that chew their cud.

Do they spit?

Yes, llamas spit.  A friend once answered that question:  Dogs can bite, cats can scratch, horses can kick.  This doesn't make spitting look so bad. Llamas rarely spit at people, but they use this as a warning in food and breeding disputes within the herd.

Feeding

Grass hay, along with a supplement in pellet form mixed with some cob, fills most of their nutritional needs. They also need free choice minerals and an unlimited supply of fresh clean water at all times.

Health care

Yearly vaccination, at least twice a year worming and toe trimmings are the basics.  You should talk to the vet in your area to decide what is the best maintenance schedule for your animals in the area you live in.