Noble View Farm Llama Facts
Each farm is unique in it's setting, number of animals, geographical location, etc., that there really aren't any "right" answers! It's what works best for you and your animals. Please be sure to contact your local vet. for specific worming & vaccination guidelines for your area and number of animals in your pastures! If you have any questions, though, please feel free to contact us and we will do our best to help you or direct you to someone who might have more information. Following is a list of generic information that we have found are from the most frequently asked questions about llamas:
Llamas are used for packing, herd guardians, breeding, showing, 4H and as pets. Their fiber is very soft and is used for spinning and weaving. It doesn't contain lanolin but usually has guard hairs which can be removed before spinning the fibers if it is going to be use in a garment.
Llamas may be housed with other animals, ex., goats, sheep, but prefer their own kind. They are herd animals so you should have at least 2. They are often used as a herd guardian for sheep, because they are so curious and alert all of the time. They have a very distinctive alarm call and could kill a coyote.
4 llamas may be housed on an acre of land. This ratio may be larger or smaller but doesn't allow the llamas as much room to roam and play--it also means the land will probably be overgrazed. Extra worming may be required if the ratio is too high.
4' field fencing is adequate--this will help to keep dogs out as well. New Zealand wire, hot wire, boards, vinyl, etc. are also acceptable. Barb wire should not be used as it will catch in their fiber and they could get tangled in the fence. Llamas are pretty respectful of fences but there are always some who think it's "greener on the other side." They can easily jump out--even from a standstill--but generally won't unless highly provoked.
They need a 3-sided shelter for shade (it also keeps the feed dry and gives them a chance to let their feet dry out if you're in a rainy area like us). They'll probably choose to sit under the trees, though, unless it's really stormy then they might head in on their own.
Llamas eat 3-5# a day. A bale of good grass hay will probably last an adult llama 7 - 10 days. They should receive a mineral/vitamin supplement on a daily basis (10-12% protein) and free choice salt as well as fresh water. They have a 3-chambered stomach and chew cud which makes them very efficient eaters.
A 3-way or 8-way vaccination is given once a year and they are wormed several times a year depending on your circumstances. Toenails are clipped on a regular basis and our llamas are sheared in the spring to keep them cooler and to provide us with all of their nice fiber for spinning! We shear with Fiskar scissors and leave app. an inch of fiber so they don't sunburn. They also love to get their legs sprayed with the sprinkler hose.
Llamas are easy to train--2-3 times of repeating a task and they basically get it. They love to come running when it's feeding time. Routinely closing the catch pen gate behind them makes them realize that it's not a big deal to be in an enclosure. Spending time with them will alert you to changes in behavior which might alert you to illness. They are very stoic and are usually pretty sick by the time any symptoms show.
Llamas are very quiet. They have a hum that changes tone and intensity to display their emotions. They also use body language--their ears, head position, body stance, tail set, etc.--to indicate their mood. Some are very friendly and glad to see visitors, others "prefer" to be left alone, but are willing to do what you want once haltered. Each is an individual and has it's own personality! Yes, llamas spit, but generally at each other over their food and the females spit at the males to let them know that they are bred and don't want to see them again until next year! They won't spit at humans unless highly provoked or mishandled.
Their babies are called "crias" and are 20-30# at birth. Gestation is 11 1/2 months and they are rebred app. 2-3 weeks after giving birth. They are induced ovulators and may have crias at any time of the year although spring and fall are generally the preferred times. They are weaned at approximately 6 months of age. They come in many colors and color patterns. White is able to be dyed.
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