Cal-ILA - About Llamas
THE VERSATILE LLAMA
by Virginia Christensen
In 1982 llamas begin showing up in Northern Nevada. At that time, little was known about this gentle, intelligent creature, but in the years to follow, llamas have become one of the most popular breeding and companion animals in the country, and there are now many llama owners and farms spread out in this area. Some have breeding stock and others just two or three for companions and to enjoy them as pack animals in the surrounding mountains.
Several years ago the local llama owners decided to get together to share information and enjoy a potluck luncheon every other month. Since that time, other breeders, owners and perspective owners have joined the group, some traveling from as far away as Bishop, Auburn, Portola and other areas of California to attend. Meeting notices have been sent out to as many as 70 ranches.
An often asked question about the llama is "What do you use them for?" Llamas can make excellent companion, pack and show animals. Their fiber is excellent for spinning and many handspinners use it for blankets, articles of clothing, hats, etc. Certain llamas are suitable as a guardian for sheep and goat herds, as their natural curiosity and size can make them a threat to the coyote. However, it must be pointed out, domestic dogs running together are extremely dangerous to the llama and there are many cases where llamas have been maimed and killed by them.
Several years ago the local llama owners decided to get together to share information and enjoy a potluck luncheon every other month. Since that time, other breeders, owners and perspective owners have joined the group, some traveling from as far away as Bishop, Auburn, Portola and other areas of California to attend. Meeting notices have been sent out to as many as 70 ranches.
An often asked question about the llama is "What do you use them for?" Llamas can make excellent companion, pack and show animals. Their fiber is excellent for spinning and many handspinners use it for blankets, articles of clothing, hats, etc. Certain llamas are suitable as a guardian for sheep and goat herds, as their natural curiosity and size can make them a threat to the coyote. However, it must be pointed out, domestic dogs running together are extremely dangerous to the llama and there are many cases where llamas have been maimed and killed by them.
Llama shows have spread across this country and others and some shows, like the Estes Park Wool Market in Colorado have over 400 llamas entered; some in many classes. Halter/Conformation, along with Performance classes such as Pack, Obstacle, Public Relations, Driving and Youth, are usually found at most shows. Llama shows are open to the public and the barn areas free to roam in and ask questions of the many llama owners in attendance.
Another most often asked question about llamas is, "Do they spit?" Do dogs bite, horses kick or cats scratch? Llamas very seldom kick or bite, so their defense mechanism is to spit. However, most llamas are well mannered and save this defense mechanism to discipline or warn other members of their herd and very seldom direct this at human beings unless extremely provoked, which doesn't happen very often. If llamas are treated with respect, they generally return in kind.
Llamas are clean and easy to care for, although they do need other llamas as companions, plenty of room to move about, shelter to get into in bad weather, and a good supply of quality hay or grass, clean water, preventive medicine and a mineral supplement. Baby llamas (called crias) can be weaned from their mothers between five and six months and reputable breeders will not sell them before that age, nor will they sell them into a situation without other llamas. Some new buyers will buy two youngsters about the same age so they can interact and grow together.
Another most often asked question about llamas is, "Do they spit?" Do dogs bite, horses kick or cats scratch? Llamas very seldom kick or bite, so their defense mechanism is to spit. However, most llamas are well mannered and save this defense mechanism to discipline or warn other members of their herd and very seldom direct this at human beings unless extremely provoked, which doesn't happen very often. If llamas are treated with respect, they generally return in kind.
Llamas are clean and easy to care for, although they do need other llamas as companions, plenty of room to move about, shelter to get into in bad weather, and a good supply of quality hay or grass, clean water, preventive medicine and a mineral supplement. Baby llamas (called crias) can be weaned from their mothers between five and six months and reputable breeders will not sell them before that age, nor will they sell them into a situation without other llamas. Some new buyers will buy two youngsters about the same age so they can interact and grow together.