The Beginner

FOR BEGINNERS -

HOW DO I TAKE CARE of a LLAMA ?

	Llamas are an enjoyable animal to raise and care for.
	Since they like to interact with people and seek out the company of humans they are a pleasure to work with .
	Llamas are generally very fast learners. They need basic care and some attention to their feet, teeth , and wool.
	Llamas are herd animals and so it is best to have at least two llamas. It is difficult for them to live without some companionship ,but they will be quite happy with fellow friends as sheep or goats. This is why they are so successful as guard animals for these animals.

If you are reading this, you probably either own a new llama
or are thinking about getting one..

This article is really as it says - JUST FOR BEGINNERS.

Lots of people call and ask:
.>>> What do I do about care?
.>>> Do they need a shelter?
.>>> What do they eat?

So here it is with a very basic explanation and photos to help you care for your new llamas or help you decide -----
DO I WANT TO OWN A LLAMA AND DO THE CARE NEEDED.

A LLAMA NEEDS A GOOD SHELTER.
It can be three sided. The roof should be high and provide for good circulation and air flow to keep the heat down in the summer

shelter located under the trees for coolness, and oriented to keep out the weather.

WHAT DOES A LLAMA EAT ?
They are random grazers and do well on field grass, or orchard grass. It is best to keep them off of fescue especially pregnant and nursing mothers.

It is Spring time & here is a good stand of Rye grass.

A LLAMA NEEDS HAY.

A basic home made hay feeder filled with good Bermuda hay.

LLAMAS EAT GRAIN FEED.

Pellets developed especially for llamas can be obtained from your local feed store .

SUPPLEMENTAL MINERALS:

Free choice minerals should be provide for your llama and salt blocks put out.

This isn't a clear running stream, but a good pail of CLEAN FRESH water is a must!

WATER:
Good fresh water daily is a must .

Or the best - a clear running stream.

FENCING:
There are many types of fencing which can be used for your llama.

Wood, woven wire, and corral are all good.


two type fencing - wire mesh in foreground, and 4 board wood in back	corral panel fence - this can be moved from place to place.

The only restriction is DON'T USE barbwire which will catch in their mane, OR CAN CUT THEIR FACE.

This fan is mounted in the side wall of a barn - blowing fresher outside air thru the barn floor area.

FANS:
In the summer months, especially in the Southern areas fans to help cool your llamas are essential.

HALTER & LEAD:
Your llama will need a proper fitting halter and a lead.

Laying on top of the bucket is a lead coiled up on the left, and the harness is on the right.

This is necessary so you will be able to walk them and have a way of restraining them when they need care.

LLAMA CARE: JUST THE BASICS

FEET:

Llamas have nails which need to be clipped. Click here for trim toenails

Housing them in a stall with pea gravel
will also wear down their nails.

ALSO - See how to clip nails by clicking
TOENAILS ...

TEETH: Male llamas when they mature @ 2-3 years of age will need to have their fighting teeth removed. There are six teeth which will need this. This may not need to be done again or maybe once more as they get older.

WOOL: As their fiber grows this should be brushed and blown out and a bath given .This will keep the debris out and remove the straw and vegetation that accumulates.

BODY CLIPPING: Once a year llamas need to have at least the midsection of their fiber removed to prevent them from heat stress. Refer to shearing llamas.

HANDLING LLAMAS :

	You should interact with your llamas as much as possible - they will give you hours of pleasure, and they love to be with you.
	Walk them and have some fun with them.
	Llamas can learn to do obstacles, you can back pack with them too.
	This to me is the most important thing about their care is just to be with them and enjoy.

Good luck to you and your new adventure with your llamas

top of page