"What do you do with llamas?"
This is the most common question asked of llama owners, whether they be at
a show or just out for a walk. lt's a question we welcome because llamas are
one of most intelligent and versatile animals on this earth.
They are used for breeding and sales,
with beautiful and luxurious warm fibre
which can be shorn every two years. They
are used as sheep guards, pack animals, golf caddies and cart pullers. They
are also used for halter and performance showing, 4H, and public relations for
businesses and llama farms. They have been used in movies, commercials and
grand openings. They bring interest and joy visiting schools, hospitals and
senior care homes.
Owners find that llamas can be marvelous companions for quiet walks. Their
docile and gentle nature makes them non-threatening and safe, even around small
children. They are easily trained and jump into a pick-up truck, van
or trailer, so they can be conveniently transported to bring joy to elderly
folks or physically challenged children and adults. They are easily trainable
for an endless variety of tasks. The presence of a llama, the touch of their
soft fibre and the sound of them humming brings smiles to all - they are truly
ambassadors of good will.
Facts about llamas:
Llamas are members of the camelid (camel) family.
Natives to the plains of North America over 12,000 years ago, they dispersed to
the mountainous areas of South America after the Ice Age. There they were
domesticated by the Inca civilization over 5,000 years ago, making them one of
the oldest domestic animals in the world.
In the early 1900's, private zoos and collectors re-introduced them to North
America. Their current widespread popularity really took off in the American
Northwest in the early 1970's - and today you can buy them in Langley! They are
the alternative livestock choice of animal lovers all over North America, as
they are especially adaptable to smaller acreages.
Once you get to know them, it's easy to be bitten by the llama bug. It has
been said that llamas are like cashew nuts - you can't have just one.
The community of llama owners is like one big circle of friends. The Fraser
Valley Llama & Alpaca Club started here in Langley and now boasts a membership
of over 70 farms. Many people have found that llama ownership presents them
with a whole new lifestyle; one where the pace is slower, the joys more
frequent, and the love which you give to your animals comes right back to you.
Characteristics and Behaviour:
Llamas normally live to 20 - 25 years of age. Mature llamas weigh 250 to 500
pounds, reaching full maturity at four years . Females are usually not bred
until they are at least 18 months, and males
should not start breeding until they are over two. The gestation period is
approximately 350 days (50 weeks). Multiple births are a rarity, and the crias
(babies) are usually weaned at 6 months.
Llamas have a dignified and aristocratic manner about them, and because of
their nature they have a delightful habit of coming close to sniff strangers.
Despite your natural impulse to hug and cuddle them, they prefer slow movements
of the hand. Petting should be confined to neck and shoulders until they get
to know you better.
These are highly social animals, needing the companionship of another llama, or
grazing stock. Males not suitable for breeding, if gelded, can make great
sheep guards. Their natural instinct is to bond with their flock, protecting it
from coyotes and other predators.
Communication:
Llamas communicate with a series of tail, body, head and ear
postures. They also communicate by humming, having an infrequent but
effective alarm call. This shrill, piercing sound can be heard for quite a
distance.
Management:
Llamas are relatively easy to take care of, and being ruminants, are
efficient utilizers of food. They are foragers, eating grass and good field
hay. This diet is sometimes supplemented with grain and mineral supplements.
Clean water should also be readily available. Unlike the camel, they do not
have humps and cannot go for days without water.
While llama are hardy animals who prefer to be outside, they do require shelter
from rain and hot sun. Whilst very capable of jumping, they respect fences
quite well. Wood or woven wire fencing about five feet high is preferred to
keep unwelcome animal visitors out, and your llama in.
When buying llamas:
Visit several farms and get to know the animals and their
owners. If available, ask to see the parents of the llama you thinking of
purchasing, also their registration and records. Breeding llama are registered
with the Canadian Livestock Records Corporation. Llamas not registered are
generally pet quality stock, which should not be used for breeding purposes.
Whatever your reason for being interested in llamas, you will find that llama
owners will be happy to help you with information,
and look forward to your visit. Please make an appointment, so the owners can
plan to spend plenty of time talking to you. Llamas are wonderful animals, well
worth getting to know. And you'll find them right here in Langley, BC.
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