LLAMA FACTS

The llama was a descended from the wild guanaco; they are from the camelid family along with the alpaca, guanaco and vicuna. Llamas were domesticated by the Andean Indians of Peru some 4,000 to 5,000 years ago. The Llama is known as the world's oldest domesticated animal, used primarily used for a beast of burden by the native herdsmen. Llamas also provided meat, wool for the clothing, hide for shelter, pellets for fuel and also offering to their gods. In the United States today they are used for the following:

1.  Breeding
2.  Wool because it a very high quality for clothing
3.  Used for hiking, commercial, packing, on the golf courses and         to carry loads.
4.  Pets and for companions.
5.  As a guardian for sheep and goats.
6.  In rest homes and for children for therapy.
7.  Projects in 4-h.
8.  They are used for competition, cart driving, packing, fun             classes, for their fiber, the list goes on.
9.  Some of the larger of the animal are ridden occasionally.

DISPOSITION

The Llama is a very intelligent animal and very easy to train. In just one to five repetitions they will pick up and keep many skills. They can be trained to accept a halter, being led, loading and they can be trained to get in and out of a vehicle, and they can also be trained to pull a cart or carry a pack. They do need the companionship of their own species. They are a very gentle and a very curious animal. A very independent Yet shy. They are calm in nature and have common sense, which make them easy for anyone, even children to handle. Llamas are a very enjoyable animal and they are fun to do things with. but most llamas do not seek affection and they prefer not to be handled excessively. Gelding males are not recommended for stud purposes. It's recommend to gald males that are not used for studs.

PHYSICAL

The life span of a llama is 15 to 20 years; they are full-grown at 3 to 4 years of age. Their average weight ranges from 300 to 450 pounds. Their average height is 5' to 5' 6" at the top of the head.

REPRODUCTION

When females are 12 to 18 months of age they are ready for their first breeding. The male reaches his sexual maturity approximately 18 to 24 months of age. Llamas do not have a heat cycle, but are induced ovulators. They can be bred any time of the year. #50 days is the average gestation time. A single baby, called a cria is normally born without assistance. They are born mostly in the daylight hours from a standing position and is usually up and nursing in about 90 minutes. The average birth weight is around 18 to 35 pounds. Rarely do twins occur. The weaning time for the cria is usually 5 months old, depending on the overall health.

CONFORMATION

The structural correctness includes balance from front to rear, the levelness of the top line and the leg placement; this is one of the first things to look for in the animal. Llamas are a natural pacer, so their natural conformation can be a little more knock-kneed and sickle than that of a trotting animal, such as a horse. This should not be severe where it will disrupt the overall balance.

The leg movement should be straight and parallel and there should be evidence of good muscle with very little fat accumulation. Looking at the chest can check this, feel either side of the spine along the top line. Be sure to look between the rear legs at the thighs.

HEALTH AND HOUSING

Llamas are suited to the harsh and cold environment of the ancestors of their Andean homeland. This is why the North American owners find them hardy and easy to care for and are virtually disease free. They do need some shelter from severe winter storms and far more important plenty of shade from the summer heat. The ground should be wet with a low spraying sprinkler or a low stock tank would really be nice for them to stand in. A low mists from the sprinkler for them because they like to stand in the mist. Watch your animal for signs of heat stress, such as open mouth breathing, heaving sides and their nostrils flaring. Provide immediate attention, wet down the under belly and legs and move the animal to a cooler place. Contact your vet in a severe case.

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