How to Care for Llamas

Though llamas, native to the Andes of South America, have traditionally been used for pulling carts and guarding sheep, they can be great pets if cared for properly.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Apples
• Carrots
• Fruits
• Vegetables
• Commercial Grains
• Commercial Llama Diets
• Llama
• Apples
• Fruits
• Vegetables
• Carrots

1. Approach llamas with both hands behind your back.

2. Let the llama come to you. Be aware that llamas will spit at you if intimidated or scared.

3. Pet your llama on her back or neck slowly - these animals are head-shy.

4. Keep llamas in a flock or with other flock animals, such as goats or sheep.

5. Provide a large roaming area with a windbreak, such as a row of trees, along with a dust bath area with sandy soil for rolling; the llama will use it to keep her coat in good condition.

6. Feed your llama high-quality hay, along with small amounts of commercial grain specific to your llama's age and activity level. Commercial llama diets are available.

7. Avoid overfeeding. Obesity causes birthing and breeding difficulties.

8. Give your llama carrots, apples and other fruits and vegetables as treats.

9. Vaccinate your llama annually and worm her regularly.

Tips & Warnings

• Avoid eye contact if the llama's ears are pinned flat against her neck and her nose is extended forward. A relaxed llama will have her ears forward.
• Young, old and sick llamas are vulnerable to cold weather.
• Llamas are also prone to hyperthermia and overheating. Provide shade and possibly a fan in hot, humid weather. Also consider shaving your llama - clip her hair to 2 inches along the back and around the abdomen. Leave full-length hair on the neck, shoulders and hips to prevent sunburn.

on 3/10/2006 Don't put a male llama in with a flock of sheep. Llamas can confuse sheep with other llamas. It is possible that a male llama can brake a sheep's back.

on 11/22/2005 If you have a young llama that won't lead, I suggest that, if you have a donkey (not a horse or a mule, but a donkey), you tie the llama up to the donkey face-to-face and stay there for a while. Within 2 hours, it will lead. That's how I taught mine.

on 11/22/2005 Crias should stay with their mothers until 6 months old. They should not be sold as "bottle babies." Being part of the herd until weaned helps with their education as llamas.