Llamas are members of the Camelid family.
Their history dates back thousands of years when their ancestors evolved in North America.
These Camelid ancestors evolved into two families:
The Camel family of Asia and Africa:
- Dromedary (1 humped camel)
- Bactrian (2 humped camels)
...and the Lama family of South America (Yes,
only 1 "L")!
The Lama family consists of four species:
- Llamas
- Alpacas
- Vicuņas
- Guanacos
Llamas and alpacas have been domesticated in South America
for centuries and were of primary importance to the Inca culture where they were used as
beasts of burden, food, clothing and a major role in religious ceremonies. (More History of
Llamas)
Llamas were first imported into the United States during
the 19th and early 20th centuries. The most well-known person to import them into the
United States was William Randolph Hearst. Only in the past 10 to 15 years have they
become popular as pets, pack animals, guard animals, and for other uses.
General Llama Information
An adult llama stands approximately 3 to 4 feet tall at
the shoulders and weighs from 250 to 300 pounds. The average life span of a llama is 15 to
20 years. Llamas are induced ovulators (they do not have a heat cycle like some other
animals). Gestation (pregnancy) is an average of 350 days (about 11 and 1/2 months). A
female can be safely bred back within 2 to 4 weeks after a normal birth.
An average cria (baby llama) weight is 20 to 30 pounds at
birth, which looks like all neck and legs. A normal cria is usually up within 30 minutes
of birth nursing and trying to walk, and in some cases, run, within the first day.
Llamas are extremely easy to care for. They do not require
any special equipment or fencing. They tolerate a wide variety of climates, but they can
suffer heat stress. This can be eliminated with very little, inexpensive work.
Llamas require a minimum of routine health care. Llamas
are ruminants and chew cud, much like a cow. Llamas are browsers, but need plenty of
roughage in their diet.
Three to four llamas (some people say 5 to 6) can be
raised comfortably on a single acre of good pasture. They need clean, fresh water, just
like any other animals.
What do you do with a Llama?
PETS
Llamas make excellent pets. Their gentle, submissive
disposition allows even young children to easily handle a well-trained llama. They are
easy to take to schools, nursing homes, hospitals, fairs, festivals, or just about
anyplace you would like to take them.
GUARD
Llamas have become the #1 guard animal for goats and
sheep. After the llama is familiar with an area, it bonds to the flock, which then becomes
the llama's family.
PACKING/TREKKING
Llamas are very sure-footed on all types of terrain. Their
padded feet leave little sign of their passing and they do not tear up trails like horses
and mules can. Llamas are browsers rather than grazers, and they need far less food and
water on the trail than other animals. An average llama can carry approximately 20-30% of
its body weight (usually 70 to 100 pounds) 12 to 15 mile per day if properly conditioned.
CART DRIVING
Llamas can be trained to pull carts or
wagons. An average adult llama has no trouble pulling a two-wheeled cart with two adults
as passengers. Several people have also successfully trained llamas to pull as a team as
well as full hitches. The current record for a full hitch is 50 llamas in one hitch!
Video clip
of Susan Gawarecki driving llama cart (944K .mpg)
FIBER
Some breeders shear their
llamas and sell the wool, which is frequently known as llama "fiber". (Instructions on shearing techniques) Some people prefer to keep
the wool themselves and make their own garments. Garments made of llama fiber are
extremely warm and, if tightly knit, are somewhat water resistant. (Llama knitting
patterns and examples)
BREEDING
One of the major uses of llamas in the United States is
the production of more llamas. Llamas are easy to breed and care for, and have proven to
be quite profitable and fairly easily marketed.
SHOWING
Llama shows are becoming more and more popular throughout
the United States. Llamas and alpacas can be shown in sanctioned shows to accumulated
points which can result in their becoming regional or National Champions. This is very
similar to the horse, dog, cat, and other animal shows held around the country.
The Alpaca
and Llama Show Association (ALSA) has been very active in establishing show
standards and training judges for these shows. The Tennessee Llama Community (TLC)
is an active organization, hosting several major events each year.
The largest event is the annual TLC
Spring Show, held each April at the MTSU Livestock Center at Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro, TN. This show is one of
the largest in the eastern United States, with over 300 llamas and alpacas registered each
year. The Fall Show, held in Knoxville in September,
is typically limited to 100 animals. Both shows are low-pressure events, and the
competition is friendly, with the goal being to enjoy the animals and have a good time. A
third annual show, to be held in West Tennessee, is also being considered.
4-H
4-H llama clubs are beginning to appear all over the
country. Llamas offer an excellent opportunity for children to learn responsibility,
leadership and sportsmanship while learning about their animals and having a great time.
THERAPY
Llamas are currently being used by some professionals in
therapy programs for the elderly and the physically and emotionally handicapped, with
excellent results. They are also being used in programs for delinquent youth and drug
rehabilitation.
PR & ADVERTISING
Llamas are still uncommon enough to make excellent
attention-getters. Put a llama in a pen in front of your business, and the watch the
increase in traffic!
RELAXATION & PERSONAL ENJOYMENT
Llamas are beautiful, elegant animals that can be enjoyed
for themselves. Many people claim that llamas have a calming effect on them. Watching
llamas play and graze in the pasture after a busy day can be as relaxing as watching fish
in an aquarium, sitting on a beach and listening to the waves, or watching the sunset.
What kind of personality does a Llama have?
Llamas are extremely intelligent, gentle, well-mannered,
and clean animals. They are also very curious and alert, and do not like to be alone. As
with people, each llama has its own very distinct personality.
Where can I find more information?
You can find information about llamas in various
books and videos which you can buy or many
of which are available on loan to TLC members. If you are in the
area, you are welcome to attend the Spring Show every April in Murfreesboro, TN.
And many TLC farms
welcome you to visit their llama farms to learn more about their llamas and answer any
questions you may have. For more information or to set up an appointment for a visit,
please contact a TLC farm
near you.
You can also find more information about llamas elsewhere
throughout the TLC website and on the websites listed
below:
