Yes, llamas do spit but most of the time it is between themselves. Often they spit at one another over food or "their space". They do not usually spit at humans unless they have been mistreated, they are protecting their babies or some llamas spit during vaccination time. Generally, the only other time a llama spits is when the female is pregnant and she telling a male to get lost as she is already bred. Although spitting is not a pleasant experience for the human or llama, it easily washes off. Some owners use a spit mask which eliminates you being on the receiving end of a spit.

What do they eat?

Llamas love to graze on grass and they especially like the leaves on trees. One acre of quality grass will support 4-5 llamas. It is important to provide your llama with high quality grass hay during the winter months. Alfalfa hay is generally not recommended on a daily basis due to the high protein content. However, in cold weather and during lactation, alfalfa is often used. It is also very important to provide  your llama  with a supplement (pellets/grain). Llamas have a tendency to gain weight easy so it is important to monitor their feed intake and weight. Llamas should also be provided with free choice minerals and plenty of fresh water. A llama's nutrition is very important and plays a major role in breeding, birthing, quality of wool and over all well being.

Are they hard to train?

Llamas are very intelligent llamas and are quick learners. Most of the time you only need to show a llama the task a couple of times and they will have it down. The most important part of the training, is for the llama to learn to trust you. Once you have their trust, they will follow you almost anywhere. Llamas can be trained to carry packs (great for back packing in the mountains or even on a hike), cart driving (alot of fun to have in a parade), and therapy (the elderly and children love to interact with these beautiful animals). In addition, many individuals train their llamas to show in halter competition and performance classes.

What kind of shelter do they need?

A three sided shelter will generally provide enough protection for your llamas. However, when you have a newborn you will want to make sure mom and baby have a warm and dry place to reside. Llamas like to be outside so unless it is pouring down rain or there is a snow storm, you will usually find them outside. It is very important during the hot summer months that llamas are provided with adequate shade. If it is extremely hot, you may want to spray your llamas legs and belly with water or give them a wading pool to kush in....they love it!

Can I have just one?

Llamas don't like to be alone. Reputable breeders will not sell one llama unless it has a companion, preferably another llama. However, the exception to the rule is when a llama is guarding a herd, such as sheep or goats. The llama will bond to the sheep and be content as the guardian of the herd. Gelding and female llamas are frequently used in this situation and they have been proven to be very effective.

Can a female and a male llama reside together?

Females should not reside with intact males, young or old. It is not uncommon for pregnancies to occur in females at four to six months. By six months a male is capable of penetrating a female.

Do llamas have to have annual vaccinations or worming, like dogs?

Here at Sun Valley Llamas, our llamas receive an annual CDT vaccination. In addition they receive monthly injections of ivomec/dectomax to prevent Meningeal worm (a debilitating and sometimes fatal disease). They also receive oral safeguard on a quarterly or as needed basis to prevent other type of worms and parasites that the ivomec does not treat. We perform these procedures ourselves, as it is not difficult and the llamas become very accustomed to their monthly health check.

WHY A LLAMA?

Llamas make great companions.... 

.......spring, summer, fall and winter!!

Llamas are extremely intelligent, well-mannered, clean and curious animals. Once you own a llama you will no longer ask the question "Why a llama?". Listed below is just some more reasons why llamas are highly desired by many individuals. 

Llamas have a very gentle nature and because of this they are often found visiting schools and nursing homes. Llamas are very good around children and are frequently used as 4-H projects and in parades. 

 As you can see it is hard to resist a llama kiss!

Many owners enjoy showing their llamas in competition. In  Illinois there are many opportunities to show llamas. During the summer months owners show their llamas at local fairs. There are also opportunities to show llamas at the state, regional and national level. 

Research has shown that llamas can be very effective as guard animals for protecting sheep,  goats, cattle, poultry and even a cat from predators. A neutered (gelded) llama is recommended for use as a guard llama and there should only be one llama per herd.

Llama wool is highly sought after by spinners, knitters and weavers. The wool is used to make beautiful sweaters, hats, scarves and many other items. The wool is luxurious, lanolin free and lightweight, so people allergic to sheep wool can wear llama wool.

These are just a few of the answers to "why a llama". I must say, owning llamas has been one of the most positive and rewarding experiences in my life. I can't imagine what my life would be like without these wonderful and magical animals.