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Llamas as Pets

  Llamas are prey animals and not overly  "cuddly" by nature. That doesn't mean you can't develop very rewarding relationships with them, but you need to be realistic in your expectations.

 There  are a few things to consider when  selecting a  llama as a pet.

Here are a few of my notes and suggestions.

Before You Begin    What to Look For     Questions to Ask     Llamas or Alpacas?

Before you Begin

• Llamas must have company, so you need to buy a minimum of two. The pair will preferable already be friends and similar in age and sex.

• Llamas require pasture space, and are certainly not suited to suburban blocks

• Long fleeced llamas require shearing once a year, make sure you can find a shearer that services your area, or find somewhere you can take them to be shorn.

• You will need shelter, shade and a clean water supply in the paddock. If the pasture is inadequate you will need to supply additional feed.

• You will need a small pen (approx 3x3m) that can be used to catch, train and handle your animals.

• You will need to trim toenails, vaccinate and worm your animals on a regular basis, or at least know someone who can assist or do it for you.

What to Look For,

• An animal that approaches people but isn't too forward or pushy.

• Be wary of overly friendly llamas, especially young weanlings or crias. These individuals are often dominant and not friendly and can be difficult to handle when they are older.

• Males should be gelded/wethered if they are to be pets.

• Ask the seller to leave the animals in the pasture until you arrive, then you can see how easy they are to bring into the training/catching pens. If advertised as halter trained (desirable) ask to see the animals you are interested in being caught, haltered and taken for a walk.

• Ask to see the seller to pick up the feet  and handle any animals you are considering purchasing.

Questions to ask

• Ask if there are any health issues with the animals for sale, if breeding stock do they come with fertility guarantees?

• Make sure the seller will be around to answer questions and offer support even once the cheque has been banked.

• Ask if any halters, leads and care information is included in the sale.

• Are the animals registered, if so ask to see the papers and find out if the price includes transfer fees?

• Does the seller have farm husbandry, health, vet breeding records for the animals?

Llamas or Alpacas?

Now this is a very hard question to answer, I love them both.

There is something very appealing about the smaller size and cuddly, fluffy appearance of an alpaca. Certainly the smaller size makes alpacas seem less intimidating. The fact a llama often looks down its nose at you can be a bit disconcerting.

Interestingly, I have found llamas (trained ones) are actually easier to handle than most alpacas. Llamas seem more self confident and happy to engage  in one on one interactions, alpacas primarily want to stay with their herd.

Because llamas are so big and strong, I think novice owners should only select halter trained individuals.

Another question that is frequently asked is which one spits more. In my small herd spitting is very much an individual characteristic. Some girls spit to warn others off, others just lay their ears flat and stare. Neither my alpacas or llamas spit at people, unless they have strong opposition to what you are doing to them.