Frequently Asked Questions about LLAMAS and ALPACAS

Q: Where do llamas & alpacas come from?

A: Llamas and alpacas come from Peru, Bolivia, and Chile, in the high plains areas called the "Altiplano" (elevation: 8,000'-15,000' ).  Llamas were first brought to the United States by William Randolph Hearst in the 1920's for his personal zoo.  Alpacas were imported much more recently, beginning in the '80s. Llamas and alpacas were domesticated from their wild counterparts, the Guanaco and Vicuna, 6,000-7,000 years ago by the Quechua Indians and their fiber and structure were improved by the Incas.

 

Q: What kind of personality do llamas have?

A: Llamas by nature, are very intelligent, gentle animals. They are relatively inexpensive to maintain, relatively disease-free and are quick, to learn, cooperative, and patient in training. Their quickness to learn can make them, at times, mischievous.

 

Q: Do they spit?

A: Yes, they do spit, but usually at each other.  This being over disputes about food primarily.  A mistreated, over-handled or badly trained llama will spit at humans.

 

Q: What do you do with a llama?

A: There are eight main uses for a llama, many compatible in the same animal.

• A pet and companion

• A sure-footed, alert pack animal

• A source of excellent fiber (similar to alpaca)

• An animal trained to pull a cart

• A show competitor: 4-H Projects, parades, etc.

• A competent guard animal, very effective against small predators

• A breeding animal, as a source of income

• A friend to take out for a drink at Christmas (see below)

 

Q: What's the difference between alpacas and llamas?

A: Size and fiber quality.  Llamas were primarily bred to be a beast of burden, and alpacas were bred primarily as fiber producers.  An average alpaca standing 34"-36" at the withers, where llamas stand 42"-48" at the withers.  An adult alpaca will generally produce 5-8#s of high quality exotic uniformly crimped fiber in a single fiber fleece, each year.

 

Q: Do llamas produce fiber of high quality?  How much do they produce?

A: Llamas are excellent fiber producers, too. They usually have a dual fiber fleece, however, which includes 80-100% fine crimpy fluff and 20-0% straight coarse guard hair. The fiber is hollow, making it excellent for creating warm clothing. It is also oil free and has no inherent odor. These qualities make this fiber a spinner's dream, and it may be felted as well. The amount of fiber varies from animal to animal, but an average is about 2-5#s per year.  Most llamas would need shearing every other year, some every year, and some every third year.

 

Q: Can you ride them?

A: It is not generally recommended to ride llamas, except for small children.  An adult male will reach a weight of between 300 and 450 lbs. and stand 5 to 6 feet tall. They are expected to carry approximately 1/4 of their body weight, so a rider or load of between 75-115 lbs. may be carried. This weight may be increased to a maximum of 1/3 of their body weight as they reach top physical conditioning.

 

Q: Can you take them back-packing?

A: Yes.  Llamas are great friends to have when you want to head to the high country for a little camping and back-country trekking.  Given that they can be "strung" head-to-tail and one person can usually handle a string of three, long term pack trips become a viable and pleasant alternative.  Because of their soft foot (two toes, with toenails) they leave no scars on the trail. Because they are modified ruminants, their fecal matter comes as very well digested, almost odorless pellets.  And, they can usually browse for their food as they go along the trail.  All in all, they fit into the mountain trail or back-country environment very well and can be delightful and entertaining companions on the way.

Q: What packing equipment do you recommend?

A: We have 9 pack saddle rigs.  Five different kinds and four Flaming Star outfits.  After using these, I wouldn't recommend any other kind.  See: http://www.nas.com/~jnkllamas/jnkfscost.htm to get started.  I'd recommend the Standard-Pack @ $299.00 it includes the very well designed-for-llamas saddle, cinch system, large heavy duck panniers w/pockets at both ends, cross-tie and a chest strap.  All rugged and very nicely put together with plenty of hooks and rings to tie-off too.  We've used them extensively and our oldest (six years of hard use) are just like new, with a washing.  If you are going to pack in the mountains, I'd suggest getting the rump strap and a rain-fly, as well (extra).  See: http://www.nas.com/~jnkllamas/jnkfsaccess.htm  I like these rigs for three main reasons; they're the BEST on the llama, they're easy to use and they're durable.  They send along extensive instructions on how to use them, as well.

Also, we really like the 'cross-design' halters for packing work.  They allow freedom of motion of the jaw for eating and put a different kind of pull on the llama's face by constricting the nose-grip as well as pulling at the back of the neck, which give a different kind of message than merely pulling the back of the neck.  A fixed-nose-loop halter simply pulls at the back of the neck and doesn't allow but one size for the muzzle, thus it's either too loose or doesn't allow for easy chewing and either way doesn't do anything but pull the back of the llama's neck.  See: http://www.soprisllamas.com/halters.html

 

Q: How much space do they need?

A: Llamas can be maintained in a backyard, however, it is best that they have a good sized area.  Llamas are very athletic and like to run and play.  This could be an acre or two.  Llamas are efficient digesters and usually one horse will graze about as much a 5-7 llamas.  They can easily jump most fences, but train to fences as youngsters and usually don't jump.  A minimum 4' high stock fence is recommended for protection against feral dogs.

 

Q: Do they bite or kick?

A: They do not bite or kick like a horse.  A human isn't in danger of being kicked or bitten by a properly socialized and desensitized animal.  They will kick at a fly or something around their back feet, but because the foot is soft it's just not as dangerous as a horse's kick and isn't used as a primary self-defense measure.

 

Q:  Is their manure good fertilizer?

A:  Their manure is excellent fertilizer and may be applied to the garden immediately. Because they are not nomadic (stay in an outlined territory), and mark their territory with their dung piles, they usually wait to get to a dung pile to defecate or urinate.

 

Q:  Do they get along alright alone?

A:  Llamas and alpacas are herding animals, and are most happy when in the company of other animals, preferring other llamas or alpacas.

 

Q:  Do you have to castrate the males if they won't be used for breeding?

A:  Not every male must be castrated.  This is an individual choice by temperament, and many get along fine without castration.  There is some disagreement among breeders and owners regarding this subject.

 

Q:  Can llamas be used as guards for smaller livestock?

A:  Llamas have been used very successfully as guard animals for sheep, goats, alpacas and miniature horses. They are very intelligent and curious, and have the ability to recognize family pets, neighbors' pets, and the difference between them and coyotes. Their curious nature and athletic ability bring them into close proximity to the coyote, causing the coyote to turn tail.  Gelded males are preferred as guard animals, as intact males will attempt to breed smaller stock.  They work best without other llamas, in this case, adopting the herd of sheep, goats, miniature horses, alpacas, or cattle as their "own" herd.  My own feeling is that females are not adequate guard animals, as they have the tendency to bunch together and protect the babies rather than to chase the predator (the herd-sire's job).  To see a story about Cyrus (below), click this.

Courtesy: TIME Magazine

Q:  How long do llamas and alpacas live?

A:  Llamas have a life expectancy of approximately 20-25 years.

 

Q:  When do they reach breeding maturity?

A:  Breeding capability is reached by 16-24 months.  Some breeders starting females at 12 months (some females will be capable at 9 months), with most breeders waiting until 24 months to allow full development of the mother's growth.  Males usually don't reach sexual potency until 24 months, with the rare one becoming potent as early as 12 months.

 

Q:  What is the gestation period?

A:  The gestation period is 11-1/2 months (350 days average).

 

Q:  How much do the babies weigh when born?

A:  Average llama cria (baby) weight is 25 lbs, alpaca crias average 18 lbs.  Almost always a single cria birth, twins are very rare.

 

Q:  What is Berserk Male Syndrome? - or - Can llamas or alpacas become over-bonded or over-handled, and how can this be avoided?  What are the results of this type of over-handling / mistreatment?

A:  This syndrome is usually caused by bottle feeding a cria and/or fondling, playing llama games (bumping, nudging, running with, imitating, & cuddling) while a youngster.  The young llama then bonds so completely with human(s) that s/he thinks that humans are llamas too.  As s/he grows, s/he begins to play rougher and rougher, until he (not she here) becomes unmanageable and quite dangerous.  Females will develop the same bond/reaction, but their activities don't include chest-ramming and "serious" conflict, but very well may include frequent spitting at humans and a general, sometimes overwhelming difficulty in handling.

 

**CAUTION: This phenomena can become VERY serious and many times ends with the (male) llama being euthanized or completely isolated.  Once they reach adulthood, turning back is very difficult and requires intensive training.  **If you have a cria that requires bottle feeding, immediately consult an experienced llama handler for explicit instructions how to avoid BMS or undesirable behavior.  -or-  If you have a young animal that is "pushy" affectionate, beware.  This is usually the beginning of difficult behavior and will more than likely develop into "nasty" behavior.  Steps should be taken immediately to redirect any pushy behavior.