Llamas Brief History
Camelids (camels/Llamas/Alpacas) first
appeared on the Central Plains of North
America about 40 million years ago. About 3
million years ago, llamas' ancestors
migrated to South America.
Llamas were first domesticated and used as
pack animals 4,000 to 5,000 years ago by
Indians in the Peruvian highlands.
Native community have used llamas as
pack animals for years.
They are saddled with loads of 50 to 75
pounds. Llama can cover up to 20 miles in a
day. This could include several
hundred animals to move large amounts of
goods.
Llamas generally are willing to be pack
animals, however if a llama is overloaded
with with weight, they will refuse to move.
A llama will just lay down, and if really
agitated, they may even spit, hiss or
possibly kick their owners. If the owner
lightens the load, the llama will then get
up and move on.
| Llamas Information |
| Life span: |
Average of about 20 years. |
| Height: |
About 45 inches at the shoulder, and
stand about 5ft 5" to the head. |
| Weight: |
250 to 350 pounds. |
| Gestation: |
11 to 12 months |
| Birth: |
one cria (baby) is born usually
without assistance. |
| Cria Weight:
|
about 18 to 35 pounds and begin
nursing within 90 minutes. |
| Weaned: |
Around 5 to 6 months. |
Llamas Characteristics
Llamas graze on grass and regurgitate their food and chew
it's cud as does cattle and sheep. Llamas can survive on different
kinds of plants and can survive on little water if need be. Overall,
llamas are pretty durable animals. but, there are a few problems
that could arrive if not treated.
Llamas have a three-compartment stomach, they "chew their cud" as do
cattle and sheep.
They can be kept on a variety of pastures of hay. Llamas can
eat about 4 bales of hay per month.
Over all, llamas are intelligent animals and
are easy to train. They accept a harness pretty easy. They also
learn pretty quickly on being led, loaded in and out of a vehicle
(if need be) pulling a cart or carrying a pack.
Llamas are generally pretty social animals, and prefer companionship
of their species. Llamas are independent, but are also shy.
Llamas are gentle and can be curious. Due to their curiosity,
they sometimes will come close to strangers to sniff them. However,
llamas don't really like to be petted like some other animals
do. but, will accept being
petted on their neck and back. Some llamas accept this more
than others. Llamas rarely bite or kick, unless provoked.
(Mine never did)
Llamas communicates with a series of ear, body and tail postures.
Llamas do spit, only when they are very annoyed or feel threatened ,
but, mostly with another llama. I personally, I have never had
any of my llamas spit on me.
Llamas also make good pets. They are
generally predictable, and calm to new situations. They
get along with just about any other species. I have never seen any
of my llamas show any type of aggression.
Llamas have been used as therapy animals because of their calming
effects. Llamas are also used as 4H projects, scouts and other
groups. Llamas are also used for their wool and is
crafted into ropes, rugs and fabrics
Llamas bathroom habits are in the form of
"pellet" size. (similar to deer) generally are odorless and
use what is called a "dung pile" which means they generally
use one spot which will create a small pile. Many llamas also
are good about not starting a "dunk pile in their house.
(assuming
they have access outside)
Their wool actually has a pleasant. I have never smelled any bad
odor on my llamas.
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