General Guidelines

Can you even bring a llama home?

First you must determine if it is even possible for you to own llamas. The property where they will reside must be zoned for livestock. Often the zoning for horses will also include llamas and livestock zoning is not necessary. If this could be a factor it should be investigated before proceeding. Depending on how much grass is available, 2 to 4 llamas can be placed on one acre of land. Having more space than that available is not a problem. Even if the grass is not good enough to support 3 or 4 llamas per acre you can supplement them with hay. Feeding hay during a larger portion of the year will require more storage capabilities and will add expense. Some type of shelter is also necessary. A three-sided shed protecting against the prevailing winds is a minimum. The total number of llamas or livestock you have is one of the most important factors to consider. Llamas are herd animals and are not happy by themselves. If you do not already own horses or livestock or plan to get them, you will need to plan on purchasing more than one llama.

Where do I get information?

Educating yourself about llamas is the best way to ensure that you will be happy with your purchase(s). There are lots of ways to accomplish this and have fun at the same time. The first step is to subscribe to a few llama publications. These will provide you with information about llamas, discussions on current industry issues, a listing of events and lots of ads for other resources. Contact local and national organizations to get general information, a list of breeders and dates for conferences. These organizations also usually provide newsletters for members. If you know you are serious about purchasing llamas, memberships would be a worthwhile investment. Some local organizations have libraries with books and videos that members can borrow. Attend as many llama events as you can. Conferences, Shows, Festivals, Jamborees, Expositions, etc. provide an excellent opportunity to get lots of information and advice, meet numerous breeders and see a variety of llamas all in one place. Once you are armed with a list of breeders, call them and make arrangements to visit their farms. If you will also be building or remodeling the facilities, farm visits will give you two things for the price of one. Check out the llamas, but don't forget to check out the barn, fencing, chutes, fans, feed storage, etc. Ask farm owners what they like and don't like about their facilities and why - you will learn volumes. Of course, don't forget to continue perusing through Llamapaedia! There are also other llama information websites and lots of farm websites to search through.

Decide on your goals.

Once you have learned about the multiple uses for llamas and the different types of llamas available, you need to decide what is right for you. There is not a wrong choice as long as you are happy and your choices fit in with your goals. You need to prioritize the characteristics you desire in your llama. Someone shopping for a pet or 4-H project will have different requirements for their llama purchase than someone shopping for a herdsire to use in a large prominent herd. The big question you must answer is "What do I want from my llamas?". This will help you to decide on number, age, wool coverage, training level, breeding prospect, registration status, showing experience and even color preferences. Realize that what you want now may change and try to be prepared for that. Thinking into the future now will make today's decisions a little more appropriate.

How do I research a pedigree?

If you are planning to breed your llamas, researching the pedigree is important. There are several considerations when evaluating pedigrees. Many of the considerations are based on opinions, marketing and sensitive issues like birth defects. What you are willing to accept in the pedigree will depend on your goals. The International Lama Registry (ILR) can provide you with the current owners, number of registered offspring, color, birth date and other information on the registration certificate for any registered llama. If you have questions about health, reproduction, milking ability, wool texture, conformation, history of birth defects or personality you will have to contact current or previous owners of that animal. Your research can be as minimal or as extensive as you need to address your most important concerns. This can take a bit of time and is guaranteed to raise your long-distance phone bill.

Considerations when selecting a llama.

Once you have prioritized the characteristics you desire in a llama and researched the pedigree to your satisfaction, you need to look at the llama. Good conformation is always important and there is no such thing as a perfect llama. Your choice is based on which conformation problems are acceptable to you and which are not. Be sure to observe the llama moving around and not just standing in a posed position. Have the owner walk the llama towards you and away from you and watch the placement of the feet. Handle the llama yourself to get an idea of the training level and personality. Try to pick up the feet and look at the pads and toenails. You should thoroughly examine the llama by checking the bite, the vulvar conformation, the testicles, the body condition, wool quality and double check tattoo or microchip identification. This is more important with breeding animals than pets or sheep guards. If you are not comfortable doing a thorough examination, ask another breeder or a veterinarian to help you. Ask about guarantees on breeding animals and look over sales contracts. Ask to see health and reproductive records and find out if the llama has ever travelled. Those llamas who have not been trailered should have an experienced travelling companion or be trained to trailer before moving long distances. Request that a fecal exam for parasites be performed in addition to any testing necessary for travelling and deworm if needed.

Is there anyone who can help?

There are llama brokers who will look for a llama that meets your goals and requirements. The brokers are usually looking for breeding animals because it is not economically practical to pay a broker to find a pet or sheep guard. There are also a few breeders who collect llamas from lots of breeders to be sold as either pet/4-H llamas or sheep guards. All of these can make your shopping a little easier, but you have to know what you are looking for first.