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The Growing Source for Llama Information!

Llamapaedia is for everyone with an interest in Llamas. Written by veterinarians, it is intended to be an accurate source of information on husbandry, breeding, care and resources for further information. Llamapaedia was first published on May 29, 1996 and is authored by Greta Stamberg, DVM and Derek Wilson, DVM. We will be adding valuable information and resources on a regular basis.

The site is a source for management, general maintenance and practical information. It is not a substitute for regular veterinary care. Problems with llamas of a medical nature should be referred to your veterinarian.

Notice: Greta and Derek just graduated and are in the process of moving and beginning to work and have very limited spare time. We are doing the best we can to continue adding information to the site, but progress will be slower than it has been previously. Please be patient with us as we begin our medical careers.

What's New
Links to new additions in Llamapaedia.

Origin
Llamas are originally from North America. Find out how they got to South America and then back to North America.

Uses
Discover the many things these versatile animals are capable of doing.

The Llama Industry
Common llama terms are defined. Llamas can be permanently identified, blood typed and registered. There are several national llama organizations and publications as well as current medical research.

Purchasing a Llama   New Category!!
Learn general guidelines for purchasing a llama as well as criteria for selecting different types of llamas. The places to look for llamas and price ranges are discussed. Insurance options for the llamas you purchase.

Anatomy
Llamas are physically distinct from other livestock in a number of ways. Some ways you can see and some ways you can't.

Behavior
Llamas are very social animals with a variety of personalities who can strongly interact with their environment. Llamas may hum, roll, spit, guard other animals, use the dung pile and more.

Wool
The fiber produced by llamas has unique characteristics and can be used for all types of projects. Lots of fiber-related terms are defined to clarify the technical details on llama wool.

General Maintenance
Training, grooming, deworming, nail trimming and vaccinations are all involved in the regular care and management of llamas. Record keeping is very important as well as proper halter and pack fitting.

Feeding and Nutrition
Every animal has special nutritional concerns and llamas are no exception. There are nutritional basics which must be considered before feeding your llamas. Body condition scoring is one of your best monitoring devices.

Reproduction
Llama reproduction is a mystery to some breeders. Learn the basics and understand what is going on inside your llamas and how it can improve your management.

Crias
These delicate new additions sometimes need a little extra care. Knowing what to look for can avert some problems and quickly identify others. Colostrum is a critical part of their first day of life.

Facilities
Llama barns, fencing and storage buildings have endless variety. The pros and cons of basic and common facilities can introduce important situations to consider.

Common Problems and Concerns
Llama disasters can occur with heat stress, meningeal worm, genetic defects, failure of passive transfer and other problems. There are ways to help prevent them from occurring in your herd.

Medical
There are medical supplies essential to have in or near the llama barn. Identify the sites for giving injections and drawing blood. Learn the options available for removal of fighting teeth. Learn to recognize a sick llama in need of treatment.

Index
Links to topics and keywords within Llamapaedia.

Guestbook
Please Sign the Llamapaedia Guestbook.

Resources
Resources used for Llamapaedia and for further information.
The co-authors of this site are veterinarians who graduated from Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine, Blacksburg, Virginia. Greta has been raising Llamas for nearly a decade and breeding her herd for several years. Derek worked in the Veterinary Medical Informatics Program at VMRCVM.

This site is authored and maintained by Greta Stamberg and Derek Wilson. If you have any questions or comments about Llamapaedia, please send e-mail to either Greta or Derek.

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Last updated February 3, 2000

This site and all materials herein Copyright ©1996-1998 Greta Stamberg and Derek Wilson except where noted. The Authors provide this information for the reader's benefit and take no responsibility for its use.