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.
You are visitor number
who has been able to access this counter.
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.