Llamas

Introduction

The llama is a large domesticated camelid, with an average life expectancy of 20-25 years. They are livestock, and should be treated as such, not pets. Llamas are larger in frame and heavier than alpacas, weighing 110-250kg, and are distinguishable by their curved ears. Fully mature llamas stand 102-110cm at the shoulder. Females are reproductively mature by 18-24 months and can breed throughout their lifetime. The gestation period is about 350 days and llamas usually have single-cria (baby llama) pregnancies.

Llamas are curious, sociable, intelligent, and trainable animals. They can be trained to accept a halter, be led, pull a cart or carry a pack, for example.

Guard animals

Many livestock including sheep, goats, alpacas, and poultry are accepting of a llama guard. They are exceptional at protecting ewes during lambing season, as they excel at deterring dogs and foxes.

While llamas are capable of kicking, they aren’t generally an attack animal, rather they provide a warning at the sign of potential danger. The alarm sound is loud and hornlike, but wary llamas can also hum or click. Llamas will also spit when they feel they are in danger. A gelded male or an adult female can be used as a guardian animal.

Getting started

Each potential producer must research and source their own market. The Alpaca Association of Ireland may be of some help, given these are also camelids.

Fibre

The fibre of both alpacas and llamas is considered to be a luxury fibre, in the league of cashmere and angora. Llama fibre:

is generally of a lesser quality than alpaca fibre and not as elastic, soft, or fine in general
has varying degrees of hollowness and is lightweight
is extremely warm, strong, durable, lanolin free and therefore hypoallergenic, and though water resistant, will lose shape and shrink a bit when wet
comes in many natural colours – white, cream, silver, and various shades of grey and brown
can be solid coloured, patterned, broken, or spotted
is easily damaged by alkaline substances and sunlight
is used to manufacture items such as clothing and other winter garments and accessories, blankets, pillows, mattress toppers, duvets and rugs.

The quality, degree of softness, and strength of the fleece depends on fibre diameter and density. Diameter is measured in microns, with the softest fibres ranging in thickness from 10-22 microns and coarser fibres 30 plus microns. Llama fibres range from 20-40 microns. Llamas are sheared annually in the spring. Poor shearing technique can spoil the fleece and reduce yield. Unless you are experienced, do not be tempted to shear your own herd. Fibres on the neck, underbelly, and legs are coarser and of varying lengths. Llamas produce 2-5lbs of fleece per animal.

Agritourism

There are a variety of options for tourism:

opportunities to spend time with llamas and/or walk with them
depending on additional facilities and offerings available they can be an attraction for birthday parties, weddings, and corporate wellness events, etc.
visits to/from nursing/care homes, interactions with individuals with disabilities and those with autism
packages can include other activities, food offerings, accommodation, or perhaps ‘experiences’ such as shearing, wool production, workshops on their husbandry, and so on.

Husbandry

Llamas are somewhat independent, so an individual looking to own just one or two animals might do better with a llama than with alpacas, though herd existence is always more favourable.

Llamas are completely adaptable to an Irish climate and landscape. An acre of good land can support about four llamas. A three-sided field shelter to stay dry when weather is inclement and which provides shade for hot summer days is recommended. Barbed wire is unsuitable. The diet of a llama is comprised primarily of grass or hay, though concentrate feeds may be used to supplement forage in certain circumstances. A supply of fresh, clean water is essential. Supplementation with pelleted mineral supplements is advised. Llamas are hardy but they may, at times, require veterinary treatment. They require annual vaccinations and a parasite control programme, which should be discussed with a vet. Their toenails need to be trimmed and they should also have their teeth checked annually.

Good to know

Llama fights are visually dramatic, with spitting, ramming each other with their chests, neck wrestling and kicking. Female llamas are usually only seen spitting as a means of controlling other herd members.

Regulations

Importation of llamas is controlled by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) live trade section – T: lo-call 1890-200 509 or 01-607 2000.

Fact sheet produced by the Rural Economy and Development Programme.