As this page is further developed, we will provide links to resources with more in-depth information, and we'll be posting our own articles on these topics. Though we refer here to llamas, all the information, except perhaps for shearing, is relevant to both alpacas and llamas.

Annual Care

At a minimum, llamas need to have the following annual care. Some vets may differ on recommended frequency, so confirm with a knowledgeable llama vet in your area.

• CDT annual booster
• Fecal check for internal parasites
• Toenails trimmed (as needed)
• Shearing for long- or heavy medium-wooled llamas, especially in hot and humid climates
  

Birthing

If you're considering breeding your llamas or buying a llama to breed, why don't you instead consider adopting a youngster or adult? Too many llamas are still being euthanized because the owners don't know what else to do with them. Llamas are abandoned, to live or die as best they can. And sometimes, a few of them find their way to a llama rescuer. You can save a life! While there are so many llamas needing homes, won't you consider adoption instead of breeding? Please your closest SWLR State Coordinator to discuss all the options!

Emergencies

It is critical to have a knowledgeable llama vet, preferably one that makes ranch calls, in case of emergencies. Llamas are notoriously stoic "easy keepers," which can be both a blessing and a challenge. They are so stoic that by the time their owners notice something wrong, it might well have been going on for so long that it's become a real health crisis. Get to know your area llama vet! Keep that number posted in the barn!

Grooming

Oh, my! The things we've seen!! A llama's fiber (wool, coat, pelt) grows to full length in about two years after a shearing. During that growth period, if you're not able to groom regularly, huge mats can develop around small bits of stems, dirt, stickers, etc. Regular grooming not only prevents this most uncomfortable and unhygienic mess from developing, but gives you a great opportunity for some gentle one-on-one time with your llama. Too, you can keep an eye on the llama's skin and body for fungal growths or other health concerns.

Herd Management

You're going to find a lot of differing opinions on this topic, as well, really, as any of the others. People believe in what works for them. And that's great! Consider all your options, try out different things, stick with what works for you. BUT! Always remember:

• Female llamas are "induced ovulators," which means they can be bred year 'round. That also means that they should not be pastured with intact males. Though a bred female may "spit off", or reject, the advances of a stud, some maidens and more timid girls may allow the breeding. This can harm the female. Additionally, males will keep trying: that means lots of chasing, potential injuries, and ultimately considerable damage to the female' reproductive organs. Even geldings have been known to continue exhibiting breeding behaviors. To be safe, keep the girls apart from the males!
     
  
• Barbed wire can trap a llama and cause fatal injury!
     
• Bits of junk that rises from the ground after a rain or was tossed out by passing vehicles can cause harm. Keep an eye on those pastures!
     
• Llamas need fresh water, shelter, adequate pasture or supplemental hay, and loose minerals. Every area is different, so check with your vet to see what minerals are depleted in your region.
     
• If you train your llamas to come in to a dinner call or a call for treats, you'll easily able to bring them in if there's an emergency. Too, an evening review lets you see that everyone is doing well. Just put a call, such as "LLLAAAAAmaaaa" to the dispensing of treats or evening feed, and in no time, you'll have llamas that come when you want them to... usually...

Shearing

Depending on the climate in your area, you might need to shear your llama annually, or even more often! In Texas, for example, where spring into autumn can be miserably hot and humid, even short-wooled llamas can benefit from an annual haircut. Medium- and heavy-wooled llamas might need shearing in late spring, with a touch-up later in the season. Getting started shearing for the first time can be a little daunting, as may be the decision to shear with electric clippers or hand shears, such as Fiskar shears or sheep shears. There's some good info out on the Web, so we'll be posting links in the near future. Until then, contact us or area llama owners for instruction or to find out where you can contact a professional shearer.

Teeth Trimming

Males from about two years old will begin growing what we refer to as "fighting teeth." These are long, sharp, curved canines used, as you would assume, for fighting. Many pasture injuries, such as split and torn ears, are caused by young males' roughhousing. You can saw the teeth off with OB wire, or your llama vet can shorten them for you. Please contact your nearest SWLR State Coordinator if you need information on how to blunt fighting teeth.

Toenail Trimming

If you're on rocky ground, you might not need to trim toenails as often as someone whose herd pastures in verdant greenery. However, most llamas will eventually need a manicure. The book we often refer to as our "barn bible," Caring for Llamas and Alpacas, has a pretty good section on trimming toenails. Again, if you need assistance, instruction, or just some moral support, please contact your nearest SWLR State Coordinator.

Training

Would you contentedly thrust a six-year old child into a classroom full of strangers, never having given this child any social guidance, without a language or knowing the basic rules of society, of how to act in public? Of course not! We send our kids off in the hopeful knowledge that we've introduced them, as best we can, to the ways of the world. We've given them basic instruction in dealing with others, in behaving correctly in social situations, in interacting with the world around them. So why do so many llama owners think their llamas are perfectly okay just put out to pasture without even the most basic of training?! After all, what if there's an emergency and you need to quickly get your "wild" llama into safety? What if it's injured or if it escapes? Basic catch, lead and halter training are critical for the welfare of your animal! Contact us if you need assistance! We're here not only to help the llamas that need to be rehomed or rescued, but to help new owners figure out the best ways to responsibly provide the care their llamas need!

Jump to section:
Annual Care
Birthing
Emergencies
Grooming
Herd Management
Shearing
Teeth Trimming
Toenail Trimming
Training