What do llamas eat?
Llamas eat grass hay, approximately five pounds a day. A blend of Timothy and Orchard grass is highly recommended. Alfalfa is too high in protein. Bermuda is too low in protein. Obtaining hay from out of the state of Arizona, usually available at most feed stores, is suggested to limit the risk of valley fever.
What do you call their coat?
Their coat is a fine hair, usually referred to as fiber. It does not contain lanoline, like a sheep's wool. Annual shearing is recommended.
What are llamas used for?
Llamas make great companion animals and may be used as a source of fiber for spinning and knitting, for packing, for guardians of sheep and goats, as therapy animals and/or for pulling carts.
Are llamas and alpacas available for adoption if their new home will be in south central Arizona and other extremely hot locations?
Unfortunately, llamas and alpacas will not be available for adoption if the new home is in south central Arizona or other extremely hot locations. With extreme heat, these camelids are not able to maintain healthy body temperatures and are very susceptable to heat stress. They are also more susceptable in these environments to valley fever, which is not treatable.
What's the difference between a llama and an alpaca?
Both camelids, the alpaca is smaller and usually has a heavier coat of fiber. A full grown alpaca is usually 130 pounds, where a llama can reach 350 to 400 pounds.
What sounds do they make?
Llamas make different humming sounds, based on how they are feeling. They also have an alarm call to warn other members of the herd of a threat. It's a high pitched stuttered sound that definitely gets your attention.
How long do they live?
Normal life span is 20 - 25 years.
What is a baby llama called?
A cria.
