Llamas are
native to the mountains of South America and have been their domesticated beast
of burden for over 6,000 years. They have been very selectively bred for gentle
dispositions and fine wool.
Adult llamas weigh between 250-450 lbs., stand 5 to 6
feet tall, mature around 4-5 years old and can be expected to live 15-25 years.
Their soft, padded foot makes them environmentally
desirable and remarkably sure-footed. Llamas have a gentle, trusting
nature which makes them excellent public relations "PR" animals for school and
nursing home visits and other appearances. They are easily trained to remain calm and
unruffled in most situations.
Llamas are highly social animals and need the
companionship of other llamas. Although they will interact with goats,
horses and other animals, they need other llamas. They are one of the few
species that communicate (talk) amongst themselves.
Llamas use communal dung piles which are odorless and
easy to clean up for use as fertilizer.
Female llamas are induced ovulators and receptive to
breeding at any time. Maidens can be bred between 16 and 24 months.
It is preferred to breed her when she has reached physical maturity (3 years
old) and weighs over 200 lbs. Llama babies (called crias) are usually born after about 350 days
(11 1/2 months) and usually
weigh between 15 and 30 lbs.
Crias begin walking within an hour and should nurse in
about two hours. The placenta is usually passed within four hours. Females can
be rebred in two to four weeks after giving birth.
Female llamas can be quite
obstinate, not want to be bothered, and grumpy
when pregnant. Wouldn't you be if you were pregnant for 11 1/2 months
carrying a 30 pound baby?
Ears forward on a llama is a sign that the llama
is curious about something in his environment.
When a llama curls his tail
forward over his back It is a submissive sign. The llama is recognizing that
another llama is dominant over him.
The two types of hair found on a
llama are guard hairs and the fiber undercoat. Guard hairs are the thick,
straight, hairs that cover a llama's fiber underlayer. Guard hairs will shed the
rain and protect the finer fiber underneath. The fiber gives the animal the
warmth needed to withstand the weather. The fiber undercoat or woolen part
of the llama's hair is used for spinning. The fiber is spun into yarn and
thread. The fiber can also be used to make felt. After it is spun, it can be
used for knitting, crocheting, and weaving. The South Americans also use the
spun fiber to make ropes for leading their llamas. Guard hair does not spin well
and is not made into felt.
When in good shape, an adult
pack llama can carry 25-30 per cent of its own
weight. |
