Northern Colorado Llamas (NCL) strives to be self-sufficient and provide most llama care ourselves. We do spring vaccinations, spring and fall worming, and toe nail trimming. Cria's are vaccinated at 3 months of age. Someone is here almost all the time especially when we have expecting females close to their due dates. Most llamas deliver without complications or help but we are trained and experienced at helping with difficult births. Each baby (Cria) is weighed; checked for abnormalities or signs of being premature, naval treated with iodine solution and given a mild enema. If weather conditions are poor the female and Cria are put in a clean dry barn. Each Cria is dried and observed to make sure it nurses and gets sufficient colostrum and milk. We have a supply of llama and goat colostrum on hand if an emergency arises. Usually the Cria requires no special care and is left in the pasture with their mother until 6 months of age. Then we wean them with other crias for company and to ease the weaning stress. Training begins for llamas after they are weaned. See TRAINING.

NCL has treated many different types of injuries and illnesses including snakebite, mastitis, scrapes, cuts, tick paralysis, etc. A llama chute is used for restraint when necessary to provide safety for the llama and the handler. The chute is designed and built by NCL. Many medical supplies are on hand at all times including needles, syringes, bandages and wraps, slings, tubes, medication, ointments, etc.

Our barn has lights, electrical outlets, water hydrant, a scale for weighing llamas, and separate stalls. We draw blood ourselves for progesterone test, or if a veterinarian requires such for diagnosis. NCL uses high tensile fencing because of its durability and safety for the llamas. No barbed wire is used on our property. Cross fencing provides us with numerous pastures for ease with llama and pasture management.

When a veterinarian service is required our vet trained at Colorado State University (CSU), has a lot of experience with llamas, and is only 3 miles from our ranch. The CSU veterinary hospital is located in Ft. Collins and is a recognized leader in llama research, and medicine. We are lucky to have CSU close and available.

Accurate record keeping is important and NCL provides records on breeding dates, birthing dates, medical, training, and other important notes though out each llamas life.

Please call and come for a ranch tour to see our facilities. We will be glad to answer questions about any llama care issues.