* Members of the camelid family
* Domesticated from Guanacos, 4,000 to 5,000 years ago
* The oldest domestic animals in the world
* Modified ruminant with a three compartment stomach
* Require relatively low protein diet
* Have a two-toed foot with leathery bottom pad
* Life span is approximately 20 years
* Average height 40-45" at the shoulder, 5'6"-6' at the head
* Average weight 280-450 lbs.
* Average gestation 350 days
* Normal birth is a single baby (cria), twins are rare
* Normally give birth in daylight hours
* Crias weigh 20-35 lbs. at birth
* Crias are up running and nursing within 90 minutes
* Crias are weaned at 5-6 months old
* Females are first bred at about 18-24 months of age
* Llamas do not have a heat cycle, they are induced ovulators
* Can be bred at any time of year
* Colors of wool range from black to white in many patterns
* Llamas have the ability to browse or graze
* Wool is light weight, oil free, warm, luxurious, great for spinning and weaving
* Make a humming sound and shrill alarm occasionally
* Social animals, needs companionship
* Intelligent and easy to train
* Spitting normally used only between Llamas
* Easy on fences, any livestock fencing can be used
* Easy to transport, pickups, vans, livestock trailers, or recreation vehicle
* Can be kept on a variety of pastures or hay
* Average 3-5 Llamas per acre for moderate pasture
* Adult Llama will eat a 100 lb. bale of hay in 10-14 days without pasture
* Require less water than most domestic animals
* Should be offered mineral supplements along with hay or pasture
* Hardy and have few problems with disease
* Worming recommended twice a year
* Annual vaccinations recommended
* Fully grown at 4 years of age
* Packers carry 70-120 lbs., 10-15 miles per day
* For more info. see USES and PACKING