Second - Why should I NOT purchase a llama from a stock sale, flea market, or livestock auction? From working with llama rescue groups we are contacted about llamas that become very hard to control, become very ill, have genetic defects and often attack their owners. Llamas have been shot, turned loose and abandoned because there was no information given on how llamas  can act  if they are not raised properly or if they have been abused.  Llamas have been sold with saddles for riding,  babies sold as young as three months, sent home alone with no information on how to care for them. Raised in garages, dog kennels and tied to cinder blocks with no shelter.

1. Llamas are herd animals you will need two of the same sex as they need a "llama friend".   Are you looking for a companion, 4H project, show or fiber animal, guard, cart, packing, breeding stock, therapy companion?
    
2.  Llamas may live to 20 - 25 years of age so this is a long time commitment to the animal.
    
3. Each llama has a unique personality and can be use in many different ways.
    
4. I need a llama to guard my sheep or goats! Things to think about.

Guardian and Sentry - please visit this link for more information  - Yes llamas do make wonderful guards but remember they still need to be wormed, given vaccinations, sheared and have toenails trimmed. So you need a llama you can "touch".  They need shelter and need to be cool in the summer. To many guards are neglected, left alone to just do their job and die. Please read our guardian and sentry link to help you understand the needs of your llama.

How do I learn more about llamas?      

• Visit llama farms in your area - Ask questions. What medical care, vaccinations do they give their llamas.  Are the llamas friendly and easy to handle.  Is the farm clean and do they provide adequate needs for the llamas? What type of guarantee and support do they offer.

• Llama shows  -  a great place to see quality llamas, meet breeders and ask lots of questions and learn about conformation

• Find farms on the internet - a great place to learn about llamas, view photos and see what fun you can have with your llama.

• Attend training  and health workshops 

How much room do you have?  Is your farm ready for that llama?

• Housing, Fencing, Pasture

• Do you have a local veterinarian for your medical needs?

• Do you have other animals (horses etc.) There can be some issues you need to think about

DO NOT purchase a Llama less than 5 months of age - we recommend at least 6 months, weaning is a difficult time for llamas as they bond so close with the mother and llamas purchased too early can sometimes have behavioral problems when they mature.

Llamas are herd animals. You should have at least two so they can have a companion. If you have only two you need the same sex  - as around one year males and females should be separated.

Purchase your Llama from a reputable farm that will provide you with support and a guarantee. Stock sales or flea markets are not the best place to purchase animals. Most farms have very affordable animals and will work with you on your purchase and provide education on the care and needs of your llama. If you will send us your location we can help you find a llama farm in your area to visit. 740-867-4267 or ross@marshall.edu.  ... We are part of a llama network that helps match the right type of llama to meet your specific needs.

A proper fitting halter is a must - You need a halter that has been designed for llamas. You should not leave the halter on.   We have seen halters that the skin had actually grown over the halter causing large sores.  If the halter is to tight it can impair the animals breathing.

Contact a local Veterinarian to set up a health care maintenance program for your llama

Feed a good quality Llama Feed (they contain vitamins your llama needs) and a good quality grass hay

Provide a shelter, clean water and pasture (barb wire fencing is not recommended) woven wire works best

Male llamas - around the age of two years - need to have FIGHTING TEETH removed. This is for the safety of other males in your herd

Male llamas should be removed from your females by one year of age (to prevent unwanted breeding) If your male is not used for breeding we recommend that you castrate him. Geldings  make Wonderful!! companions

Keep toenails trimmed for health of the Llamas feet

SHEAR your Llama in the spring to help them stay cool and prevent heat stress - In hot weather provide shade, fans, plastic wading pools  to keep your Llama cool and of course shear your Llama

Vaccinate your Llama yearly for CDT - Check with your Veterinarian  for his recommendation of vaccinations

If you have a large deer population you may need to worm monthly. Check with your Veterinarian for a schedule and the proper wormer and dosage. Meningeal  worm KILLS! Dr. Anderson OSU Veterinary Hospital has posted an article to help you understand more on how to prevent Meningeal worm. Please see the two articles below.
Some type of chute is nice for grooming, vet visits, or emergencies
 View Photo of chute Chute by Jack Moore, Timberlane Llamas