How big are they?
Adults measure 36 – 48 inches at the shoulders.

What do they weigh?
Adults – 250 – 500 lbs.
Babies (called a "cria") – 18 – 40 lbs.
Life expectancy – 15 – 20 years

Do they have hooves?
No. Llamas have split toes, with soft, leathery pads and hard toenails. These toenails grow and need to be clipped periodically. Their soft feet make them particularly sure-footed and easy on the environment….a plus for hikers! They also move quietly through the woods on these soft feet, which is a plus for hunters and those hoping to see wildlife!

Do they spit?
Yes. Llamas spit. A properly trained llama will rarely spit on a human. Most of the spitting behavior is amongst themselves and seen most frequently during feeding time, during male play/fighting, and to show displeasure at being sniffed by another llama in an inappropriate manner. Females also "spit off" amorous males if they are already pregnant in order to send a message stating "I’m no longer available."

Llamas are modified ruminants. They have three stomachs ( a cow has four) and they chew their cud. Generally, when a llama spits as a reflex to an outside stimulus, they will spit just what is in their mouth at the time…often chewed hay or grain. If they are engaged in a dispute with another llama or are seriously upset, they spit a foul-smelling greenish goo, which comes from the first stomach. While unpleasant, it washes off!! You will sometimes see a llama that has been in a spitting-match with their lower lips hanging down, keeping it’s mouth open. They do not like the taste or the smell either!

Do llamas bite?
It is very unusual for a llama to bite humans. They do not have top front teeth. They have bottom teeth, and they have top & bottom molars in the back of the mouth, which are used for grinding. If you were to be bit by a llama, you would most likely sustain no more than a good bruise.

Why are some llamas wooly and some not?
There are three basic wool-types on llamas.
Heavy wool – very popular in the show ring and for fiber producing. These llamas, when groomed, are truly a beautiful sight. The length of their fiber can reach to over 30 inches. These animals have large amounts of wool on their necks and down the length of their legs. They may also have a lot of head wool and very fuzzy ears. These animals take many hours of grooming and need to be shorn every year for their comfort during the warm months.

Medium wool – These animals have shorter wool over their body, and while it can be rather heavy on the neck, will be less on the legs. They will have less on their heads and ears.
Light wool – the "classic" llama, often used for packing and as "working" animals. These llamas have very little wool on their bodies, and virtually none on their legs or head. Grooming time is minimal compared to the "woolies," which is just one important factor when determining what type of llama to purchase.

Llama wool can range in texture from very silky and soft, to very coarse. There are "silky" llamas, whose wool appears "wavy" or "crimpy" and is never blown dry, but allowed to dry naturally. "Suri-type" llama wool has a definite lock structure (a full "twist") to it. This wool is finer, and more frequently found on a suri alpaca. It should not be brushed out, as this procedure ruins the lock structure (twist) of the fiber.

Some llamas have many guard hairs, which are longer, coarse hairs overlaying a softer, cottony wool underneath. These llamas appear to stay much cleaner, as the guard hairs repel much of the dirt/debris that collects on those with fewer or no guard hairs. It is currently the goal of many breeders to breed for single-fiber coats…wooly llamas with NO guard hairs. These animals provide a garment-quality fiber that is highly desirable for spinning and turning into llama-wool products. These animals "collect" debris, much like Velcro might, and require quite a bit of continual grooming to keep them clean.

Are llamas with blue eyes blind?
No. Llamas with blue eyes are not blind, nor are they deaf. At one time, this eye-color was considered undesirable, particularly for a show llama. The show association does have a ruling that this is not to be a consideration when judging an animal.
In fact, llamas have eyes placed on each side of their head. They can see different things at the same time, and since their eyes are globular, the can practically see 360 degrees! This makes them very aware of their surroundings. They don’t miss much!

Can you use a horse halter on a llama?
This is not recommended. You can buy halters specifically made for llamas. Llama noses are made out of soft cartilage. Llamas breathe through their nose. It is important that their halters fit properly in order for them to breathe. If a halter rides too far down on the bridge of the nose, it can cut off their airway.

Are llamas smart?
Yes! Llamas are highly intelligent animals. They often learn with just a few repetitions. They are extremely curious and alert. They can learn to navigate obstacles, jump fences and climb stairs. They can learn to carry a pack or a small child. They can learn whatever you want to take the time to teach them!

They look sort-of like camels….how come?
Llamas are of the camelid species. Camels are actually distant cousins. There are four varieties in the Lama family: the alpaca, the vicuna, the guanaco, and the llama.

Do llamas make good pets?
Yes.....and no. We prefer to call them good companions. Llamas are not like a large dog....they ARE intelligent and enjoy learning new things, going new places. They will accompany you on a hike or a walk around the neighborhood. They will help deliver Christmas gifts or halloween candy, participate in parades, and even wear costumes. But they ARE livestock, and are not intended to lie next to you while gardening or hang out in your house with you watching telelvision. It is best to look around awhile, talk to llama owners and make sure the animal you choose is properly suited to your situation and properly trained. Please remember that llamas are herd animals. It is best to have at least two! They can get along with other farm animals such as sheep and goats, but it is always best to have another llama companion unless the llama is expected to operate as a guardian. Llamas typically have calm, stable dispositions, but they are large animals and one must remember to educate themselves before jumping into a purchase. Here at Lladyhawk Llamas we are more than happy to educate anyone who asks! We want folks to find the right llama for their individual situation, and if we don't happen to have one that fits, we may very well know someone who does.

What else can you do with a llama?
Backpacking - llamas are very sure-footed. They are not hoofed, which makes them quiet and easy on the environment. They are able to walk on many different types of terrain, and can generally carry up to ¼ of their body weight ( 40 – 100 lbs). Llamas can travel a distance of approximately 15 – 20 miles per day, depending on the conditions. Llamas will forage on grasses along the trail, so don’t require large quantities of food to be transported with them. If it is a long hike, some supplement may be necessary.
Wool Production – Depending on the animal, llamas can produce approximately seven pounds of wool every other year. It is usually shorn, but can also be brushed. It is combed, carded, and spun, and is sometimes blended with other types of wool. Once spun, it can be knitted, woven, crocheted into a variety of products. Garments are very warm and very durable.

Guard Animals – Llamas are being used more and more for protecting herds of small livestock such as sheep and goats. They are intolerant of strange animals intruding on their territory, and have a natural aggression towards canines. They have been very successful in protecting stock from coyotes and other small predators.

Do llamas need a big barn and high fencing?
Llamas can jump! But it is rare that they attempt to leave an enclosure. The type of fence you need would depend on your individual situation. Fencing is often required to keep males and female separated if breeding is not desired. Fencing is also intended to keep predators out as well as the llamas in. Shelter also depends on your climate. Llamas are much more prone to heat stress than actually getting cold. They prefer to be inside if it is windy or raining, but snow does not seem to bother them as much. Crias need to be monitored for fluctuations in temperature, and shelter may need to be provided for these youngsters.

I saw a llama riding in a van! Do they all do that?!?!
Llamas are easy to transport. They usually lie down when a vehicle starts to move. It is quite easy to train a llama to jump into a van or a pickup truck or station wagon. Depending on the distance to be traveled, and the number of animals being transported, a livestock trailer may be more suitable.

The babies are so cute! Are llamas easy to breed?
Llamas are induced ovulators. This means that the female ovulates upon penetration from the male. Therefore, they can give birth at any time of the year. Most people plan it during the Spring or Fall when the weather is not too hot or too cold. Gestation is anywhere from 335 – 370 days, and there is generally just one cria per pregnancy. Twins rarely survive, although it has been known to happen. This is very general information. If you want to breed llamas, there are several excellent books and videos available that can provide detailed information. Please be sure to be fully prepared and learn as much as you can about the breeding and birthing process prior to breeding your llama.