LLAMAS AND ALPACAS...
Popular since the 1970's, the llama and the alpaca are two of the most
versatile and delightful companion animals in North America. They are
members of the Camelid family, genus Lama, which originated in the
Mississippi River area about 10 million years ago. Four of the six camelids
live in South America - Llamas, Alpacas, Guanacos and Vicunas. In this
document, "lamas" refers to both llamas and alpacas.
ABOUT LAMAS
Lamas have been domesticated and selectively bred for their gentle nature
and fine fiber for about 6,000 years. The llama was developed as a pack
animal from the guanaco, while the alpaca, a fiber producer, came from the
vicuna. Today we must admire the selective breeding capability of the Incas.
Llamas and alpacas are the largest of the South American Camelid species.
Llamas weigh from 250 to 450 pounds and stand 40" to 48" at the shoulder.
Alpacas weigh 125 to 200 pounds and stand about 30" to 36". Both species are
very intelligent, strikingly beautiful and carry themselves with serene
pride. They mature at about three years of age and live up to 25 years.
Because of a leathery pad on the bottom of each two toed foot and a pacing
gait, lamas are sure footed, low impact animals on any terrain. Given the
"fight or flight" enigma, they are flight oriented. Communication is a
series of hums and clicks, with subtle ear, tail and body movements to
express affection, dominance, submission or anger. They have an "alarm
call", which sounds like a horse whinny, to alert other lamas to perceived
danger.
Their nature is curious, gentle and somewhat aloof. Their intelligence,
willingness and self respect make training a joy.
USES
Lamas are used as pack, fiber, companion and straw animals, or purchased for
breeding stock as well as the pleasure of ownership. They are considered
domestic livestock by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The fiber from
lamas, especially alpacas, is exquisite. Llamas are used to pack everything
from camping gear to trash from the roadside, and gelded adult males make
excellent guard animals for sheep, goats and cattle. They are used as
therapy animals for the ill, elderly and handicapped. It is a real delight
to take your llamas to a nursing home or school. Although they are not
riding animals, llamas can be trained to pull carts and wagons, or skiers.
They also make wonderful 4-H projects. Because they are so adaptable and
responsive, easy to care for and intelligent, there are llamas or alpacas to
fit almost every individual's needs and interests.
TRANSPORTATION
Llamas and alpacas can travel in many kinds of vehicles - cars, vans, pickup
trucks with high caps, and trailers. They usually "kush" (lie down) once the
vehicle begins to move. Tying is not recommended and can be dangerous.
FENCING & HOUSING
Shelter and containment needs are simple. A four foot high, closely woven or
electrified wire {not barbed wire!) fence is recommended. An open
three-sided shelter or shed to protect from intense weather and sun is all
that is needed, even in New England winters. Llamas and alpacas prefer the
freedom of a run-in barn rather than a closed stall. A sand pile for rolling
and play makes a happy herd. Although their normal day in the South American
mountains would include roaming miles in search of food, they adapt readily
to smaller acreage. One acre can hold up to three animals. They are social
creatures and thrive best in the company of other llamas. It is necessary to
have a minimum of two llamas. Behavior aberrations are seen in animals kept
singly, or bottle-raised babies deprived of normal herd interaction
HEALTH & MAINTENANCE
A single lama will consume about one bale of first-cut grass hay 6-10%
protein per week, plus a pound a day of lama grain. Vitamin and mineral
supplements are available as required. Fresh, clean water at all times is
essential. In general, lamas cost less to feed and provide basic care for
than does a large dog. They are browsers and will eat many types of plants,
brush and branches. There are a few poisonous plants, such as wilted cherry
leaves and rhododendron, which must be eradicated in their areas. (GALA
produces an informative booklet on poisonous plants.) Rabies and clostridia
vaccinations are given annually, and an appropriate deworming, weighing and
toenail trimming schedule should be established. Most owners are assuring
hot weather comfort by shearing in the spring, to prevent heat stress, and
by regular, thorough brushing to harvest fiber and promote healthy skin and
beautiful fleece.
BREEDING & REPRODUCTION
Female lamas are induced ovulators (ovulation is induced by the act of
breeding) and therefore can be bred to give birth at any time of year.
Gestation is 11 to 12 months. Births are usually in daylight hours. Mothers
(dams) often deliver standing and the 20-30 pound baby llama (cria) is
running with the herd within an hour or two. Alpaca crias weigh between
11-18 pounds. Crias grow at the rate of one half to one pound per day
usually doubling their birth weight I within 30 - 40 days. Weaning is best
done by the dam and takes place around six to eight months of age.
FIBER
It is unlikely the Inca civilization would have thrived without the fleece
from their long domesticated and highly revered "Camels of the Clouds". The
fiber of the endangered vicuna is only 6 to 10 microns in diameter, while
the finest of sheep, Merino, is 12 to 20 microns. A micron is one millionth
of a meter. Alpaca and llama fiber runs from 16 to 80 microns. Their "wool"
has been in use for over 5,000 years according to archeological findings in
South America. The Inca weavings were amazingly fine, occasionally having
over 200 threads per inch!
Today the fiber is used primarily by artisans who desire unique and
excellent material. Lama "wool" is often felted into hats, gloves, vests and
boots. The spun yarn can be knitted or woven into anything from garments to
wall hangings or blankets. The fiber is medulated, or partially hollow;
trapped air adds significantly to its insulating qualities. Alpaca fiber has
been tested for strength and is about 3.5 times stronger than human hair.
Although we call the fiber wool, it is technically hair due to its' cellular
composition.
Llamas are often two coated animals, having both longer, protective guard
hairs and an underlying "down" coat. Many owners groom their animals to
collect wool during the time they are shedding, usually annually, spring or
fall. In this manner, the coarser, more prickly guard hair is not collected
as it would be if sheared . Raw llama and alpaca fiber contains only 7%
lanolin, about one quarter that of sheeps'' wool. This eliminates the
"scouring" or detergent cleaning step needed in preparation for spinning.
Natural colors of llama and alpaca fiber are white, black, red, silver,
caramel, coffee, fawn, gray, and piebald or pinto.
This information was provided by the Greater Appalachian Lama Association.