Modified ruminants, llamas have three-compartmented stomachs, and like sheep and cattle, chew their cud. Their protein requirement is low and their digestive system efficient, so generally they eat most types of pasture and hay. They cost less to feed than many other animals of comparable size. Most llamas live into their late teens or early twenties although some have survived up to thirty years. Llamas spit at other llamas in order to establish their own position within the group hierarchy, but unless abused or feeling threatened, they don't spit at people.
Llamas communicate by humming.
They also express themselves through a series of ear, body and tail postures. On occasions, if threatened, they will alert other llamas or people with a distinctive alarm call. One acre of good pasture will support 3-4 llamas. But, in areas subject to summer drought or with minimal winter growth llamas will need supplementary summer and winter feed. Yes, llamas are intelligent animals, learning to halter in just a few lessons.