Only in the past 10 to 15 years have they become popular as pets, pack animals, guard animals, and for other uses. An adult llama stands approximately 3 to 4 feet tall at the shoulders and weighs from 250 to 300 pounds. The average life span of a llama is 15 to 20 years. A female can be safely bred back within 2 to 4 weeks after a normal birth. A normal cria is usually up within 30 minutes of birth nursing and trying to walk, and in some cases, run, within the first day.
Llamas are extremely easy to care for.
They do not require any special equipment or fencing. They tolerate a wide variety of climates, but they can suffer heat stress. This can be eliminated with very little, inexpensive work. Llamas require a minimum of routine health care. Llamas are ruminants and chew cud, much like a cow.