Because of a relatively low protein requirement and an efficient digestive system, they can be kept on a variety of suitable pastures or hay, with the supplementation of recommended vitamins, minerals and salt. A llama costs significantly less to feed than other comparable sized animals. Because they are highly sociable herd animals, llamas need the companionship of other llamas. Independent yet shy, llamas are gentle and curious. Their generally calm nature and common sense make a trained llama easy for anyone to handle and an excellent choice for a child's pet and companion.
Llamas communicate by humming.
They also express themselves through a series of ear, body, and tail postures. On rare occasions they will alert their companions and human keepers with a distinctive alarm call to the presence of unfamiliar dogs or other creatures which they perceive as threats. During breeding males make a distinctive orgling sound. A llama who has been mishandled, feels abused, or threatened may occasionally spit at humans. The International Lama Registry issues registration certificates and maintains a current database.