Llama - Llama glama Llama Genus: Llama Species: glama Most llamas today live in the high Andes Mountains of western South America. They can be found in Argentina, Bolivia, Chili, and especially Peru. It is believed that llamas may be the domesticated descendants of the wild guanaco. They live in grassy open spaces at very high altitudes of 7,400 - 12,800 feet, where the air is so thin there is only 40% oxygen. The Alpine plains are dry and cold and the soil is not very good. The grass is difficult for most animals to digest, but the llamas are able to adapt to these harsh conditions. Llamas are part of the camel family. They are approximately 36-47 inches wide at the shoulder and measured from the head they are 4 feet tall at the shoulders. They can weigh up to 400 pounds when they are full-grown. They have 2 toes per foot and the bottoms of their feet are padded with tough leathery soles to protect them from sharp rocks. Their feet are slender and their limbs are long.

They have an unusual way of moving; they pace, which means that both legs on the same side raise together so they can run very quickly. They have long, thick, coarse hair with spots of color that can protect them from being attacked by prey. They can be different shades of brown, black, peach, white, gray and roan. They are very intelligent and learn quickly. Unlike other hoofed animals, camels and llamas have feet with 2 toes. The bottom part of the foot is divided in 2 and is covered by a tough leathery sole. Llamas are especially sure-footed. Because of these pads, they have a good foothold on rocky and slippery ground. Llamas have unique blood that adapts well to the poor oxygen in the high altitudes where they live. Llamas have more red blood cells per unit volume of blood than any other mammal. The hemoglobin, which is the oxygen carrying substance of the cell, reacts faster with oxygen. Also, llamas are able to travel long distances without water. They have 3 stomach compartments and they chew their cud. Cud is a mouthful of swallowed food that is regurgitated from the first stomach.

Because of these special features the llama makes an excellent packing animal for the people that live in the remote areas of the Andes Mountains. A female llama begins to breed when she's about a 1 year old. She's able to have 1 baby, or cria, a year until she's about 15 years old. Llamas can be bred at any time of the year. They don't have a heat cycle; they are what are called induced ovulators. This means ovulation happens 24-36 hours after breeding. She almost always gives birth to 1 baby at a time. A baby llama weighs 18 to 33 pounds when it's born. It's able to stand up on it's own one hour after it's born. The mother nurses the baby llama for 6 months. Male llamas are not used for breeding until they are about 2-3 years old. Llamas were first domesticated by the Incas around 4,000 BC near Lake Titicaca. Their breeding was controlled by the government. The llamas were used in many ways. Male llamas were used as sacrifices.

The wool from the llama was used to make coarse woolen blankets for the common people, and their meat was eaten. They were also used as beasts of burden. Llama caravans went to distant provinces to trade. They were so important to the prosperity of the Incas that llama herders were paid very well. After the Spanish conquistadors came in the 1500's, diseases killed many people as well as llamas. But the llamas were still valuable beasts of burden for several centuries and were called the "ships of the Andes". Llamas are social animals and mainly live in herds in captivity. Most people who have llamas almost always keep the male and female in separate enclosures. This keeps the llamas from fighting and controls breeding. Young male llamas join the male herd at about a year old. In a group of male llamas, they fight each other to determine which one will be the leader of the herd. Most of the time the strongest and largest male llama will lead. The group is called a herd. The average life span of a llama is 15-20 years. Llamas eat mainly grass, shrubs, and lichens.

Lichens are moss-like plants that grow on rocks and wood. Llamas are herbivores, which means they are plant eaters. They chew their food just a little and swallow it, then bring up a wad of cud. They then finish chewing it and swallow it again and finally, digest it. Cud is partly digested food. Llamas eat mainly hay, grass, and grain when in captivity. For treats, llamas like cut-up apples, carrots, broccoli, and orange peels. Because the llamas have 3 stomach compartments, the food must pass through all the stomachs during digestion. Enemies of the llamas are mountain lions, snow leopards, cougars, and also humans. Humans used to hunt them for their wool and meat. Most llamas now are kept in captivity, so they are protected from most predators. If they are attacked, the male llamas sound off a warning so that the rest of the herd can run away. Since llamas are herbivores, they don't prey on other animals. There are many llamas in the world today. They are not an endangered species. They used to be hunted for their wool but there are now laws to protect them.

Llamas are not found in the wild anymore. They are in family herds and they live in captivity. by Lauren T. 2002 Llama Questions The Twenty-one Most Commonly Asked Llama Questions 1. What do you do with a llama? There are many uses for a llama, but the first consideration to owning llamas should be a love of animals and the enjoyment of being around them. Llamas are by nature very intelligent, gentle, and quiet animals. They are relatively inexpensive to maintain, and are cooperative and patient in training. There are seven main uses for a llama: A) breeding animals as a source of income B) a packing beast of burden C) a source of wool D) a pet and companion E) as transportation to pull carts and sleighs ( this takes MUCH training) F) a show competition animal, or 4H project G) a guardian animal for sheep, goats, or cattle. 2. What do llamas cost? Within the last few years, with the economy plummeting, many llama breeders are selling their animals for very reduced prices.

In the past, the average price of males at weaning age ( 7-8 months) with little or no training was $400-$800. Breeding males $1500 and up; weaning age females $1500 and up; mature and/or bred females $2000 and up. Of course, training, conformation, wool quality, and lineage always play an important part in pricing. Nowadays, you can find llamas for just about any price. We encourage you to beware a bargain that sounds too good to be true. It probably is. There is no such thng as a free animal! Remember, these are livestock and as such, take specialized care. Buyer Beware! 3. How long do llamas live? 15 to 20 years is the average lifespan of a llama 4. What do llamas eat? Llamas eat grass, hay, and grain, and as browsers, also like bark and twigs. For treats they love cut up apples and carrots. 5. How much do llamas eat? A acre of good pasture can support 4 llamas or you can estimate one bale of hay lasting 7 days for one llama.

Figure $20-$30 a month for two llamas. Yes, but llamas usually only spit at other llamas to establish and keep a pecking order and for discipline. An abused or very frightened llama may spit at any threat. 7. What sounds do llamas make? Llamas, hum, cluck, orgle, and whinny, but the hum is most common. 8. Do llamas need much veterinary care? Normally very healthy, llamas do require yearly inoculations, rabies shots, and periodic deworming for intestinal parasites. In this area, they also require monthly deworming for meningeal worm carried by the white tailed deer. This parasite can cause paralysis and death in a llama. 9. Do llamas have to be sheared? Yes - in the east, most llamas should be sheared to enable them to keep cool in the summer months. Llamas can die from heat stress or complications stemming from such. Shearing can be done with scissors or machine shears and most llamas tolerate it well. Prime, clean fiber is non-allergenic and can be used to make clothing, hats, purses, etc. 10. Do llamas make good pets?

Because of their intelligence and gentle nature, llamas are delightful pets and are very good with children. Gelded males or non-pregnant females are recommended for pets. Just remember, they need another of their kind for companionship. 11. How big do llamas get? Just like people, llamas come in all colors, shapes and sizes. Most mature llamas will weigh between 250– 400 pounds and stand 4-6 feet tall. 12. Do llamas smell? Llamas have a very good sense of smell but little body odor and their manure is almost odor free. 13. How much room do you need to keep llamas? Llamas can be kept on very small acreage but it is best that they have a good exercise area for health reasons. 14. What kind of fencing or shelter do they need? Llamas need at least a three sided shelter to protect them from the hot sun, wind, rain and snow. Fencing can be board, electric wire, or field wire. Barbed wire is NOT acceptable. Fans in the summer help to prevent heat stress. 15. Can you ride a llama?

Only children under 50 pounds could ride a llama preferably on a well made pack saddle —although great packers, llamas can not withstand weight directly on their spine; pack saddles distribute the weight evenly over the ribcage. 16. How much weight can they carry? A mature, conditioned llama can carry about 1/4 - 1/3 of their body weight. 17. What is their gestation? 11– 11 1/2 months 18. How big are the babies when they are born and do they ever have twins? Birth weights range from 20 –35 pounds on average and twinning is very rare due to the size of the baby. Llama FAQ Llama FAQ Questions Everyone Asks About Llamas! What IS that? A llama (pronounced "LAH-muh" in English, "YAH-muh" in Spanish) is a domestic member of the camel family. Llamas and three other camelids originate in South America: the guanaco (wild llama); the smaller, wild vicuna; and the domestic alpaca, selectively bred for wool production. All four are collectively referred to as "lamas" (with one "l").

All can interbreed and produce fertile offspring. Will it spit at me? Only a spoiled, undisciplined or mishandled llama would even consider spitting at a person. Spitting establishes and upholds social order within the species, and most disputes are resolved at the mere threat of a spit. Will it bite me? Llamas, like cattle, sheep, goats and deer, have only lower incisors, and so biting is an inadequate defense. Males do grow fang-like canine teeth for fighting rival males at about two years of age, and these are usually removed for both herd and handler safety. Are they good for anything? What do you do with them? The South Americans use llamas as beasts of burden, a secondary wool source, and even burn droppings as fuel. Llamas are only eaten in South America when they become to old and infirm to work. In North America, classic llamas serve as pack animals and are also driven hitched to carts and other vehicles patterned after those traditionally used with equines. Fiber shorn from woolly llamas (and occassionally combed from classic llamas) may be used by handspinners.

Llamas are welcome companions for walks and hikes, and most are capable of carrying light loads such as water, a jacket, and lunch. Llamas have proven to be popular pet therapists. Some llamas still have strong herd protection instincts and are used for predator control in flocks of sheep, goats, or alpacas. Both highly-trained and particularly attractive llamas compete for awards in performance and halter classes at shows . Breeding is not a purpose! The point of making more llamas is to only make more of those llamas who can perform one or more of the aforementioned tasks. In South America, llamas do not live long lives and a small herder must breed as many llamas as possible just to keep his population (and the vital number of capable packing animals) constant. Responsible breeders in North America will only use a llama for breeding if it is healthy mentally and physically and excels at one or more defined tasks. "Cria mill" breeders and self-indulgent "backyard breeders" have few standards for breeding stock and predictably produce a high percentage of llamas who aren't suited to specific tasks, have problematic dispositions or both. What special words are used to denote age and sex?

A llama younger than weaning age is called either a baby or a cria (which is the Spanish word for baby). A young llama under one year of age who has been weaned is a weanling. Year-old llamas are yearlings, and beyond that age, there is no specific English terminology other than adult, when the llama reaches four years of age. Old zoo literature may refer to baby llamas as "calves." Male llamas may be males (generic term), intact males (to emphasize that they have not yet been castrated), stud prospects (if they are being considered for use in a breeding program), or studs (if they are actively breeding). The term "sire" refers only to the father of a specific llama and is often misued within the llama industry. The term "herd sire" is almost always used incorrectly (a "herd sire" lives in a herd and is the only stud used -- that is, the sire of all babies that year), but is wide-spread from the days when investors sought to make llamas seem more fancy and adopted anything that seemed to enhance them to that end.

Occasionally, particularly in zoo literature, male llamas are referred to as "bulls." Female llamas are females (generic term), prospective breeding females (if they are being considered for use in a breeding program), or breeding females (if they are actively breeding). Zoo literature may refer to females as "cows"; German veterinary literature may refer to female llamas as "llama mares." Castrated male llamas are geldings ; males castrated after puberty are also sometimes called late geldings , which clarifies that they can be expected to still retain some stud behaviors. Neutered female llamas are spays. Are there breeds of llamas? Although "breed," in the strictest sense of the word, is applied only to a population that reproduces entirely true-to-type, breeds are in fact in constant evolution. South Americans produced at least two breeds of llama (ccara for work and lanuda for fiber production); early North American breeders mixed them up, with predictable consequences -- mutts that are only mediocre at best for packing and fiber production. Current North American breeders have defined types and are definitely on their way to re-creating pre-existing llama breeds, but with North Americans' needs and demands in mind.

The classic llama is the work llama of North America; fiber production llamas are being separated into silky and woolly fleece types. "Suri" llamas (with ropey, dreadlocked fleeces) are the result of introducing suri alpacas into the woolly llama gene pool; whether they will become a useful and distinct fiber breed or be relegated to being visual novelties remains to be seen. How many are in North America? One estimate is over 250,000 as of 2000 -- that's quite an increase over the estimate of 8000 in 1985. Importation was banned in the 1930s and reopened on a limited basis in 1983. It is an extremely difficult and very costly process. Aren't they expensive? You can imagine that when there weren't very many llamas in North America, prices were very high regardless of quality. The prices now come much closer to reflecting the actual value of the animals, and most people consider them very affordable, although the better the llama (and the more intesive the use), the higher the price will be.

First, some important background information: Except for those individual llamas that achieve self-actualization through guarding another species, the vast majority of llamas are notably stressed or become problematic unless they live with another llama. This certainly increases the initial purchase price. Price for an enjoyable PAIR of nonworking pets may range from $500 to $2000 depending on wool type, color, training, and show potential. A good pack llama costs a bit more than a good pack horse -- a single, well-trained and experienced pack llama usually sells for between $1000 and $2000. Young llamas of unknown merit cost less (between $400 and $750) because of the high risk to the buyer -- they often do not work out as a packers. Breeding quality studs and females usually command higher prices ($1500-$5000). Adoption fees for rescued llamas average $200. Generic llamas needing rescue or fast relocation are often free; there are many hidden costs for these llamas (neutering, suitable halter, deworming, delousing, grooming or shearing, and remedial training).

In the past, the media delighted in reporting fantastic five- and six-figure prices paid for the occasional, extremely woolly or unusual novelty llama, and some high-roller "investment breeders" still trade offspring (often at rigged auctions) and falsely claim a five- or six-figure sales price was paid for each -- hence the still-common belief that llamas are (or can be) very expensive. Can you shear them? Woolly llamas can indeed be shorn. Shearing to the skin leaves the llama vulnerable to sun, rain, cold and insects. Hand shearing, leaving about one-half to one inch of the woolly variety's dense coat for protection, is preferred in most areas. A woolly llama can yield five to ten pounds of wool per year. There is no large commercial market for the fiber at present. The weather resistance of the lighter- and sparser-wooled classic llama is compromised by shearing: The protective guard hairs, which shed water and keep out debris, are rendered ineffective when cut to the same length as the wool, and the relatively sparse undercoat is inadequate for protection from the elements. The two-fibered fleece is more difficult to prepare and also has a much lower yield.

Thus, classic llamas are shorn only in unusual circumstances, such as after years of neglect. Shearing does not allow the dense-coated, woolly llamas to pack or drive and remain adequately cooled unless they are shorn to the skin, a practice that produces it's own problems. It is also impossible to remove enough fiber to allow woolly llamas to be comfortable and healthy at pasture (1" maximum) and still leave enough fleece (2" minimum) to adequately protect them from the elements. Do you have to shear them? Woolly llamas and those densely-wooled llamas that result from crossing the two types are much healthier when shorn yearly. Shearing true classic llamas is not necessary nor desirable. Their wool is too short and sparse to interfere significantly with cooling if regularly brushed and combed. Shearing pack llamas is particularly risky because it leaves them vulnerable to the elements, and there is never guaranteed access to shelter in the backcountry. What colors do they come in?

There are a myriad of genes affecting the basic llama colors with the result of almost infinite variety, but it appears that there are in fact only three actual genetic colors: red, black, and ruddy or dark bronze (usually incorrectly called "brown"). The addition of the common dilution gene results in what are colloquially referred to as orange or fawn, grey, and light bronze, respectively. Dilution plus the less-common reduction gene results in the colloquial "color" names cream or light fawn, silver, and gold, respectively. White is not a color, but rather the absence of any pigment. It is inherited differently, and in fact there are at least four distinctly different genes resulting in what appears "white" to our eyes. Technically speaking, ALL mammals come only in brown -- the variations we see, including the genetically distinct colors and white, are merely the result of greater or lesser pigment clumping. Although you may hear of "brown" lamas, geneticists reserve the term "brown" to describe a very specific type of pigment . . . and that specific pigment does not occur in lamas! Colors and white can be arranged in many patterns. The most common fixed patterns are pointing, original type, appaloosa.

Pointing results in black, grey, or silver points on the face and legs. It is only visible on red or its derivatives. The term "bay," the colloquial name for a red horse with black points, is not appropriate for describing pointing because the pointing gene also appears with orange and fawn, ruddy and salmon. Original type looks much like the wild guanaco ancestor, with a lighter color on the belly and insides of legs, usually up the front of the neck, and also usually under the chin and in a line along the cheeks to the ears. Red and its derivatives appear with what appears to be white (actually a very light cream); black and its derivatives appear with a washed-out red derivative (usually bronze or gold in appearance). In appaloosa patterns, spots of color appear on a ground of another color or what appears to be white. The spots are variable in size from animal to animal: the spots may be so small that the llama appears to be entirely the ground color, or so large that the llama appears to be entirely the spot color. "Reverse appaloosa" is a colloquial term for when the spots are very large but still allow some of the ground color to be seen.

Both solid colors and fixed patterns may be overlain with pattern white, the dominant white gene responsible for most white markings in llamas. Depending on several genetic factors, pattern white may appear as small white patches on feet, head, neck, or chin; larger amounts covering roughly half the body and producing a "pinto" effect; or almost the entire body, resulting in a nearly-white llama that appears to have small "markings" of color, usually on the head and legs. To complicate matters, guard hair pigment is manifested differently than wool fiber pigment, and the pigment in guard hair is also more susceptable to environmental fading (wool fiber will also fade with exposure). To make an educated assessment of a llama's actual color, you'll need to part the coat to the skin. Can you ride them? Llamas are not as hefty as they appear and none are usable for pleasure riding by adults. An exceptionally well-built and well-conditioned pack llama can be trained to carry a lightweight adult in case of emergency. A well-trained, responsive gelding led by an adult makes a highly satisfactory trail mount for a child.

Because of llamas' intelligence and highly flexible, strong necks, they can easily avoid responding to directions and so allowing small children to ride a llama controlled by reins alone is unwise under most circumstances. Do they make any noises? Yes, but not very often. The majority are for expressing negative emotion and stress. The most common noise is called "humming" and includes a myriad of inflections (including grunts and moos) for many different situations. Regardless of what you may be told, llamas do not hum when they are happy or to "talk." Other common vocalizations are the "alarm call" (a unique hiccuping bray), which alerts other llamas to strange creatures in the distance, such as deer, dogs, or coyotes; "squealing," which announces the sighting of another llama; "screaming" (a near-continuous, blood-curdling shriek), which occurs during male battles or when a female is unable to fend off an unwelcome suitor; and "orgling" (a guttural, burbling sound), made by sexually aroused males. Does "ears back" mean he's mad? Not always (in fact, rarely).

Llama body language is not exactly like that of other, more familiar, domestic species. "Ears back," for instance, can show boredom, relaxation, irritation, fear, dominance or submission. The differences are often subtle and must be interpreted in the context of both the situation and other body language. How old do they get? South Americans wear out their animals and then stew them between the ages of eight and twelve. Average lifespan is always being revised with better management and record keeping. Currently, twenty-plus years seems normal; there are excellent indications that superior genetic stock may exceed thirty years of age when well cared for. What do they eat? Llamas prefer grasses, but they also browse on a variety of trees, shrubs and "weeds" -- including blackberries and poison oak. They tend to sample a large variety of plants and so, like goats, are not often poisoned, although poisonings do occur. Grass or oat hay is often fed as a supplement to poor pasture and/or in winter. Alfalfa hay is far too rich for the normal llama's efficient digestive system to be a staple food -- llamas can easily glean 40% more nutrients than horses from poor foodstuffs.

Finally, both vitamin-mineral supplementation to correct local deficiencies and a source of salt are also necessary. Llamas enjoy corn husks and silks, grapefruit and orange rinds, and more conventional treats such as carrots, apples, and other fruits. How much space do they need? One acre of good pasture is usually able to nutritionally support four nonbreeding llamas. However, llamas prefer to have more room to roam. Llamas are creatures of open spaces, and thus larger, poorer pastures are preferable to small, lush plots. Breeding females need somewhat more space to accomodate increased nutritional needs and their crias, and males need much more space or individual pens in deference to their strong instinct to acquire and defend territory, which is manifested in unpleasant fighting and screaming. Ideally, pasture should be rotated to allow regrowth and to minimize parasites, even though llamas' habit of using only a few communal dung piles cuts parasite spread dramatically when compared with other domestic herbivores. However, in practice, rotating pastures (unless the llamas are dry-lotted part of the day) allows llamas access to far too much forage and they become obese. How big do they get?

Mature llamas average 42"-46" at the withers and should range between 250 and 350 lbs. There are shorter individuals (often with some alpaca ancestry) and some taller individuals (with predictably higher risk of physical breakdown, as in all other species). Llamas readily retain large quantities of fat, and so many tip the scales at 60-120 lbs over their ideal weight. What are they like? Llamas' personalities, though individual, are much like those of domestic cats: curious and independent. Llamas are easily trained (or mistrained), and most are naturally very calm. Although basic tasks may be taught relatively quickly, willing obedience and trust must be earned, and true affection is rare -- and even then reserved for only one person. Llamas normally avoid physical contact, although most learn to tolerate being touched. Those who were properly raised by knowledgable breeders usually enjoy being petted, scratched, and stroked. Llamas are very stoic and will endure pain with only subtle signs that something is amiss.

Llamas are highly herd-oriented and should be pastured with at least one other llama to avoid development of neuroses ranging from despondency to dangerous behavior. How long is their gestation? How long do they nurse? When are they mature? Llamas have a gestation period of about 11.5 months. Single births early in the day are the rule. Twins (if not aborted) often require medical attention, and even healthy ones do not seem to attain full size. Average birth weight for a healthy baby, or cria, ranges from 20 to 36 lbs. Although guanacos in their natural state nurse for around fourteen months, sharing milk with the next-born, most llamas are usually weaned between four and eight months for management reasons. Females enter puberty around twelve months and are then constantly "in heat" (their cycles are not outwardly discernable, although they are only capable of conceiving 4 days out of every 11-day cycle) and will accept a male's advances until a breeding results in ovulation.

Some may conceive as early as 5 months, and some young males are capable of successfully impregnating females as early as 6 months, and so the sexes are separated at or before weaning age. Although llamas are not mature until over four years of age, most North Americans have habitually bred young females as soon as they are capable of holding a pregnancy (12-24 months), resulting in a host of physical problems becoming noticeable in early to mid-adulthood. There are good indications that 36 months may be the earliest a female can become pregnant without compromising her own physiology. Males and males gelded after puberty can make poor pets, especially if they have actually mated or have regularly engaged in mating behavior. Learned behavior of intact males and late geldings may lead to inadvertent or deliberate injury or death of younger llamas. Young males not showing exceptional qualities are best gelded between 13 and 18 months (depending on the individual's behavior) to preserve optimum disposition and maintain herd safety. How are they as pack animals? Most people agree that pack llamas are outstanding working trail partners, and that generic llamas usually aren't even adequate for actual packing.

To put that another way, many llamas are not acceptable pack animals despite the fact that there are some llamas, bred for the purpose, that excel at packing. This should not come as a surprise: not all horses are capable of racing competitively even though running comes naturally to horses; not all dogs make good watchdogs or tracking dogs even though these skills are part of a canine's natural repertoire. Old literature often incorrectly states that llamas will carry 100 lbs for twenty miles a day, but about 20-25% (or less) of a fit pack llama's body weight (50-80 lbs) is more realistic for a day of non-stop hiking (10-15 miles); only an exceptional individual can carry this weight for 20-25 miles day after day. For shorter jaunts, well-conditioned pack llamas can safely handle about a third of their body weight (90-120 lbs). Pack llamas are sure-footed and can negotiate pretty complex obstacles with training and experience. Their soft padded feet do not damage the environment as do hooves and hiking boots.

Their browsing nature and efficient gut lower impact -- they consume less forage and generally do not decimate any one plant species. Pack llamas are a viable alternative for older persons, folks with back problems, or those who just prefer that someone who weighs twice as much carry the load -- or the children! Commercial pack outfitters and some Forest Service districts use pack llamas, hunters use them to pack game, and fishing enthusiasts use them to pack inflatable boats to remote lakes. The most difficult part of llama packing (after locating good pack llamas) is finding a well-fitting pack. Many designs are marketed that are adequate for people, but cause discomfort and pain for llamas. Llamas are naturally very stoic and show only subtle signs of discomfort until they deems it necessary to be blunt -- by refusing to move, being hard to catch, or becoming "disobedient." Although llamas need llama companionship at home, pack llamas quickly adapt to packing alone -- and may even prefer it -- if their handlers are responsive to them. When can they start packing? Although some people advocate packing llamas at two, and others as young as six months, even the hard-working South American llamas are not packed before three-and-a-half.

There is ample evidence that bones are still growing and maturing after three years, and so it is best to begin with very light loads (20-35 lbs) after three years and increase the load to around 20% of body weight only after the llama's fourth birthday. What sex is best for packing? In North America, both males and geldings are commonly used, though in South America geldings are used almost exclusively -- only poor families who are forced by necessity pack their breeding stock. Males show no performance advantages over equivalent geldings. They usually pack well in groups, but transporting males with other llamas can be problematic, and even dangerous. Geldings are generally much easier to handle as well as being more enjoyable, agreeable companions. Well-built, pack-bred females are very capable, although their relative expense in the past deterred people from using them until recently. Unless poorly conformed or damaged by immature breeding, females perform as well as their intact and castrated male counterparts. Spays, like geldings, tend to be more "on-task" and more enjoyable partners at home and on the trail. They also tend to stay at their optimum body weight with less effort. Why won't any llama do for packing?

Certainly the average sound, well-trained llama can learn to wear a pack and can carry light-weight loads (25-40 lbs) for short distances over easy trails, but a successful pack llama must also keep pace with his or her handler, carry heavier loads, cover greater distances, negotiate difficult terrain, and do so in all kinds of weather -- and remain sound doing all this throughout his or her lifetime. Not every llama can meet these requirements; in fact, most cannot. To perform well and remain sound, pack llamas must possess very specific physical, structural, and disposition characteristics. There are many instances of unsuitable llamas sold as packers with disasterous consequences. A common misconception is that larger llamas will be better packers. Not only has this been proven false, but properly-built, moderately-sized llamas generally remain sounder longer and so are in fact the better choice. Another fallacy is that any short-wooled or shorn llama will be a good pack llama. Wool type (particularly density) is far more important in heat-retention than length, but in any case, the llama underneath the coat must still be physically and mentally suitable.

Llamas bred specifically for packing by knowledgable breeders have the classic (heavily double-coated, relatively sparse) coat. Trained packers are well worth seeking out. Be sure you "test drive" them first -- some won't respond to strangers; others were never adequately trained. Immature, "trained" pack (and driving) animals are a very poor choice. The physical stress of carrying weight or pulling a cart prior to physical maturity contributes to physical problems resulting in, at best, early retirement; at worst, expensive surgery and/or euthanasia. You need a horse trailer to get them places, don't you? Although a horse or stock trailer is needed to move many llamas at once, however, most people prefer a van or a pickup with a tall canopy or a covered stock rack to transport one to three llamas. A few people use a station wagon or a pickup with a short canopy to transport a single, well-trained llama. Experienced llamas prefer to travel lying down, which makes driving easier and safer. Llamas are also easily taught to take advantage of rest stops instead of soiling the vehicle. What's it like, having llamas?

You will be asked ad nauseam, "Dotheybitedotheyspitdotheykickwheredidyougetthemwhatareyougoing todowiththem?" Be prepared to answer an endless stream of questions! Some find llamas a great way to meet people, though others feel disturbed by the occasional loss of privacy. The best part of having llamas, no matter what their purpose, is enjoying their companionship and exceptionally gentle and captivating manner at home and during whatever activities both llama and handler enjoy. COPYRIGHT c 1988, 1989, 1995 ,1997, 1999, 2000 by Gwen Ingram Guanaco | San Diego Zoo Animals & Plants San Diego Zoo Animals & Plants ABOUT Camels, guanacos, llamas, alpacas, and vicuñas are all members of the camel family. Cool critters: Guanacos are graceful animals related to camels. Pronounced "gwa NAH ko," they live throughout South America in dry, open country in the mountains or on the plains. Guanacos have a calm attitude, so people started to domesticate them for use as pack animals.

Llamas are descendants of wild guanacos that were domesticated 6,000 to 7,000 years ago. Andean peoples raise them for wool, meat, and skin and also used them as pack animals. The result is the llama of today, which is the domesticated version of the guanaco—llamas don’t exist in the wild. Another branch of the family tree is the alpaca, which is also a type of domesticated guanaco raised for its soft wool. An alpaca, a domesticated type of guanaco. Everyone knows what a llama looks like, but what are guanacos? Standing less than 4 feet (1.2 meters) tall at the shoulder, guanacos have a slender body, long legs, and a long neck. They are shorter and smaller than their camel relatives. Although they seem delicate, guanacos can weigh up to 265 pounds (120 kilograms). Male guanacos are larger than the females. All guanacos have a thick, wooly coat that can be light brown, brownish yellow, or a rusty red.

Their belly, rump, and the backs of the legs are usually white; the head, ears, and nape of the neck are gray. These colors help guanacos blend in with their grassland and desert habitats. Guanacos have large eyes with thick lashes to protect them from dust and dirt kicked up by heavy winds. Their ears are large and pointed. Though related to camels, they do not have any humps on their back. What they do share in common with camels are their feet. Two padded toes on each foot help with footing on rocky trails or gravel slopes. Their feet are best described as “squishy.” Most guanacos live in herds. They run when threatened, and their best chance of escaping a predator, such as a mountain lion or fox, is to do it all together. If they run in a group, this may confuse the predator, making it harder to focus on any one individual. Guanacos at the San Diego Zoo sound an alert call when animal trainers walk one of the Zoo's wolf ambassadors by their enclosure. Even though the wolf is on a leash, he’s still a wolf, after all! Guanacos have many ways of getting around.

In the open places where they live, there is no place to hide. But guanacos are excellent runners, reaching speeds of 40 miles (64 kilometers) per hour, just like horses. Their soft-soled hooves gain traction on the gravelly terrain. Baby guanacos, called chulengos or guanaquitos, are able to run soon after birth. Guanacos are also strong swimmers and are comfortable standing or lying in mountain streams. Whether walking, running, or swimming, guanacos are athletic. All animals have many ways of communicating, although some ways are more pleasant than others. The guanaco starts out using the standard method of ears, body, and tail positions. When the ears are up, it means the animal is relaxed. Ears forward means the guanaco is alarmed, and ears laid flat signals aggression. A tail pointing down is normal, straight out is a sign of an alert guanaco, and straight up is an aggressive signal. A nose-to-nose encounter is a type of greeting, while slouching down indicates submission. Guanacos also communicate through vocalizations. Their sounds range from high-pitched trills to snorting and shrieking.

Their alarm call sounds like a cross between a bleat and a laugh. Guanacos have other communication methods that some people might find gross. They can spit up to a distance of 6 feet (1.8 meters) and have great aim. What’s in their spit? Their stomach contents, made up of food that has been stewing in digestive juices. Food is not just for eating, as far as guanacos are concerned! Guanacos also use their dung as a form of communication: dung piles mark territory boundaries for them. The next time you meet a guanaco, you'd better hope it has nice things to say to you! HABITAT AND DIET Guanacos are the largest herbivores in South America's dry areas. Their split upper lip acts like fingers to help draw in food. They are grazers and browsers and can eat some pretty tough, low-quality food. Not to worry, though—guanacos have a specialized digestive system to handle it. Their stomach has three chambers, and they are ruminants, like cows. This allows them to get the most nutrients from the plants they eat.

Guanacos don’t need to drink any water and often don't drink during the day, getting all the moisture they need from the food they eat. At the San Diego Zoo, the guanacos eat high-fiber pellets, Bermuda grass, and Sudan grass. FAMILY LIFE Guanacos may live in a family group that includes one adult male, several adult females, and youngsters less than one year of age. Young males kicked out of the herd by the dominant male when they reached sexual maturity often form bachelor herds. The young males stick together for protection and practice fighting skills through play fights. And some males remain by themselves. These guys tend to be mature males looking for females or a herd to take over so they can start their own families. A male often picks a territory that has high-quality vegetation to help him attract the females. Intense sparring between males, involving biting, spitting, and pushing the opponent to his knees, ensures the gene pool stays diverse—winner takes all, for a time. Females wait to become pregnant until environmental conditions seem right. They give birth every other year to a single calf during the summer months, which are December through February in South America.

Mountain lions are the guanaco's main predator but can only carry off one or two young. For this reason, many females give birth at about the same time so the babies have a greater chance of survival. Newborn guanacos can stand five minutes after birth. Newborns can stand five minutes after birth and begin to follow their mother immediately. They are weaned at 6 to 8 months and may be forced to leave the group at 11 to 15 months old. The young males join with other young bachelors; young females find other family groups to join. It is a rough life for a baby guanaco, though. Predators, lack of food, bad weather, and accidents can mean death to the little ones. Only 30 percent of guanaco babies born in the wild live long enough to become adults. AT THE ZOO The San Diego Zoo received its first breeding pair of guanacos in 1968. We have been working hard for this species' preservation ever since. Today, the Zoo has both guanacos and llamas in Elephant Odyssey. The guanacos live with capybaras and Baird’s tapirs.

Keepers say they are a “pretty happy and relaxed group." We also have a llama animal ambassador that you may meet strolling the grounds with a keeper. The guanacos get different browse materials for enrichment, such as leafy mulberry and acacia branches. Tree guards on all the trees in the exhibit keep the guanacos from eating the bark. Keepers have trained them to stand on the scale and get a dose of fly spray. They get sheared at the Zoo every few years; rolling and rubbing helps them shed in the interim. CONSERVATION There used to be about 50 million guanacos in the world. Today there are less than 600,000, with about 90 percent living in Argentina. Human activities resulting in habitat loss are the main threat to their survival. People consider them pests in parts of South America because they graze in certain regions where farmers keep their sheep. You can help us bring species back from the brink by supporting the San Diego Zoo Global Wildlife Conservancy . Together we can save and protect wildlife around the globe. LIFE SPAN Has-a-llama | FanFiction FanFiction Poll: how many toes do you eat in a week? Vote Now!

Poll how many toes do you eat in a week? 1 Joined 09-19-08, id: 1697208, Profile Updated: 12-12-08 Author has written 5 stories for Warriors, and Twilight. Quotes When I die, I want to go peacefully like my Grandfather did, in his sleep -- not screaming, like the passengers in his car. The greatest pleasure in life is doing what people say you cannot do. I think the worst time to have a heart attack is during a game of charades...or a game of fake heart attack. My father confused me. From the ages of one to seven, I thought my name was Jesus Christ! Baseball is ninety percent mental. The other half is physical. In theory there is no difference between theory and practice. In practice there is. I usually take a two hour nap from one to four. How many legs does a dog have if you call the tail a leg? Four. Calling a tail a leg doesn't make it a leg Being Different by Platypuskit reviews Platypuskit is different from everyone else. But that doesn't stop her from being the best she can be.

Sadly, as she becomes an apprentice, her mentor isn't exactly what she was hoping for. Rated T; complete. NOTE: Very old! Probably not worth reading! Warriors - Rated: T - English - Chapters: 18 - Words: 27,098 - Reviews: 98 - Favs: 10 - Follows: 8 - Updated: 8/14/2009 - Published: 9/6/2008 - Complete Sort: Category . Published . Updated . Title . Words . Chapters . Reviews . Status . Umm....uhhh...i'll get back to you on this one... Twilight - Rated: K+ - English - Chapters: 1 - Words: 180 - Published: 4/4/2009 Two vampires living in the modern world meet a few humans and all hell breaks out.

Twilight - Rated: K+ - English - Chapters: 5 - Words: 2,326 - Reviews: 1 - Published: 2/20/2009 The Last of the Burkit Tribe reviews This is the story of a girl named Silvia and her Golden Eagle, Akos meaning White Falcon in Hungarian. Silvia has been in the forest for a year with him but when a group of strangers find her she must decide whether to stay in the forest or go with them. Twilight - Rated: K+ - English - Chapters: 8 - Words: 3,561 - Reviews: 3 - Follows: 1 - Updated: 2/18/2009 - Published: 2/8/2009 - James Nettie the Wolf I don't own twilight or half of my characters but i do own the plot thing and Alex, Sierra, James, Jay,Zack, Nivek, Ari, and Lypo. The rest of the characters are either my friends or other people i might happen to know.

Twilight - Rated: K+ - English - Chapters: 4 - Words: 4,172 - Published: 12/13/2008 The crazy adventure reviews Hey so this is a story about cats on a crazy adventure! Warriors - Rated: K+ - English - Humor/Adventure - Chapters: 2 - Words: 1,365 - Reviews: 5 - Favs: 2 - Follows: 3 - Updated: 12/13/2008 - Published: 12/12/2008

Question: How many toes does a llama have?
Answer: 8