What are they used for?
Contemporary North American llamas are bred and raised for packing, wool production cart pulling, animal facilitated therapy, companion animals, exhibition in shows, parades and fair, and guardians of other livestock such as sheep. The llama is becoming increasingly popular as a project animal for 4-H, Scouts, FFA and other youth activities. For the outdoor enthusiast and athlete, there are numerous activities and competitive events that team up the llama and his owner. Llamas are great family fun!

Can you use their wool?
Grease-free and lightweight, llama wool is warm and luxurious. A valuable commodity sought after by fiber artists, such as weaver and spinners, the wool us a marketable product for llama owners.

Are they intelligent?
Yes, which is why llamas can quickly learn to accept a halter, follow on a lead, load in and out of a vehicle, or carry a pack.

Are they good pack animals?
Sure-footed and agile, most llamas are excellent packers and can carry an average of 80 pounds or 25% of their body wight. Their two-toed foot with its leathery pad gives the llama a low environment impact equivalent to that of a considerate hiker's athletic shoe. Their ability to browse lessens their intrusion on the native vegetation, which is one of the reasons llamas are gaining in popularity with environmentally conscious users and managers of our public lands. Historically llamas have carried packs for man; however, some llamas have been trained to carry a small child.

What do they eat?
Llamas are modified reminant with a three-compartment stomach. Like cattle sheep, they chew their cud. 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 supplementation of recommended vitamins, minerals and salt. Llama costs significantly less to feed than other comparable-sized animals.

What is their personality like?
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.

What sounds do they make?
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. Listen to some of their unique sounds above.

Do they spit?
Llamas will spit at other llamas in order to establish the pecking order within the group, to ward off an unwanted suitor, or to say "Stop it!" A llama who has been mishandled, feels abused, or threatened may occasionally spit at humans.

Are they registered?
Yes. The International Lama Registry issues registration certificates and maintains a current database. Two identification processes gained prevalence within the llama industry and blood typing and micro chipping. These efforts not only help protect the llama gene pool but also assure new buyers that llamas are a wise and pleasurable investment.

How much do they cost?
Costs vary from region to region throughout the United States and Canada. As a rule of thumb, you should expect pet males to be the lowest priced, sometimes as low as $500. Trained packers can range from $1,000 to $2,500. Young, stud quality males will be higher than pet males, with mature quality stud males generally higher yet. Weanling females are generally (but not always) less expensive than bred females. The price structure for females, as well as that for stud qualities males, can vary greatly. The bottom end of the female price range is about $2,500. to $3,000. and up, depending upon quality, bloodlines and other factors. Contact a local breeder for advice and pricing as it applies to your area.