 In recent years there has been a great deal of interest in llamas and their numbers are steadily increasing across the country. Llamas have proven to be an ideal alternative livestock for ranches large or small. Llamas are easy to care for, especially for folks like us, with no prior large animal experience. They are browsers and nibble on a little of this and that. They are easy on your pastures and require only a three sided shelter in moderate climates. Llamas need good quality grass hay and an appropriate mineral supplement for their area. We give grain to our growing youngsters and as an occasional treat to the others. Llamas have a very strong herd instinct and need the companionship of other large animals, preferably another llama. Their pellets make a great soil amendment and require no composting (check out Jill's 6 foot tomato plant on our Fun with llamaspage). Clean up is easy as they tend to "go" in a communal pile. People enjoy llamas in many ways. Their willing and curious nature makes them ideal trail companions. A pack llama will carry your gear or can be ridden by a small child. They are easy on the environment with their soft padded feet, and since they are browsers, nibble on a variety of vegetation. 4H members enjoy training and showing their llamas in halter and obstacle classes. Llamas are also trained in ground driving and to pull carts. Llamas are increasingly being used in facilitated therapy, visiting nursing homes, hospitals and hospices, connecting with mentally and physically disabled children and brightening the life of everyone they meet. We shear our llamas yearly for their comfort during our warm summers, and to collect their Fiber for spinning and weaving. The wide range of llama colors makes their soft, lustrous fleece a delight to work with. Llamas are truly magical animals; they are intelligent, curious, insightful, gentle and nurturing. If you have the oppertunity visit a llama ranch near you and see for yourself why llamas are known as our Silent Brothers.  |