Snyder Quality Llamas

Llamas are members of the camel family. Cousins include the alpaca, vicuna and guanaco. Their ancestors originated on the central plains of North America and migrated to South America during the Ice Ages. In South American the llama has been used primarily as a beast of burden, but also as a source of wool, leather, meat and milk. Approximately 142,000 llamas are in the United States today.
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Although shy and gentle, llamas are highly social, needing the companionship of other llamas. Being highly intelligent, llamas can learn a skill in 1-5 repetitions. They are easily handled and can be trained to give rides to children, drive carts, pack and navigate obstacles.

Llamas are most frequently used for breeding stock, pack animals, wool production, pets and pet therapy. They are excellent packers, being able to carry one quarter of their weight and are very sure footed. Their soft light wool is prized by spinners.

Llamas do spit, but usually at each other to establish a pecking order. They do not spit at people unless they are provoked.

Physical Characteristics
LIFE SPAN		20 years, more or less.
HEIGHT		3 ½ - 4' at shoulder
WEIGHT		300-400 lbs
GESTATION		11 ½ months
BIRTHING		Single Babies, Twins are rare.
BABIES (Cria)		20-30 lbs. Weaned at 6 months or more.
BREEDING		Females are first bred at 2 years or when they weigh 200 pounds or more. No Heat cycle. Ovulation is breeding induced and occurs 24-36 hrs.. afterwards.
COLOR		White, black, varying shades of brown, beige, gray. Solid or spotted or have tuxedo markings, saddle or blanket.
SOUNDS		Humming when distressed, clucking when alarmed and orgling when mating.

Care
HOUSING		Winter shelter consisting of roof and three sides. Shade in the summer. Approximately ½ acre for 2 llamas.
FEED		Plenty of water. Pasture to graze and occasional grain.