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In the world of llama raising,
we are encountering more and more llamas being rescued from owners who
mistreat, neglect or dump them on auction blocks, actions which often lead to
tragic ends. This disturbing trend has resulted, we believe, from the fact that
more and more people are purchasing llamas with a misconception that they can
breed them and make a small fortune by selling the offspring. Or, it results
from people thinking llamas are cute and adorable (they are), without also
fully comprehending the responsibilities and duties which accompany llama
ownership.
When the movie, "101
Dalmatians" was re-released several years ago by Disney Studios, many people
ran out and impulsively bought Dalmatian puppies, only to discover that this
breed often is too nervous and high strung to make good family pets, especially
in families with small children. So animal shelters soon filled up with
unwanted, unloved Dalmatians. Sadly, many had to be put to sleep. Now, with the
fast food commercials rendering them "stars," Chihuahuas seem to be facing a
similar fate: too many people impulsively purchasing them who will be unable or
unwilling to give them the special care and consideration they deserve.
With a new Disney movie, and a
TV cartoon series due out later this year, both featuring llamas as main
characters, many more people will be inspired to contemplate llama ownership,
but if you fit this description, please be certain you know what will be
required of you to become a good steward of these wonderful animals. Although
llamas are officially classified as a livestock animal, owners in general treat
them as companions, pets and friends, much as we do dogs and cats. Llamas are
not raised for meat in this country, and we as llama owners would like to keep
it that way.
While llamas do not require a
lot of specialized equipment or care, they DO require fresh hay no higher then
twelve to fourteen percent protein. Feed them approximately six pounds per
animal per day total. Some llamas will need grain supplementation due to severe
weather, pregnancy, lactation or the demands of growth. Other nutritional needs
of a llama vary depending on what part of the country you live in. Llamas will
require regular yearly veterinary maintenance. Fencing is needed to keep llamas
from wandering off, but you will not need the heavy-duty stuff used for horses,
or the barbed wire commonly used for cattle. A five or six wire New Zealand
fence is popular, often with at least the top and bottom ones electrified to
keep out dogs, as well as to discourage male llamas from hanging on the fences
should female llamas be in their view.
Because of their increasing
popularity and numbers, you no longer have to be wealthy to purchase llamas.
The average family with appropriate acreage can usually find llamas they can
afford, depending on what they plan to do with -- or not do -- with them. For
example, do they want to breed and show them or just have llamas as wonderful
family pets? Do they want to train their llamas to pull sleds and carts, or use
them for packing on hikes, or just with a 4-H group to teach children how to
groom, work with and show llamas? Depending upon your purpose, prices will vary
from thousands of dollars for top show llamas, to "rescue llamas" free to a
good home, and everything in between.
Besides regular llama shows
held throughout the country, there are also Pack Llama Trials held all over the
U.S. and Canada where animals can become certified as basic, master and
advanced packers. There are even people using their llamas as caddies on golf
courses! Other people unable to walk long distances use llamas to pull carts
which can take them out into the national forest or on back roads to enjoy the
quiet of nature. And because llamas are generally calm and sensitive to humans
with special needs, they are also successfully used to provide therapy for
people with emotional or physical disabilities. More thorough and detailed
information about llamas can be obtained from a visit to the the following two
websites: http://personal.smartt.com/~brianp and
http://www.llamapaedia.com.
If you still think you may
want llamas in your life, arrange to visit local llama ranches, and learn about
both the joys and the responsibilities which come with llama ownership. Before
making the jump please read as much as you can and talk to owners about them,
and THEN decide if owning llamas is the right thing for you.
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