Questions Before Llamas by Cynthia A. Rossi

Llamas are very compelling. Call them magical, entertaining, witty, joyful and challenging! But, just like dogs, cats, horses, cows and goldfish, llamas are sometimes best admired at a distance. And sometimes the question is not whether you should have or not have a certain type of critter, but rather, when.

Before making a commitment to a companion that can live from 15 to 25 years, take a few minutes from the rest of your life to do yourself and the critter a favor. Consider the following questions. The only “correct” answers are honest answers . . . and only you will know if you answer honestly.

  1. Why do you want this animal?
  2. Are the other humans in your household supportive of your interest in living with llamas or alpacas?
  3. Do you have a reputable, knowledgeable llama owner who is willing to help as your mentor?
  4. Do you have someone who will properly care for your animals in your absence and in an emergency?
  5. What other pets or farm animals do you own?
  6. Are you willing to increase your knowledge of the animals? (Previous ownership of horses, cows, sheep, dogs, cats, etc. does not automatically qualify you to properly care for a llama.)
  7. Are you willing to learn how to halter, trim toenails, deworm, give routine injections and shear wool?
  8. Do you have a source for clean, nutritious hay?
  9. Do you have a source for the correct mineral mix and, if necessary, grain mix?
  10. Can you provide a constant, fresh source of water that will not freeze in winter?
  11. What type of shelter will you provide? Do you have the room and facilities to separate breeding males, pregnant females, juvenile males, weanlings and those requiring special care?
  12. Would you invest in a restraint chute to maximize safety for animals, owners and veterinarians when performing medical and grooming procedures?
  13. Do you have a local veterinarian who has a track record of caring for llamas? Does this vet provide 24-hour emergency service?
  14. How far are you from a surgical facility equipped to handle llamas with doctors trained in their care? Do you have a way of transporting a llama in an emergency?
  15. Do you have q proper way to handle and dispose of manure? (Some areas have very strict laws about this issue.)
  16. Do local zoning ordinances allow you to keep llamas? Is there a limit on the number of animals, the type of housing, the distance from adjoining property lines or the types of fending? Would your neighbors be opposed to living near llamas? Do you have problems with dogs running loose or teen vandals in the neighborhood?
  17. Do you have proper insurance? (In several states, llamas are legally classified as “attractive nuisances.” If a child, for instance, wanders into your field and falls, or is in some way injured, you are held legally responsible, regardless of “No Trespassing: signs, gates, fencing, etc. At the time of this writing, Pennsylvania is one of those states.)
  18. What amount of money are you able to budget for their nutrition, proper routine medical care and incidentals?
  19. Are you willing to invest time and energy training your llamas to be haltered, to have the halter removed and to lead?
  20. Does your area have a white tail deer population? (Are you aware that white tail deer carry a parasite known as the “meningeal worm: which can be cause to paralysis and/or death to llamas Are you able to limit the deer population in your area through hunting and fencing?
  21. Llamas are herd animals and are best housed with at least one other llama. Will you ensure that your llama will soon have a companion llama?
  22. Do you believe that living with a llama will enhance your life and add to the quality of your family’s life?

Reprinted from the Greater Appalachian Llama & Alpaca Association newsletter.