When I met my first llama up close a few months ago at a farm in Shelby, MI, I was smitten. I was surprised by how sweet and calm they were. I also assumed that all llamas spit at people. But I was happy to learn that they don't usually spit at people unless they are treated poorly, or if you happen to get caught in the crossfire between two llamas spitting. A female llama will spit at an approaching male if she is pregnant or just had a baby. It is used as a warning to back off. Llamas are noble, calm, sweet natured, shy animals. They are quite graceful and lovely to look at. They have amazingly large ears and big, almond shaped, kind eyes. Llamas do not have upper teeth and do not bite people. However, some males will bite at one another if fighting over a female and need to have two sharp adult teeth removed to avoid any injuries. Also, they can kick out sideways if startled, and it's best not to sneak up behind them. Their wooly coat is surprisingly silky soft to the touch, and it needs to be sheared off once a year, and kept short in very hot weather. Many people have asked me, why a llama? Well, they are wonderful guardian animals for flocks of goats or sheep. Llamas bond quickly with goats or sheep, and become very protective. If a coyote, fox or stray dog were to enter the pasture with the herd, a llama can and will charge and have been known to stomp a coyote to death. So besides their kissable faces and looks to die for, this is why I wanted one.
The young male who we purchased from Star Llama Co. in Dundee, MI is a year old and still considered almost a baby. Llamas stay with their mothers for 6 months and then they are weaned. It's wise to get one who is young so that he can grow and bond to the flock he or she is to protect. Not all llamas make good guardians. But so far we have been amazed at how quickly our Noah has bonded to our flock of 10 mini goats. He sleeps with his body across the opening to the goat pen, and stands guard during the day while they are grazing in the pasture. He follows them and keeps a close watch all the time. He even touches noses with them. It is remarkable. We will probably have him castrated when he is old enough. It's best to wait until they are at least 18 months old because males have growth plates which can be damaged if done too early. Besides grass and hay, llamas need a free choice mineral without copper. We hung a feeder up out of the goats reach for Noah so that he can get to it whenever he wants it. (goat minerals contain copper, which goats need). And they need clean water available all the time. Goats are the same and they will not touch dirty water.
So far he has been the highlight of our farm. We named him Noah because it's a biblical name and llamas are the oldest living domesticated animals on earth. His mother was named Winter Song, and he was named Summer Song Smith, so his new name is Summer Song Noah. I think it is very fitting for such a beautiful and wondrous creature. Noah is quickly building quite the fan club around here and there is plenty of love to go around! Welcome home big guy. Welcome home!
The young male who we purchased from Star Llama Co. in Dundee, MI is a year old and still considered almost a baby. Llamas stay with their mothers for 6 months and then they are weaned. It's wise to get one who is young so that he can grow and bond to the flock he or she is to protect. Not all llamas make good guardians. But so far we have been amazed at how quickly our Noah has bonded to our flock of 10 mini goats. He sleeps with his body across the opening to the goat pen, and stands guard during the day while they are grazing in the pasture. He follows them and keeps a close watch all the time. He even touches noses with them. It is remarkable. We will probably have him castrated when he is old enough. It's best to wait until they are at least 18 months old because males have growth plates which can be damaged if done too early. Besides grass and hay, llamas need a free choice mineral without copper. We hung a feeder up out of the goats reach for Noah so that he can get to it whenever he wants it. (goat minerals contain copper, which goats need). And they need clean water available all the time. Goats are the same and they will not touch dirty water.
So far he has been the highlight of our farm. We named him Noah because it's a biblical name and llamas are the oldest living domesticated animals on earth. His mother was named Winter Song, and he was named Summer Song Smith, so his new name is Summer Song Noah. I think it is very fitting for such a beautiful and wondrous creature. Noah is quickly building quite the fan club around here and there is plenty of love to go around! Welcome home big guy. Welcome home!
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