Who can resist these charasmatic camelids? I was looking for easy care livestock to graze off a few acres on my 5 acre lifestyle block. Llamas seem to fit my criteria. On a day to day basis they need clean water, and fresh grass or hay. Health
wise they need 6 monthly boosters of vitamins A,D & E, and B12, and a 5 in 1 vaccination. Depending on your local mineral levels they may also need selenium, copper, and other trace elements, and Dectomax can deal with internal parasites (worms). Shelter is essential, be it a
barn or good shelterbelt, as is a regular toenail trim, but all in all they are far less work then my dogs.
Pictured above are some of our original females with their babies.
Llamas are classified as a rare breed throughout the world. They are a distant cousin to the more common alpaca, both having originated from South America. Llamas are by nature inquisitive, and I consider them to be the most endearing animal I have
ever met. Of course there is one major problem - they are highly addictive! My initial herd of 4 quickly grew to 20, and when my darling Father passed away a few years ago I was lucky enough to be able to take some time out of the rat race, and decided to
sink my inheritence into a 40 acre farm, where I have happily built up one of the largest and most diverse llama herds in New Zealand.
Llamas are without doubt the most versatile of all the camelids; they make a loyal and undemanding pet; they can be used in business as a therapy or packing and trekking animal; they can be a companion animal, accompanying you on walks and carrying
your picnics; their by-products, fibre and manure, are sought after by the craft and gardening markets; and you get some awesome eye candy out in your paddocks.
So, why llamas? Why not?
