Lama Journal
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Llama & Alpaca Wellness & Health
Information
Valuable information on Wellness and Health Care for Camelids
Location: Lampasas Texas
Members: 13
Latest Activity: Apr 6
Wellness & Health
Llama and alpaca production practices are similar to those for sheep. Llamas and alpacas are adaptive feeders, eating grasses, forbs, shrubs, and trees. They can be kept on a variety of pastures and hay. About 3 to 5 llamas or 5 to 10 alpacas can be grazed per acre, depending on quality of the pasture. A bale of hay will generally feed an adult llama for a week. Because of the animals' high feed conversion, hays with high protein, like alfalfa, are not recommended because the animals can easily become overweight. (2) Rotational grazing of llamas and alpacas can help utilize the pasture to a greater extent. Water needs to be accessible at all times. Using pastures to meet most of the nutritional needs of the animals will enhance profitability. Pasture is usually less costly than purchasing supplemental grains and hay.
Llama and alpaca owners need to be concerned about poisonous plants located in their pasture or hay area. Some plants can make the animals sick, while others can kill them. Many state Extension offices have publications discussing poisonous plants found in their states. A good list of poisonous plants for the Northwest region of North America can be found at www.smartt.com/~brianp/plantpage.html, or contact the International Llama Association (4) for information about books on poisonous plants.
During periods of stress, animals should receive supplemental grain, such as small alfalfa pellets, cracked corn, or rolled oats. Be careful if feeding straight pelleted feed because llamas frequently choke on the pellets. If pellets are fed, they should be mixed with a coarse feed, or spread out in a large pan. The producer may also put smooth rocks in the pan to keep the llamas from gobbling the pellets too fast. (1) If a rich diet is continuously fed, llamas and alpacas will become fat, causing various reproduction problems varying from poor conception to poor milking. Free access to salt, minerals (with selenium in a selenium-deficient area), and clean water is essential.
Discussion Forum
Feeding for weight gain in rescued llamas
Started by Craig Stevens. Last reply by Larry Lewellyn Jul 9, 2011. 1 Reply 0 Likes
We rescued 17 llamas and 1 alpaca from Sun River, Montana. All are under weight and had been severely dehydrated. Consulting with a few vets they said to use a low protein diet with high roughage and…Continue
Comment Wall
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Comment by Kathy Wigley on July 2, 2011 at 11:00am -
One of the members of this site suggested Big Llama might have a tick problem. Well, we found ticks, removed them and dipped him. It was too late. Big Llama passed during the night. This is a very hard lesson to learn as new Llama owners. He was a very loving and gently animal. I feel so horribly bad to have not known and for this to have happened to him. We will be more aggressive in watching our Jewel closely and keeping her up on her vaccinations as well as for our goats. Thank you Monica Tocci-Brown for your help.
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Comment by Kathy Wigley on June 29, 2011 at 11:53am
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We purchased two Llamas March 2011. They were supposed to be sisters but found out this month the bigger (BIG) llama is a male... possibly the daddy. So, we don't know how old he is. They have never received vaccinations. Big Llama suffered from heat stress this month and we have been working with him and he was improving. The last day and a half he started having diarrhea, isn't eating well and today can't move his back legs that just a day ago he was walking and starting to graze. My husband thought he was having trouble seeing. Hoping we caught things in time I went to our COVE SUPPLY and purchased B,C&D and Ivermectin... beginning vaccinations for our llamas. We are praying this will help Big Llama. Last night he would only eat leaves, which I went out and took from the trees. Today, he's only interested in water. I'm praying these will correct what is attacking his body.
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Comment by Larry Lewellyn on January 24, 2011 at 4:46pm -
Hi All,
I wanted to let you all know of a new feed product called Triple Crown Senior which I now have my older ones on. I suggest you all take a looksy at this feed and compare it to other senior type feeds. The comparsion will speak for it self.
Welcome Audrey, Tom and Craig...........
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Comment by Petra Richards on July 8, 2010 at 11:19am -
Thanks Larry. Although I just started caring for llamas I have also 2 geriatric members in our family. One is a 21 year old gelding and a 20 year old female. Yes the teeth is a concern with the gelding but as for right now I have not found that he had any trouble with them. It seems though that he has a hard time keeping weight on. The female is doing well a little artheritic. I have both of them on herbal supplement for joint care to keep them comfortable.
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Comment by Larry Lewellyn on July 8, 2010 at 10:58am
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I guess I will jump start this group. The biggest challenge for me over 28 years is caring for the older llama. I have tried almost everything over the years. Monitoring the teeth is a biggie for me.
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