General Care

Llamas are very hearty animals. They evolved in the high Andes of South America in rather sparse conditions. For most of the year, their food was short and brown so they needed to graze all day. They are browsers and will sample everything. They are also very efficient metabolizers of food. Consequently, when llamas were reintroduced to North America, one of their most common health challenges was obesity. Unrestricted high quality food may keep your llamas happy, but an overweight pack llama will not do well on the trail. The type and quantity of feed your llamas require can vary greatly depending on your llama’s body type, environment, age, and exercise program. My adult working animals receive 5 to 8 pounds of grass hay per day. They live in a mild climate with little snow. Llamas living in Montana and Wyoming probably need more. Consulting with your llama neighbors is a good guide.

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About Greg Harford

Greg has been involved with llamas for over 30 years. He has logged hundreds of hours hiking and packing llamas that he has lovingly trained for this purpose. He is now involved in an active breeding program at his ranch in the Sierra Foothills.

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