A llama is a domesticated pack animal of the camel family found in the Andes, valued for it soft woolly fleece.

At least, that’s what it says in the Oxford English Dictionary.

But really, I think the best way to picture a llama is to think of a sheep with long legs and a very long neck. Interesting, you may think, and you’d be right! Hopefully I’m going to answer most of your questions about llamas in this article.

Llamas belong to a group of animals called camelids which include camels and alpacas. They have made many adaptations to the climate in the Andes in South America where they live (which is very hot in daytime and very cold during the night). Llamas have two toes which are pads which allow them more contact with the ground and make them more stable footed. They are covered in fleece (fibre). In South America the llamas’ fleece traps the cold or the heat depending on what’s needed. A very useful adaptation! Llamas are herbivores and mainly eat grass, but also hedges and tree shoots.

Llamas don’t only live in the wild though. In some areas they are domesticated and kept for a variety of reasons. In the Andes they are kept mainly for trekking. They are haltered and led by a lead rein with carry packs on their back which can hold things such as food and blankets.

Llamas are also sometimes used to guard livestock. This is because they are naturally aggressive towards coyotes and dogs which are huge predators in the USA. A study revealed that average annual savings for 87 of the 145 farmers surveyed was £1253!

Llamas are also kept for their fibre which can be spun for knitting, crochet and other crafts (although it doesn’t felt). Llama fibre is soft but it’s used mainly for its thermal properties in making jumpers, socks and the like.

Llamas are fun animals too. They can be used as golf caddies, fishing ghillies and drinking companions as well as for drawing carts and even lawnmowers and for fertiliser – llama droppings are rich in nitrogen. Llamas are also extremely relaxing to be around and are really gentle. This makes them suitable in the therapy for which they are sometimes used.

Although llamas are very strong and hardy they do require looking after like every other animal. If they live in a barn this needs to be cleaned every day. Fresh water and hay must be provided daily (hay is especially necessary in the winter). Every now and again they need to be brushed and they must be kept trained.

Llamas are intelligent, friendly and calming animals. I love them and am really looking forward to seeing people’s reactions when we open for business next summer. And just in case you were wondering, as so many of my friends do, Llamas don’t spit.