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La
Ferme De L'arc-en-ciel, Le Rif, 03500 Meillard, Allier, France
Tel: 00 33 (0)470 42 89 07 Mobile: 00 33 (0)627 65 13 39 Email: Suzanne@ClydesdalesInFrance.com
Siret: 481 114 197 00017
A unique oppor
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All about Llamas
Llamas are Camelids (i.e. part of the Camel family). They originate from Central America and are traditionally pack animals. In the UK and France they are normally used for trekking, as companion animals, for their fibre, for natural land management or simply for pleasure. Llamas can also be reared as Guard Llamas to provide protection for flocks of sheep or goats. Guard Llamas quickly form a lasting bond with the flock and will usually deter any attacks by foxes or other small predators. Llamas are herd animals and should never be kept in isolation. They will live quite happily with other animals and contrary to some belief they will happily graze and share a field with horses (in fact they can greatly help reduce the worm count in pastures grazed by horses). Average stocking rates are 4-5 llamas/acre (0.5ha) or 6-8 alpacas/acre (0.5ha). Although they are very hardy animals and can withstand extremes of temperature, they should be provided with shelter in the form of an open field shelter. The llama is the largest of the South American Camelids, and can weigh up to 400lbs (180kg) and stand approximately 4ft at the shoulder and over 6ft at head height. They are strong, intelligent, hardy animals with a gentle temperament and very inquisitive nature. These elegant animals, with their distinctive "banana" shaped ears, are found in a variety of colours from solid white to black and with varying shades and mixes of brown and grey. The llama has a double coat, an outer coat of coarse ‘guard hair’ and an undercoat of soft fine down, this undercoat is much sought after by hand spinners. The fibre is used for making many kinds of garments, guard hairs can be used for making wall-hangings, rugs etc. Llamas are gentle by nature and have an elegant, exotic quality. They are fascinating to watch and offer considerable visual pleasure whether grazing in open park land or in a paddock. They quickly learn to wear a halter and to be led. Llamas can in certain circumstances also be taught to pull a small cart. They will happily carry a pack, offering the long distance walker or the picnicking family both a fun companion and a willing helper! Llamas have character One thing that we have found since keeping llamas is that just like people, Llamas have their own personalities. We quickly found that they can be very affectionate with each other and their young. We have watched as young Kishba (our first cria born on the farm) played and rolled around with the other Llamas, teasing them all mercilessly until they played with her. During the summer evenings as the sun sets over the hills, they would nudge and brush against her as though they wanted her to know she was safe. Our Llamas have brought us so much pleasure that we decided to continue breeding them when we moved to France from Wales. Their gentle and deeply inquisitive nature provides us with hours of enjoyment as they follow us around the paddocks as we work, always watching, always alert. The local French farmers are still a bit bemused and wonder why we stock sheep with long legs and necks, they are curious as to why they are not sold for meat!!! They are also interested as to why we never seem to have any fox's around our fields!!! .
Member of The British Llama Society (BLS) We have signed and adhere to the B.L.S. Code of Conduct for the Sale of Camelids. |
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If you require any information or advice about buying & keeping Clydesdale Horses or Llamas please contact us.
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