DO LLAMAS SPIT? A: Llamas spit at each other as a natural societal interaction. It is usually over personal space or food. They give plenty of warning before they let loose. They seldom if ever spit at humans unless they have either not been raised properly or have been mistreated. Petting zoos are mistreatment for llamas and they do not belong there.
ARE LLAMAS FRIENDLY? A: Llamas are naturally curious and will usually come over to "check you out". They will however stay at arms reach but may try to smell you which is the way they greet each other. However, they are not huggie like a dog so, they will most likely draw back away from you if you try to reach for them. Their relationship to humans is much like a cat. You can build a great relationship with them but it is as much on their terms as yours.
DO LLAMAS REQUIRE A LOT OF SPACE? A: If you have a good pasture you can graze 4 on an acre, more if you supplement hay.
DO YOU HAVE TO HAVE A BARN? A: Llamas only require an escape from driving rain or wind. This can be an open shelter like a run-in shed that is large enough to comfortable accommodate all of them.
HOW OFTEN DO YOU HAVE TO SHEAR THEM? A: Llamas are shorn once a year. In the East it is usually done between late April and early May.
HOW OFTEN DO YOU HAVE TO TRIM THEIR HOOVES? A: Llamas do not have hooves. They have padded feet like a dog with two toe nails. The nails do have to be trimmed. How often depends on the animal and its environment. On average once or twice a year. If the llama walks over rough ground, rocks and/or pavement less often if soft pasture more often. Our girls come in and out of the barn (which has a concrete floor) several times a day and we rarely/never have to trim their nails.
