Female llamas are interesting to raise and as youngsters love to play and get into mischief only to be scolded by their mom or another adult member of the herd.
In the wild female llamas choose which male to be with and are free to move from one male dominated area to another. They too have a hierarchy and there is an alpha female who lords over all. Females are not as inclined to tussle with one another but they do vie for a better position in the herd. Once things are sorted out everyone knows their place and are happy just knowing.
When females reach breeding age (there is some contention as to when that is) they will show interest in a male if available in an adjacent pasture or paddock by laying down next to the fence. (which drives the male nuts). Llamas are induced ovulators so they can be bred anytime to accommodate your schedule. Typically however, depending on your climate, they are bred in the spring or fall. The gestation period is 345 days give or take. Some females will go beyond a year.
Some breeders will bred their females as early as 11/2 years if they are over 150-180 lbs. Since a llama is not totally mature until approximately 3 years when their growth plates have fully closed the earliest Hidden Valley Farm will breed a female llama is 21/2 years. By the time the cria adds any significant weight the females plates are closed and she is an adult. In our opinion this provides an environment for maximum long term health for the female llama.
Female llamas are interesting to raise and as youngsters love to play and get into mischief only to be scolded by their mom or another adult member of the herd.
