Im new at this...

[l***@hotmail.com]

Sorry if Im doing this wrong I just set up my account five
minutes ago, so please bare with me.

Okay so we have two female llamas, one is four, the other is three.
We've had them for about two years, so were still a little new at this
whole thing. We've had a few issues with them that we havent been able
to resolve. Their previous owner didnt really do a whole lot with
them. He had about 32 llamas just out in a pasture. So when we got our
two llamas from him, naturally, they werent really too social. Which
was fine, I knew I had to work with them. But still after two years
they run away at the sight of us. And the three year old is so scared
of us, she has never approached us. But the four year old for about
the first few months would come up and smell me and make little mooing
noises at me. Unfortunately now she doesnt. And Id really love them to
like me.

Okay so issue number two. The food. Of course we have them out in a
pasture so they eat grass like no tomorrow. And during the winter we
give them a few flakes of hay a day. They wont touch anything else,
and they just pick stuff out of the flakes we give them. I feel like
were doing something wrong. They seriously wont touch any oats or
grains that we try to give them. And I want my llamas to be healthy
more than anything else in the world.

And what about their health? Do I need to get them any vaccinations or
anything? Routine checkups? Do I need to clip their hooves? And what
about shearing?

And we need to get them some halters, so does anyone have any advice
where to get those? And how do I get those tricky little things on?


I know I should of found this stuff out before we got them, but it was
kind of spontaneos and unexpected.

Please help, Im so worried that theyre not healthy or were doing
something wrong.

Any advice is much appreciated.

[r***@yahoo.com]

Howdy.
Let's start with the easy stuff.
Where abouts are you ?
You need some sort of catch pen where you can contain them.
We use a 10ftX10ft corral made out of cattle panals.
Have you tried feeding them a little sweet mix ?
Put out a couple of small pans of that, maybe 2 cups in each pan and
put the pans in the corral. Sooner or later they will go in for that
sweet
mix. Don't close the gate on the pen just yet. Just once a day go
out
and put more sweet mix in there. After about a week close the gate
once
they are in the pen. You now have a captive audience.

Just stand there and talked to them for awhile. We had some llamas
like
yours when we first started out. I sat and read to them for quite
some time.
After a few days I sat in the corral and read to them. After a short
period
I started reaching out and touching them gently working up to being
able to
pet them anywhere.

Once we get you to the part of being in the pen with them then we can
work on
shots, halters, etc....


Randy

     Sorry if Im doing this wrong I just set up my account five
minutes ago, so please bare with me.
   Okay so we have two female llamas, one is four, the other is three.
We've had them for about two years, so were still a little new at this
whole thing. We've had a few issues with them that we havent been able
to resolve. Their previous owner didnt really do a whole lot with
them. He had about 32 llamas just out in a pasture. So when we got our
two llamas from him, naturally, they werent really too social. Which
was fine, I knew I had to work with them. But still after two years
they run away at the sight of us. And the three year old is so scared
of us, she has never approached us. But the four year old for about
the first few months would come up and smell me and make little mooing
noises at me. Unfortunately now she doesnt. And Id really love them to
like me.
Okay so issue number two. The food. Of course we have them out in a
pasture so they eat grass like no tomorrow. And during the winter we
give them a few flakes of hay a day. They wont touch anything else,
and they just pick stuff out of the flakes we give them. I feel like
were doing something wrong. They seriously wont touch any oats or
grains that we try to give them. And I want my llamas to be healthy
more than anything else in the world.
And what about their health? Do I need to get them any vaccinations or
anything? Routine checkups? Do I need to clip their hooves? And what
about shearing?
And we need to get them some halters, so does anyone have any advice
where to get those? And how do I get those tricky little things on?
I know I should of found this stuff out before we got them, but it was
kind of spontaneos and unexpected.
Please help, Im so worried that theyre not healthy or were doing
something wrong.
Any advice is much appreciated.

[l***@hotmail.com]

Post by r***@yahoo.com
Howdy.
Let's start with the easy stuff.
Where abouts are you ?
You need some sort of catch pen where you can contain them.
We use a 10ftX10ft corral made out of cattle panals.
Have you tried feeding them a little sweet mix  ?
Put out a couple of small pans of that, maybe 2 cups in each pan and
put the pans in the corral.  Sooner or later they will go in for that
sweet
mix.   Don't close the gate on the pen just yet.   Just once a day go
out
and put more sweet mix in there.   After about a week close the gate
once
they are in the pen.   You now have a captive audience.
Just stand there and talked to them for awhile.   We had some llamas
like
yours when we first started out.   I sat and read to them for quite
some time.
After a few days I sat in the corral and read to them.   After a short
period
I started reaching out and touching them gently working up to being
able to
pet them anywhere.
Once we get you to the part of being in the pen with them then we can
work on
shots, halters, etc....
Randy

     Sorry if Im doing this wrong I just set up my account five
minutes ago, so please bare with me.
   Okay so we have two female llamas, one is four, the other is three.
We've had them for about two years, so were still a little new at this
whole thing. We've had a few issues with them that we havent been able
to resolve. Their previous owner didnt really do a whole lot with
them. He had about 32 llamas just out in a pasture. So when we got our
two llamas from him, naturally, they werent really too social. Which
was fine, I knew I had to work with them. But still after two years
they run away at the sight of us. And the three year old is so scared
of us, she has never approached us. But the four year old for about
the first few months would come up and smell me and make little mooing
noises at me. Unfortunately now she doesnt. And Id really love them to
like me.
Okay so issue number two. The food. Of course we have them out in a
pasture so they eat grass like no tomorrow. And during the winter we
give them a few flakes of hay a day. They wont touch anything else,
and they just pick stuff out of the flakes we give them. I feel like
were doing something wrong. They seriously wont touch any oats or
grains that we try to give them. And I want my llamas to be healthy
more than anything else in the world.
And what about their health? Do I need to get them any vaccinations or
anything? Routine checkups? Do I need to clip their hooves? And what
about shearing?
And we need to get them some halters, so does anyone have any advice
where to get those? And how do I get those tricky little things on?
I know I should of found this stuff out before we got them, but it was
kind of spontaneos and unexpected.
Please help, Im so worried that theyre not healthy or were doing
something wrong.
Any advice is much appreciated.- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

Thank you so much you are a life saver.

We do have a little three sided shed out in their pen.
Its been kind of difficult to get some answers and help, since were
the only ones with llamas around here, so thank you so much.

[r***@yahoo.com]

Post by l***@hotmail.com
Thank you so much you are a life saver.
We do have a little three sided shed out in their pen.
Its been kind of difficult to get some answers and help, since were
the only ones with llamas around here, so thank you so much.

Your welcome. We've all been thru the same thing. Not sure where the
rest of the group disappeared to or you would be getting more and
better
help.

Where abouts do you live ?

I'll have to ask my wife where she orders the halters from. I'm
clueless
about where.

Randy

[Susan Gawarecki]

Hi Randy, I'm still around now and then. This used to be a busy list!

Hi "look to the stars" - My name is Susan Gawarecki, and I live in east
Tennessee. I have a small farm and enjoy showing, packing, carting,
working with fiber, and breeding my animals.

Please introduce yourself and let us know where you are. Usually we can
find a llama owner near you to help guide you. Randy's suggestions are
all good. There are several types of training methods that can be used
to work with "wild" llamas. You'll be amazed how quickly they learn
(they learn bad habits quickly, too). Start with a little sweet feed
(not too much, later you should transition them to a llama or goat
pelleted feed) to get them coming in. Also, put out a red mineral
block. The hard one for cows is better than nothing, but there is
apparently a crumbly type that is easier for them to eat. Llamas don't
lick very well.

It's nice to have assistance and a veterinarian lined up. You'll
probably need to do the following once you are able to handle your llamas:
- shear off their wool before hot weather sets in
- trim toenails
- give vaccinations (CD&T or Covexin 8)
- check fecal samples and worm as recommended by your vet
- check for lice and treat as needed
- check body condition (too fat or too skinny?)

There are some online resources to help guide you, also some good books.
I'll suggest some later on, but gotta sign off now.

Susan G

Post by r***@yahoo.com

Post by l***@hotmail.com
Thank you so much you are a life saver.
We do have a little three sided shed out in their pen.
Its been kind of difficult to get some answers and help, since were
the only ones with llamas around here, so thank you so much.

Your welcome. We've all been thru the same thing. Not sure where the
rest of the group disappeared to or you would be getting more and
better
help.
Where abouts do you live ?
I'll have to ask my wife where she orders the halters from. I'm
clueless
about where.
Randy

[r***@yahoo.com]

We order our halters, etc from http://www.useful-items.com/merchant2/

I like the X-ring halters the best but can't remember why anymore.

Have your llamas ever been haltered trained ?

Randy

[s***@gmail.com]

     Sorry if Im doing this wrong I just set up my account five
minutes ago, so please bare with me.
   Okay so we have two female llamas, one is four, the other is three.
We've had them for about two years, so were still a little new at this
whole thing. We've had a few issues with them that we havent been able
to resolve. Their previous owner didnt really do a whole lot with
them. He had about 32 llamas just out in a pasture. So when we got our
two llamas from him, naturally, they werent really too social. Which
was fine, I knew I had to work with them. But still after two years
they run away at the sight of us. And the three year old is so scared
of us, she has never approached us. But the four year old for about
the first few months would come up and smell me and make little mooing
noises at me. Unfortunately now she doesnt. And Id really love them to
like me.

What has worked for me may not work for you, and others may disagree
with me and we may still get the results we want. One option: get a
copy of Marty McGees book (others will have the title that I can't
remember). I haven't used it, but others swear by it. It will teach
you techniques to help you with handling your girls. When I was brand
new to camelids, I got one alpaca (then had to buy him a buddy). He
was in a stall at the time. I put a chair in there and would sit for
hours, reading, napping or whatever. He finally decided to check me
out and I did not reach out, just let him explore and decide that I
meant no harm. When I got a halter, we went for walks (he adored that
and would run to me to get his halter on). Since your girls were
never socialized, you need to start from the ground up. Either the
way I did this, or Marty McGee's way. Understand that since there is
no interspecies grooming, they don't have areas that they want
scratched, like a horse. They don't like their faces touched for the
most part, though mine do tolerate kisses.

Okay so issue number two. The food. Of course we have them out in a
pasture so they eat grass like no tomorrow. And during the winter we
give them a few flakes of hay a day. They wont touch anything else,
and they just pick stuff out of the flakes we give them. I feel like
were doing something wrong. They seriously wont touch any oats or
grains that we try to give them. And I want my llamas to be healthy
more than anything else in the world.

Grain is not a necessity - they aren't growing or pregnant. If they
liked it, use it as a treat. Since they don't, don't worry about it
for now. Mine are chow hounds and feel mistreated if they don't get
food, but it is not necessary for them right now.

And what about their health? Do I need to get them any vaccinations or
anything? Routine checkups? Do I need to clip their hooves? And what
about shearing?

Llamas do need vaccinations (CD&T, rabies), minerals, salte (I like
mine seperated). You can do the hood trimming with a pair of nippers
(someone needs to show you how) and they need shearing yearly unless
you are in the south with heavy wooled animals, then they need it
twice a summer.

And we need to get them some halters, so does anyone have any advice
where to get those? And how do I get those tricky little things on?

There are several llama catalogs that have all that, Useful Llama is
my favorite, but there are severa others out there that carry good
merchandise. Google llama halters and you'll get a good number of
responses. Depending on the method you use, someone needs to show you
how to halter a llama. Too loose, it can slip over the nostrils and
they suffocate. Halters are never left on.

I know I should of found this stuff out before we got them, but it was
kind of spontaneos and unexpected.

Been there, done that!

Please help, Im so worried that theyre not healthy or were doing
something wrong.
Any advice is much appreciated.

OK - you need an mentor. Someone experienced that lives not too far
away that can help you with hands-on learning, or a llama association
that you can join (lots of help there!). They can also help you find
a vet, a shearer or answer the questions you will have. If you are
comfortable giving your state and city, then list that and I am sure
someone on this list will have an idea.
Susan R
on the road in Missouri today

[r***@yahoo.com]

Post by s***@gmail.com
someone on this list will have an idea.
Susan R
on the road in Missouri today

You forgot this important item. Llamas generally do not like their
legs
touched. Takes awhile for them to let you do this.

What part of Missouri are you in today ?

Randy

[s***@gmail.com]

Post by s***@gmail.com
someone on this list will have an idea.
Susan R
on the road in Missouri today

You forgot this important item.  Llamas generally do not like their
legs
touched.  Takes awhile for them to let you do this.
What part of Missouri are you in today ?
Randy

Jefferson City on Saturday, today we are in Bordentown NJ, and yes,
most llamas don't like their legs touched!

[l***@hotmail.com]

Post by s***@gmail.com

Post by s***@gmail.com
someone on this list will have an idea.
Susan R
on the road in Missouri today

You forgot this important item.  Llamas generally do not like their
legs
touched.  Takes awhile for them to let you do this.
What part of Missouri are you in today ?
Randy

Jefferson City on Saturday, today we are in Bordentown NJ, and yes,
most llamas don't like their legs touched!

I live in Central Illinois, about two hours away from Peoria.

And thanks everyone for all the advice, you have no idea how helpful
it is!

[s***@gmail.com]

Post by l***@hotmail.com

Post by s***@gmail.com

Post by s***@gmail.com
someone on this list will have an idea.
Susan R
on the road in Missouri today

You forgot this important item.  Llamas generally do not like their
legs
touched.  Takes awhile for them to let you do this.
What part of Missouri are you in today ?
Randy

Jefferson City on Saturday, today we are in Bordentown NJ, and yes,
most llamas don't like their legs touched!

I live in Central Illinois, about two hours away from Peoria.
And thanks everyone for all the advice, you have no idea how helpful
it is!- Hide quoted text -
- Show quoted text -

OK, most of my information is at home, so I am hoping someone else on
the site (like Susan G) can come up with the association name/
information of the llama group nearest to you to mentor you. There
will be someone and if I were home, I could lay my hands on material
in a matter of minutes. I won't be home until June 3 and I'll be
helping out at a neo-natal clinic for that weekend. So, if a little
time slips by, don't worry. I get a copy of most all newletters
(editor for the SSLA Llama Journal) so I will find one that would be
close to you.
Susan R
P.S. Randy, we'll be in Maryland Heights MO on Wednesday.

[s***@gmail.com]

     Sorry if Im doing this wrong I just set up my account five
minutes ago, so please bare with me.
   Okay so we have two female llamas, one is four, the other is three.
We've had them for about two years, so were still a little new at this
whole thing. We've had a few issues with them that we havent been able
to resolve. Their previous owner didnt really do a whole lot with
them. He had about 32 llamas just out in a pasture. So when we got our
two llamas from him, naturally, they werent really too social. Which
was fine, I knew I had to work with them. But still after two years
they run away at the sight of us. And the three year old is so scared
of us, she has never approached us. But the four year old for about
the first few months would come up and smell me and make little mooing
noises at me. Unfortunately now she doesnt. And Id really love them to
like me.
Okay so issue number two. The food. Of course we have them out in a
pasture so they eat grass like no tomorrow. And during the winter we
give them a few flakes of hay a day. They wont touch anything else,
and they just pick stuff out of the flakes we give them. I feel like
were doing something wrong. They seriously wont touch any oats or
grains that we try to give them. And I want my llamas to be healthy
more than anything else in the world.
And what about their health? Do I need to get them any vaccinations or
anything? Routine checkups? Do I need to clip their hooves? And what
about shearing?
And we need to get them some halters, so does anyone have any advice
where to get those? And how do I get those tricky little things on?
I know I should of found this stuff out before we got them, but it was
kind of spontaneos and unexpected.
Please help, Im so worried that theyre not healthy or were doing
something wrong.
Any advice is much appreciated.

OK, I'm back at home and have the other newletters at hand. It looks
like you would be in the area of the Ohio River Valley Llama
Association (ORVLA). Joining the association would be a very
worthwhile thing as you would have a good many folks closer to you
that could help you get over the learning curve. Contact Libby Rush
or Char Neel (membership committee) at ***@bcglobal.net or
330-938-9935. These ladies can probably find someone close to you.
Keep us posted on your progress.
Susan R

[KatieP]

     Sorry if Im doing this wrong I just set up my account five
minutes ago, so please bare with me.
   Okay so we have two female llamas, one is four, the other is three.
We've had them for about two years, so were still a little new at this
whole thing. We've had a few issues with them that we havent been able
to resolve. Their previous owner didnt really do a whole lot with
them. He had about 32 llamas just out in a pasture. So when we got our
two llamas from him, naturally, they werent really too social. Which
was fine, I knew I had to work with them. But still after two years
they run away at the sight of us. And the three year old is so scared
of us, she has never approached us. But the four year old for about
the first few months would come up and smell me and make little mooing
noises at me. Unfortunately now she doesnt. And Id really love them to
like me.
Okay so issue number two. The food. Of course we have them out in a
pasture so they eat grass like no tomorrow. And during the winter we
give them a few flakes of hay a day. They wont touch anything else,
and they just pick stuff out of the flakes we give them. I feel like
were doing something wrong. They seriously wont touch any oats or
grains that we try to give them. And I want my llamas to be healthy
more than anything else in the world.
And what about their health? Do I need to get them any vaccinations or
anything? Routine checkups? Do I need to clip their hooves? And what
about shearing?
And we need to get them some halters, so does anyone have any advice
where to get those? And how do I get those tricky little things on?
I know I should of found this stuff out before we got them, but it was
kind of spontaneos and unexpected.
Please help, Im so worried that theyre not healthy or were doing
something wrong.
Any advice is much appreciated.

OK, I'm back at home and have the other newletters at hand.  It looks
like you would be in the area of the Ohio River Valley Llama
Association (ORVLA).  Joining the association would be a very
worthwhile thing as you would have a good many folks closer to you
that could help you get over the learning curve.  Contact Libby Rush
330-938-9935.  These ladies can probably find someone close to you.
Keep us posted on your progress.
Susan R- Hide quoted text -
- Show quoted text -

Thank you all so much, you have no idea how helpful you all have been.
Sorry I havent responded in a while.

Lately our two llamas have been eating out of our hands, which is a
start right?
And they dont run away as much as they used to.
One thing though that really has me worried they have been losing some
of their wool or fur Im not really sure which to call it, It hasnt
been alot, but its hanging on some of the trees and theres some of the
ground.
I really wish we could shear them, but how are we supposed to if we
cant get close to them?
And we do have shade out there for them, but Im starting to wonder if
thats enough.
The owner before us never sheared them at all.
I just really want them to be comfortable, and healthy.
My mom was thinking we should put some like, water out there like a
shallow pond or something, I dont know if they would go in it or
anything, but Im just trying to figure out how to keep them cool.

And once again thank you all so much!

[Randy]

Post by KatieP

     Sorry if Im doing this wrong I just set up my account five
minutes ago, so please bare with me.
   Okay so we have two female llamas, one is four, the other is three.
We've had them for about two years, so were still a little new at this
whole thing. We've had a few issues with them that we havent been able
to resolve. Their previous owner didnt really do a whole lot with
them. He had about 32 llamas just out in a pasture. So when we got our
two llamas from him, naturally, they werent really too social. Which
was fine, I knew I had to work with them. But still after two years
they run away at the sight of us. And the three year old is so scared
of us, she has never approached us. But the four year old for about
the first few months would come up and smell me and make little mooing
noises at me. Unfortunately now she doesnt. And Id really love them to
like me.
Okay so issue number two. The food. Of course we have them out in a
pasture so they eat grass like no tomorrow. And during the winter we
give them a few flakes of hay a day. They wont touch anything else,
and they just pick stuff out of the flakes we give them. I feel like
were doing something wrong. They seriously wont touch any oats or
grains that we try to give them. And I want my llamas to be healthy
more than anything else in the world.
And what about their health? Do I need to get them any vaccinations or
anything? Routine checkups? Do I need to clip their hooves? And what
about shearing?
And we need to get them some halters, so does anyone have any advice
where to get those? And how do I get those tricky little things on?
I know I should of found this stuff out before we got them, but it was
kind of spontaneos and unexpected.
Please help, Im so worried that theyre not healthy or were doing
something wrong.
Any advice is much appreciated.

OK, I'm back at home and have the other newletters at hand.  It looks
like you would be in the area of the Ohio River Valley Llama
Association (ORVLA).  Joining the association would be a very
worthwhile thing as you would have a good many folks closer to you
that could help you get over the learning curve.  Contact Libby Rush
330-938-9935.  These ladies can probably find someone close to you.
Keep us posted on your progress.
Susan R- Hide quoted text -
- Show quoted text -

Thank you all so much, you have no idea how helpful you all have been.
Sorry I havent responded in a while.
Lately our two llamas have been eating out of our hands, which is a
start right?
And they dont run away as much as they used to.
One thing though that really has me worried they have been losing some
of their wool or fur Im not really sure which to call it, It hasnt
been alot, but its hanging on some of the trees and theres some of the
ground.
I really wish we could shear them, but how are we supposed to if we
cant get close to them?
And we do have shade out there for them, but Im starting to wonder if
thats enough.
The owner before us never sheared them at all.
I just really want them to be comfortable, and healthy.
My mom was thinking we should put some like, water out there like a
shallow pond or something, I dont know if they would go in it or
anything, but Im just trying to figure out how to keep them cool.
And once again thank you all so much

Things are sounding up for you.
We used to put out little kiddie wading pools for our llamas to dip
their
feet in when they got hot. We now have ponds and don't need the
pools.
We also use mister/foggers and barrel fans to help keep them cool in
the heat.

Randy

[s***@gmail.com]

Post by KatieP

     Sorry if Im doing this wrong I just set up my account five
minutes ago, so please bare with me.
   Okay so we have two female llamas, one is four, the other is three.
We've had them for about two years, so were still a little new at this
whole thing. We've had a few issues with them that we havent been able
to resolve. Their previous owner didnt really do a whole lot with
them. He had about 32 llamas just out in a pasture. So when we got our
two llamas from him, naturally, they werent really too social. Which
was fine, I knew I had to work with them. But still after two years
they run away at the sight of us. And the three year old is so scared
of us, she has never approached us. But the four year old for about
the first few months would come up and smell me and make little mooing
noises at me. Unfortunately now she doesnt. And Id really love them to
like me.
Okay so issue number two. The food. Of course we have them out in a
pasture so they eat grass like no tomorrow. And during the winter we
give them a few flakes of hay a day. They wont touch anything else,
and they just pick stuff out of the flakes we give them. I feel like
were doing something wrong. They seriously wont touch any oats or
grains that we try to give them. And I want my llamas to be healthy
more than anything else in the world.
And what about their health? Do I need to get them any vaccinations or
anything? Routine checkups? Do I need to clip their hooves? And what
about shearing?
And we need to get them some halters, so does anyone have any advice
where to get those? And how do I get those tricky little things on?
I know I should of found this stuff out before we got them, but it was
kind of spontaneos and unexpected.
Please help, Im so worried that theyre not healthy or were doing
something wrong.
Any advice is much appreciated.

OK, I'm back at home and have the other newletters at hand.  It looks
like you would be in the area of the Ohio River Valley Llama
Association (ORVLA).  Joining the association would be a very
worthwhile thing as you would have a good many folks closer to you
that could help you get over the learning curve.  Contact Libby Rush
330-938-9935.  These ladies can probably find someone close to you.
Keep us posted on your progress.
Susan R- Hide quoted text -
- Show quoted text -

Thank you all so much, you have no idea how helpful you all have been.
Sorry I havent responded in a while.
Lately our two llamas have been eating out of our hands, which is a
start right?
And they dont run away as much as they used to.
One thing though that really has me worried they have been losing some
of their wool or fur Im not really sure which to call it, It hasnt
been alot, but its hanging on some of the trees and theres some of the
ground.
I really wish we could shear them, but how are we supposed to if we
cant get close to them?
And we do have shade out there for them, but Im starting to wonder if
thats enough.
The owner before us never sheared them at all.
I just really want them to be comfortable, and healthy.
My mom was thinking we should put some like, water out there like a
shallow pond or something, I dont know if they would go in it or
anything, but Im just trying to figure out how to keep them cool.
And once again thank you all so much!- Hide quoted text -
- Show quoted text -

Get your llamas used to coming into a catch pen to eat. Use it
eveyday so that it is not a threat. Get them used to haltering. You
may want to use hand shears the first year (eveyday Fiskars are
popular) just to get the worst of it off. Provide plenty of shade and
fans to keep them cool. Some will use wading pools and sprinklers,
some won't.
Susan R

[KatieP]

Post by KatieP

     Sorry if Im doing this wrong I just set up my account five
minutes ago, so please bare with me.
   Okay so we have two female llamas, one is four, the other is three.
We've had them for about two years, so were still a little new at this
whole thing. We've had a few issues with them that we havent been able
to resolve. Their previous owner didnt really do a whole lot with
them. He had about 32 llamas just out in a pasture. So when we got our
two llamas from him, naturally, they werent really too social. Which
was fine, I knew I had to work with them. But still after two years
they run away at the sight of us. And the three year old is so scared
of us, she has never approached us. But the four year old for about
the first few months would come up and smell me and make little mooing
noises at me. Unfortunately now she doesnt. And Id really love them to
like me.
Okay so issue number two. The food. Of course we have them out in a
pasture so they eat grass like no tomorrow. And during the winter we
give them a few flakes of hay a day. They wont touch anything else,
and they just pick stuff out of the flakes we give them. I feel like
were doing something wrong. They seriously wont touch any oats or
grains that we try to give them. And I want my llamas to be healthy
more than anything else in the world.
And what about their health? Do I need to get them any vaccinations or
anything? Routine checkups? Do I need to clip their hooves? And what
about shearing?
And we need to get them some halters, so does anyone have any advice
where to get those? And how do I get those tricky little things on?
I know I should of found this stuff out before we got them, but it was
kind of spontaneos and unexpected.
Please help, Im so worried that theyre not healthy or were doing
something wrong.
Any advice is much appreciated.

OK, I'm back at home and have the other newletters at hand.  It looks
like you would be in the area of the Ohio River Valley Llama
Association (ORVLA).  Joining the association would be a very
worthwhile thing as you would have a good many folks closer to you
that could help you get over the learning curve.  Contact Libby Rush
330-938-9935.  These ladies can probably find someone close to you.
Keep us posted on your progress.
Susan R- Hide quoted text -
- Show quoted text -

Thank you all so much, you have no idea how helpful you all have been.
Sorry I havent responded in a while.
Lately our two llamas have been eating out of our hands, which is a
start right?
And they dont run away as much as they used to.
One thing though that really has me worried they have been losing some
of their wool or fur Im not really sure which to call it, It hasnt
been alot, but its hanging on some of the trees and theres some of the
ground.
I really wish we could shear them, but how are we supposed to if we
cant get close to them?
And we do have shade out there for them, but Im starting to wonder if
thats enough.
The owner before us never sheared them at all.
I just really want them to be comfortable, and healthy.
My mom was thinking we should put some like, water out there like a
shallow pond or something, I dont know if they would go in it or
anything, but Im just trying to figure out how to keep them cool.
And once again thank you all so much!- Hide quoted text -
- Show quoted text -

Get your llamas used to coming into a catch pen to eat.  Use it
eveyday so that it is not a threat.  Get them used to haltering.  You
may want to use hand shears the first year (eveyday Fiskars are
popular) just to get the worst of it off.  Provide plenty of shade and
fans to keep them cool.  Some will use wading pools and sprinklers,
some won't.
Susan R- Hide quoted text -
- Show quoted text -

Is it too late to use the Fiskars now?

[s***@gmail.com]

Post by KatieP

     Sorry if Im doing this wrong I just set up my account five
minutes ago, so please bare with me.
   Okay so we have two female llamas, one is four, the other is three.
We've had them for about two years, so were still a little new at this
whole thing. We've had a few issues with them that we havent been able
to resolve. Their previous owner didnt really do a whole lot with
them. He had about 32 llamas just out in a pasture. So when we got our
two llamas from him, naturally, they werent really too social. Which
was fine, I knew I had to work with them. But still after two years
they run away at the sight of us. And the three year old is so scared
of us, she has never approached us. But the four year old for about
the first few months would come up and smell me and make little mooing
noises at me. Unfortunately now she doesnt. And Id really love them to
like me.
Okay so issue number two. The food. Of course we have them out in a
pasture so they eat grass like no tomorrow. And during the winter we
give them a few flakes of hay a day. They wont touch anything else,
and they just pick stuff out of the flakes we give them. I feel like
were doing something wrong. They seriously wont touch any oats or
grains that we try to give them. And I want my llamas to be healthy
more than anything else in the world.
And what about their health? Do I need to get them any vaccinations or
anything? Routine checkups? Do I need to clip their hooves? And what
about shearing?
And we need to get them some halters, so does anyone have any advice
where to get those? And how do I get those tricky little things on?
I know I should of found this stuff out before we got them, but it was
kind of spontaneos and unexpected.
Please help, Im so worried that theyre not healthy or were doing
something wrong.
Any advice is much appreciated.

OK, I'm back at home and have the other newletters at hand.  It looks
like you would be in the area of the Ohio River Valley Llama
Association (ORVLA).  Joining the association would be a very
worthwhile thing as you would have a good many folks closer to you
that could help you get over the learning curve.  Contact Libby Rush
330-938-9935.  These ladies can probably find someone close to you.
Keep us posted on your progress.
Susan R- Hide quoted text -
- Show quoted text -

Thank you all so much, you have no idea how helpful you all have been.
Sorry I havent responded in a while.
Lately our two llamas have been eating out of our hands, which is a
start right?
And they dont run away as much as they used to.
One thing though that really has me worried they have been losing some
of their wool or fur Im not really sure which to call it, It hasnt
been alot, but its hanging on some of the trees and theres some of the
ground.
I really wish we could shear them, but how are we supposed to if we
cant get close to them?
And we do have shade out there for them, but Im starting to wonder if
thats enough.
The owner before us never sheared them at all.
I just really want them to be comfortable, and healthy.
My mom was thinking we should put some like, water out there like a
shallow pond or something, I dont know if they would go in it or
anything, but Im just trying to figure out how to keep them cool.
And once again thank you all so much!- Hide quoted text -
- Show quoted text -

Get your llamas used to coming into a catch pen to eat.  Use it
eveyday so that it is not a threat.  Get them used to haltering.  You
may want to use hand shears the first year (eveyday Fiskars are
popular) just to get the worst of it off.  Provide plenty of shade and
fans to keep them cool.  Some will use wading pools and sprinklers,
some won't.
Susan R- Hide quoted text -
- Show quoted text -

Is it too late to use the Fiskars now?- Hide quoted text -
- Show quoted text -

No, they need to be sheared, even if it is just the barrel and vent
areas.