Llama for sale in the Netherlands

Llamas: behaviour and suitability

Llamas maintain distance and hierarchy through ears, posture and spitting. Overly human-directed hand rearing, especially of males, may later cause dangerous behaviour towards people. Always assess the actual animal and, when a trade label covers several species, verify the scientific name before acquisition. Age, sex, health and previous housing can noticeably influence behaviour.

Care and housing

Provide fibre-rich lean feed, dry ground, water, camelid minerals and adequate walking and grazing room. Train haltering and foot care calmly and plan shearing, nails, teeth and parasite control. Set up the complete enclosure before the animal arrives and record relevant values and daily behaviour. A sudden change in appetite, activity, breathing, posture or droppings calls for a check of the environment and, where needed, knowledgeable help.

Health and responsible acquisition

Ask about registration, identification, age, sex, group and handling. Check body condition, feet, teeth and fibre and never buy an animal to live alone or only with alpacas without appropriate group assessment. Ask the seller about age, origin, current care and known health problems, and ensure any documents belong to the animal offered. Never choose on colour, size or price alone, and identify a knowledgeable veterinarian or other species expert before urgent problems arise.