Buying a Llama
Don Pedro Puertocarrero, a native of Trujillo, paid him 7,000 pesos, or 8,400 ducats, for seven she-camels and one male.
Garcilaso de la Vega, El Inca
Your Reason for Owning a LLama
Before going on your shopping trip, write down your reasons for buying llamas. Why are you buying them? Your reason for buying will affect what you look for in an animal, and your buying decision.
There are many different reasons why people, like you, buy llamas.
Here are some of the reasons.
Pets or companion animals
Investments
Wool or fiber production
Pack animals
Showing at fairs or shows
Pulling carts
What to Look For in a Llama
Before buying a llama, check out as many farms as possible. Learn as much as you can at each farm. Some animals are sold at auctions. Attend an auction or two as well.
When you first arrive at a farm, note the cleanliness of the farm and the condition of the llamas in the herd.
Look at the animals that most appeal to you, keeping in mind your reason for buying llamas.
Ensure that all animals have their vaccinations and deworming up to date.
Pay close attention to the animal's conformation. Conformation is the way the animal is put together.Becaue you are putting your time and money into the animal, it is important that the animal be structurally sound.
Consider the llama's personality. Each llama has its own personality. When you see an animal that interests you, watch it loose in its home environment. Then ask the seller to catch it. This will give you an idea of the animal's disposition and degree of training. As the seller leads the animal towards you, watch for its general attitude and willingness to please.
Observe its gait for smoothness. Is there any sign the animal may be lame? When the llama is close to you, you can observe its feet and legs.
Check the skin and coat. Is the fiber a desirable length and color? Part the fiber and examine the skin. The skin should be pink or grey.
Feel the backbone. The back should be straight, not swayed or humped. The backbone check will also tell you if the animal is obese, thin, or well-muscled.
Do not base your buying decision on only one variable.
If this animal seems like the right one for you, try and arrange to have your veterinarian do a pre-purchase exam. He or she may detect some abnormalities that would rule out this animal.
At the time of the sale, have the seller guarantee the health of the animal. Most reputable sellers will not have a problem with this.
Prices
How much should I pay for a llama? That is a very good question.
Animal prices will fluctuate from year to year and from place to place.
You will need to do a little work here while you are out looking at llamas. Find out what other people are paying for them. Ask breeders and other sellers. Ask people who recently bought. Attend auctions and find out what people are paying.
The only really hard and fast rule is that stud males cost more than females, and both cost more than geldings.
Taking Your Llama Home
Llamas are very easy to transport. While the most common methods are trailers, trucks and vans, people have moved llamas in station wagons, jeeps, pick-up trucks, horse trailers, boats and small airplanes.
Whatever method you choose, your over-riding concern should be the comfort and welfare of the llama.
Ensure there is good ventilation.
Because most llamas will travel lying down, it is not a good idea to tie them down.
When transporting two or more llamas, make sure there is a divider between the animals to keep them apart.
If the trip is long, allow time every couple of hours at a convenient location to give the animals a short walk and a "rest stop." At each stop, give the animals some hay and water, and if one of the animals is a dam with a cria, allow time for the dam to nurse the cria.
Well before departure, make sure you have any documentation and identification required when transporting a llama. This is particularly important if you are travelling to another country. Your veterinarian should be able to help you here.
NOTE: The material in this section is adapted from "Raising Llamas in Alberta--Why Are They So Popular," Parkland Llama and Alpaca Club, 1992.
Camelid Country Home Page.
Page last updated Jamuary 8, 2000.
Page Maintained by John Fleming.
Copyright © 1998-2000 John Fleming.
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