New Llama owner

[ScottsSilkies]

I recently got my first llama about 2 weeks ago.
A gelding. He is very skiddish. I have not been able
to touch him. I was told the lady that owned him died.
Haven't obtained much info about him.
I guess it would be normal for him to be fearful of strangers?
How would I find out how much training he's had?
Thanks.

 

[bcnewe2]

Just pretend he has none and start from scratch.
They are shy and standoffish, or at least the ones I have had and seen are.
Grain was the best way for me.
I would stand as close as I could while they ate and moved the grain closer and closer. Finally he ate out of my hand.

I think Llamas are allot like cats. They can like you and come up to you but not the other way around!
I sure miss my guy.
Also I noticed that if I wore anything new into the pasture he had to get used to it all over again. Hats were always amazing to him!

enjoy!

 

[ScottsSilkies]

That is good advice. I thank you for your answer.

 

[ScottsSilkies]

Are there any specific cautions to watch for when dealing with a new llama?

 

[bcnewe2]

Spit!!!
And heat. I used togive my guys a sprinkler if they don't have a pond or another sourse of water than can cool off in. I also used to hose off my llama, he didn't like his face hosed but sure did his belly. He used to spend time in our pond! The pond we have now is yucky.

 

[ksalvagno]

Llamas and alpacas tend to be curious but standoffish. I would look into CameliDynamics by Marty McGee Bennett or Gentle Spirit Training by Cathy Spalding. Those are both great training methods. More than likely this llama has never been handled. They do need an annual CDT vaccine and quarterly nail trimming. He also needs to be shorn once a year. Heat stress is a big killer. You need to make sure to keep him cool in the hot weather. I would have small areas for him to go into that you can work with him and not chase him all over the place. Food is always a good bribe.

 

[ScottsSilkies]

Please tell me more about "Spit". Do they spit when angry? Or what other reasons?
I know spit is disgusting, but is there something special about Llama spit - burns - stinks - etc?
Or it's just nasty because it's spit. Thanks again.

 

[ScottsSilkies]

Thanks for the training tips. I need all the tips I can get.
Also thanks for the maintenance info. He is in need of a nail trim.
I have asked my farrier to trim, but he's never done a llama before.
I saw the Beekman's Llama on TV and they put it in a head catch
to trim it's feet. Is that a normal way to handle nail trims?
Thanks again.

 

[ScottsSilkies]

Oh, about the heat, is plenty of shade enough?
Or do they have to have access to a sprinkler or pond?
Thanks.

 

[ksalvagno]

They can spit because they are unhappy about things. They don't continuously spit or even spit every time they are unhappy. The spit stinks and is just plain gross.

Yes, you can put them in a halter and tie them to a post to trim nails or give shots, etc.

On really hot days, hosing off his belly and legs is great. Also a kiddie pool will work. Being shorn is the critical part of heat stress.