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Welcome to the fascinating
world
of Llamas!
If you have recently purchased or are thinking of acquiring your first
llama, you are joining a rapidly growing group of llama enthusiasts
across North America.
Llamas are fun, easy to raise and provide enjoyment for the whole
family.
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Both Alpacas and Llamas
are quiet, peaceful and intelligent, making them
excellent pets, companions and pack animals. They are
also smaller and more manageable than a horse, while
still getting along with other animals. They are very
adaptable to adverse weather conditions, are long lived,
and have very simple feeding and handling requirements. |
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| The fibre produced by
these wonderful animals is of an exceptional quality.
Because it makes such a good natural insulator, most
people think of it's use for sweaters. There are however
many other uses from quality clothing to luxurious
duvets. |
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| 1. Fibre
- Both Alpacas and Llama's have an exceptionally fine,
greaseless fibre. It has a hollow medulla(core) which
provides for a greater insulating value than most other
wool. Several fibre mills are processing their fibre
into high quality yarn that make beautiful," lightweight
sweaters, scarves, shawls, etc. Llama and alpaca fibre
comes in a wide range of natural colours which add a
uniqueness to each garment or white may be dyed any
colour. The sky is the limit! |
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| 2.
Packing & Trekking - Llamas were domesticated thousands
of years ago in the Andean Mountains of South America.
Llamas can carry up to 100 lbs. As part of a trend for
sedentary North Americans to seek adventure and physical
activity, llamas are being used to carry camping and
fishing gear. Due to their minimal environmental impact,
ease in handling, and surefootedness they have become
the pack animal of choice for many backcountry
travelers. Llamas provide a truly unique outdoor
vacation for people wishing to get away from the
ordinary. |
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3.
Cart Driving - Because llamas are so intelligent and
easily trained, they adopt readily to pulling small
carts. They can be hitched alone or in a team. The whole
family can go for a cart ride down the street or over
mountain trails.
4. Showing - Showing llamas and alpacas has
become very popular all across Canada. One show offers
total prize money of over $40,000. Winning a show like
this can be very rewarding. The B.C. Llama Lovers Annual
Spring Classic show is held at the Armstrong Agriplex
every May long weekend in Armstrong, B.C. It is the
largest show in Canada:
5. 4-H - Several 4-H clubs have been formed
thereby getting young people involved in raising llamas
and alpacas. Like other 4-H clubs, it gives kids the
responsibility of caring for the llamas and alpacas,
halter training, grooming, and showing. |
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6. Guard
Animals - Llamas are very effective as guard animals in
sheep and goat herds.
7. Therapy - Because of their gentle nature and calming
effect, llamas and alpacas have been used for therapy
with mentally challenged and elderly people.
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