Llamas are "easy keepers" compared to any other kind of domestic livestock. They are not prone to accidents and injuries. Still, a good herd manager will anticipate hazards to the animals and take steps to avoid them. Predators which can threaten llamas include coyotes, bears, cougars and most significant of all, free roaming dogs. Most of these can be discouraged by wire mesh field fencing, a guard dog on the property or by bringing the herd into a protected area at night. Be sure to pick up and dispose of all placentas and provide extra protection for newborns. Where wild animals are a serious threat, predator control programs may be necessary.

Skunks may carry rabies in many areas, and llamas' natural curiosity may raw them close enough to be bitten. The only real defense is to vaccinate against rabies in high risk areas.

Porcupines can be a hazard to curious llamas and guard dogs. Quills are more easily removed after they have been snipped with scissors to release pressure in the barbs. Special fencing may be warranted.

Deer can carry diseases and parasites. Protection of a llama herd from contact with deer is very difficult, but good high fences and a guard dog may help. White-tailed deer, particularly in wetland areas with snails, can carry the deadly meningeal worm. You may need to use a systemic wormer on a regular schedule.

Plants poisonous to llamas include oleander, choke cherry, rhododendron and hemlock. Find out what poisonous plants grow in your area and eliminate them from your property.

Small apples can be a hazard to llamas, and chocking fatalities have occurred. It is probably best to prevent access to orchard areas at times when there are small apples on trees or ground.

Phosphorus fertilizers and other chemical poisons should be properly stored where animals cannot come in contact with them. If chemical fertilizer is spilled in the fields it should be cleaned up before llamas are allowed to graze. Bulk seed is sometimes treated with insecticide, so spills or open seed containers can be dangerous.

Sharp projections of fence wire should be trimmed and other sharp objects in the fields or barns should be removed, blunted or covered. Llamas' large, protruding eyes are especially vulnerable. Though llamas have though skin rarely injured by barbed wire, many owners replace barbed wire with smooth wire as a precaution.

Ditches and dust baths can pose a threat. Potentially dangerous ditches, especially deep, narrow ones, should be filled in or widened. Because llamas can become trapped on their backs by rolling up against a fence, barn or wall, it is best to prevent use of dust baths uphill from these or other hazards.

Ice may cause serious falls, especially in sloping areas. Llamas will try to avoid areas of slippery footing, but you may want to spread sanobserved or salt at times.

Grain overdose can be fatal to llamas. Take care to keep your grain and other feed supplements in covered containers in a secure area. Forgetting to close a door or gate to the grain storage area can have heartbreaking results.

Good llama herd management is based on an understanding of the animal and on common sense. Get to know each of your llamas and observe their behavior at least once each day to make sure they are acting normally. Try to anticipate. Seek the advice of experienced llama owners or consult your veterinarian about problems that arise.

Llama Herd Management ILA Educational Brochure#7; Authors: Paul and Sally Taylor; Cover Design: Patricial Waters. Paul and Sally Taylor have been llama breeders since 1975. Sally was one of four founding Directors of the International Llama Association, served on ILA's board from 1982 to 1985 and is Director of the International Llama Registry. In 1982 Paul retired from dentistry to devote full time to llama ranching. He has been an ILA Director, organized the first major registry for llamas in North America and was active in legislative and international political matters on behalf of ILA. The Taylors are respected authorities on llama care and management. In 1986 they co-produced the All About Llamas videotape series, and they have written many articles on herd management, breeding, birthing and care of newborn llamas.

For more information or to order additional copies contact: International Llama Association, P.O. Box 1891, Kalispell, MT 59903. Telephone: 406-257-0282 Fax: 406-257-8780; Email ILA@InternationalLlama.org or visit their site http://www.InternationalLlama.org; Updated, August 1994; Copyright © 1989 International Llama Association. This publication may be reprinted if done so in complete form and credit is given.