With their outgoing, gentle, peaceful, and unique personalities, llamas are versatile and fun to have around. There are no two alike, in coloring, size, shape, or fiber quality. There is something tranquil about watching them play and graze. Llamas are very special!

Because of their superior intellect and calm nature, llamas make excellent pack animals as they can carry up to 120 pounds; children enjoy riding them, and they have even been used as golf caddies. Llama fleece is wonderful for spinning. "Guard llamas" will protect herds of sheep and other livestock. Llamas are great for driving to a cart or buggy, 4-H clubs, shows, state and local fairs, national and international exhibitions featuring llamas are springing up all over the country. Some people are more interested in breeding, hospital visiting programs, and even stress therapy. More and more uses for these multifaceted animals are being discovered as their popularity grows. And for many people, simply enjoying llamas as companions is enough.

Llamas are easy-keepers, not requiring much room or food. Some llamas eat nothing but grass and hay. Most owners supplement with grain or llama chow, containing extra vitamins and minerals. They're very economical and cost about as much as the average dog to feed.

They are herd animals and need their own kind. To groom or not to groom -- that is up to the owner. They tend to be healthy and very hardy. Llamas love cold weather, and can adjust to about any climate with the exception of very hot temperatures. During very hot weather, llamas should be sheared, provided with shade, and have plentiful water. Llamas make a humming noise and being the good guard animals that they are, llamas whinny when they sense danger.

A baby llama up to the age of six months is called a cria. Crias should weigh between eighteen and thirty pounds at birth. By adulthood, they can weigh anywhere from 150 to 450 pounds. Their life expectancy is anywhere between twenty and thirty years.

Rarely do llamas spit at people, only if provoked or out of fear. Llamas are far more likely to spit at each other. Humans are usually not the intended target; sometimes they just happen to get in the way. Llama spit generally consists of cud and water, grain, or whatever they have in their mouth. And spit doesn't require stitches! It just washes off. Like sheep and goats, llamas have only bottom teeth so they do not bite.