Llamas are friendly
A lot of people talk about how Llamas like to spit. But they are actually super social animals and enjoy relationships with humans.
While they may not actually say howdy, they have other ways of communicating - like humming, gurgling, and snorting. Depending on what they’re trying to say!
Llamas don’t actually wear pyjamas
You may have noticed before that llamas can be decorated with a lot of beautifully coloured blankets, pom poms, and tassels. These bright adornments are often used to show respect and reverence to the llamas - whom the traditional Andean people are very connected to. Also, the colourful tassels attached to the ears and necks of llamas help herders identify ownership.
Llamas can be serious
While llamas are generally good natured and very social with humans, they can have a more serious side.
Llamas are hard working pack animal who are protective of their herd and also have guardian instincts for other animals. For this reason, they can become agitated when boundaries are crossed. That is why it is best to be respectful with distance when you are first getting to know them!
Llamas like to listen
Have you ever noticed a llama’s ears? They are fairly large and pick up sounds from far away. Plus - llamas can actually swivel and point their ears in different directions! This is why they are known as livestock guardians. Farmers appoint llamas to protect their goats and sheep because they hear predators coming long before humans.
Mama and baby llamas stick together
Newborn llamas are called crias. Mama llamas are extremely protective of their young, and will often keep other members of the herd or potential threats at a distance. The mama and child llama communicate together through soft humming sounds to help recognize and locate each other.
Llamas can be very fluffy
Llamas can be super fluffy, but their colour and texture can vary significantly from one to the next. The classic llama is double coated - with a course outer layer, and fluffy inner layer. However, some llamas are bred to have a very uniform and fluffy coat without the course outer layer.
Llamas are socially interesting
A family grouping of llamas often consists of one dominant male and six females with their offspring. The pecking order in a herd is dynamic, and they can become aggressive to establish dominance. While llamas may not actively engage in tale-telling, they can certainly display some very interesting attitudes towards each other.
Llamas like to graze
Llamas love a good graze. Grass makes up a large part of their natural diet. They have a three chambered stomach that needs a constant flow of fibre. They are called flexible foragers as they not only eat grasses, but also hay, shrubs, and even woody plants on trees. Using their sensitive lips, they seek out the most nutritious parts of plants.
