Should we get a couple of llamas?
May 21, 2007 11:16 AM Subscribe
Should we get a couple of llamas?
We have the opportunity to get 2 llamas for free. They come as a pair, we can't just get one.
Of course, there would be considerable expense involved
LLamas are commonly kept in these parts. (northern New Mexico). We have 2 acres, of which about 1.25 is irrigated pasture, so for 6 months of the year, we would have grass for them to eat. The other 6 months, I guess we would feed them hay. We would have to build a barn of some sort for shelter in the winter. The property is mostly fenced. We have a cattle guard at the driveway.
Veterinary costs?
We have 3 dogs, 2 of which are herders (by breed, not by training)
Anybody have any experience with llamas?
We have the opportunity to get 2 llamas for free. They come as a pair, we can't just get one.
Of course, there would be considerable expense involved
LLamas are commonly kept in these parts. (northern New Mexico). We have 2 acres, of which about 1.25 is irrigated pasture, so for 6 months of the year, we would have grass for them to eat. The other 6 months, I guess we would feed them hay. We would have to build a barn of some sort for shelter in the winter. The property is mostly fenced. We have a cattle guard at the driveway.
Veterinary costs?
We have 3 dogs, 2 of which are herders (by breed, not by training)
Anybody have any experience with llamas?
Google told me that on average it costs $250/year to keep a llama.
You should totally get the llamas. We lived near a farm with some llamas when I was growing up and they're totally awesome.
posted by tastybrains at 11:29 AM on May 21, 2007
You should totally get the llamas. We lived near a farm with some llamas when I was growing up and they're totally awesome.
posted by tastybrains at 11:29 AM on May 21, 2007
The following is an excerpt from an article that appeared in the Wall Street Journal on4/5/07 about tax breaks for alpacas - cousins to the llamas.
- - - - -
In May 2003, Congress passed the Jobs and Growth Tax Relief Reconciliation Act to spur the economy.
The sweetened benefits apply to alpacas being raised for profit. That helps explain why the number of alpaca farmers has roughly doubled to more than 4,200 since 2002, according to the Alpaca Owners & Breeders Association. With more than 100,000 alpacas among them, the owners network at hundreds of auctions and shows around the country. While the average price of an alpaca is about $20,000, and rises about 5% a year, some vaunted animals have sold for more than $500,000 during the past two years.
Before the new tax rule kicked in, alpacas already were gaining popularity prodded by television ads touting the animals as a ticket out of the city rat-race. Unlike horses or cows, alpacas are relatively low-maintenance, costing a modest $300 a year apiece to keep. They don't take up much room either. Between two and eight animals can live in a 1-acre backyard. Many owners believe that alpaca fleece -- used by Marc Jacobs and other big designers -- will someday yield profits.
The tax change kicked the trend into high gear. Several experts are spreading alpaca tax advice in books and online. "Tax law is certainly working to keep the alpaca industry growing!" according to an online article by Susan Post, an Iowa accountant who says she relies on alpaca farmers for 20% of her business. A free download of her book, "The Tax Impact of Investing in Alpacas," is available online.
posted by Andy's Gross Wart at 11:52 AM on May 21, 2007
- - - - -
In May 2003, Congress passed the Jobs and Growth Tax Relief Reconciliation Act to spur the economy.
The sweetened benefits apply to alpacas being raised for profit. That helps explain why the number of alpaca farmers has roughly doubled to more than 4,200 since 2002, according to the Alpaca Owners & Breeders Association. With more than 100,000 alpacas among them, the owners network at hundreds of auctions and shows around the country. While the average price of an alpaca is about $20,000, and rises about 5% a year, some vaunted animals have sold for more than $500,000 during the past two years.
Before the new tax rule kicked in, alpacas already were gaining popularity prodded by television ads touting the animals as a ticket out of the city rat-race. Unlike horses or cows, alpacas are relatively low-maintenance, costing a modest $300 a year apiece to keep. They don't take up much room either. Between two and eight animals can live in a 1-acre backyard. Many owners believe that alpaca fleece -- used by Marc Jacobs and other big designers -- will someday yield profits.
The tax change kicked the trend into high gear. Several experts are spreading alpaca tax advice in books and online. "Tax law is certainly working to keep the alpaca industry growing!" according to an online article by Susan Post, an Iowa accountant who says she relies on alpaca farmers for 20% of her business. A free download of her book, "The Tax Impact of Investing in Alpacas," is available online.
posted by Andy's Gross Wart at 11:52 AM on May 21, 2007
Totally get llamas! That's the life I aspire to lead. Instead, I have tortoises roaming my yard 3 months out of the year (as I live in Chicago). They aren't as cute and fuzzy, or warm.
Just don't alarm a llama! Llamas!!
posted by iguanapolitico at 12:07 PM on May 21, 2007
Just don't alarm a llama! Llamas!!
posted by iguanapolitico at 12:07 PM on May 21, 2007
The obvious answer is yes, if you have the resources to keep them and enough saved that you could get them emergency vet service if necessary. Llamas = totally cool, and I think little kids can ride them if they're tame enough.
Although maybe you should check out the quality of the wool/yarn made from the wool first if you plan on selling it.
Also, maybe you know this and just didn't share it, but why are the llamas being given away? If it's because of health or behavior issues I might be a bit wary.
posted by ohio at 12:19 PM on May 21, 2007
Although maybe you should check out the quality of the wool/yarn made from the wool first if you plan on selling it.
Also, maybe you know this and just didn't share it, but why are the llamas being given away? If it's because of health or behavior issues I might be a bit wary.
posted by ohio at 12:19 PM on May 21, 2007
If you have any issues with coyotes llamas are supposed to be a good defense against them.
posted by Iron Rat at 12:41 PM on May 21, 2007 [1 favorite]
posted by Iron Rat at 12:41 PM on May 21, 2007 [1 favorite]
Response by poster: We have no real use for them. We mostly just think it would be cool to have llamas. We don't know why they are being given away. but that is definitely a question to ask. We don't know if their wool is good. Another question to ask. Thanks for the tax tips. Coyotes are here, but no problems for us as we don't have chickens or other prey.
Thanks for the llama llama song ... bizarre.
Tina .. check .. and Ralph the Wonder Llama
posted by allelopath at 2:09 PM on May 21, 2007
Thanks for the llama llama song ... bizarre.
Tina .. check .. and Ralph the Wonder Llama
posted by allelopath at 2:09 PM on May 21, 2007
Figure out what local large-animal vet you could go to, and call up to ask whether the vet thinks you have a good setup for llamas, whether s/he has any advice, etc.
posted by LobsterMitten at 2:28 PM on May 21, 2007
posted by LobsterMitten at 2:28 PM on May 21, 2007
Make sure these are friendly, well-handled llamas that are used to being handled by people. My uncle, who already had llamas, was given one for free once and we soon discovered the reason why. The only way to lay hands on the beast was to corner it with several people and throw a rope over it, a thoroughly traumatizing experience for all involved, and nearly every memory I have of that llama ends with me being kicked or spat on. Not all llamas are good llamas. Still, my uncles other llamas were awesome llamas, and if you get those free ones, I hope they are too. Good luck!
posted by internet!Hannah at 2:36 PM on May 21, 2007
posted by internet!Hannah at 2:36 PM on May 21, 2007
Wow- why would anyone NOT get a llama?
posted by thebrokenmuse at 4:32 PM on May 21, 2007
posted by thebrokenmuse at 4:32 PM on May 21, 2007
If you have the space and the money, YES!
I used to live near someone who kept llamas and the sight of them standing proudly in the middle of a cluster of sheep would always cheer me up.
posted by betweenthebars at 6:22 PM on May 21, 2007
I used to live near someone who kept llamas and the sight of them standing proudly in the middle of a cluster of sheep would always cheer me up.
posted by betweenthebars at 6:22 PM on May 21, 2007
Make sure they're not agnry fucked up llamas. There are llamas all over the place here. In fact one of the librarians I work with has llamas. One is nice and one is an ornery pain in the ass who is impossible to be around, aggressive among people and generally "not worth it" in the llama category. Ask the people giving them away if the llamas have behavior problems, aggression especially, before you jump in.
posted by jessamyn at 6:50 PM on May 21, 2007
posted by jessamyn at 6:50 PM on May 21, 2007
Years ago I worked a summer job mucking stalls and cleaning kennels at a vet college. Llama urine was the most offensive aroma I encountered while I was there.
posted by peeedro at 7:54 PM on May 21, 2007
posted by peeedro at 7:54 PM on May 21, 2007
Caring for animals involves a lot of hard work and a strong stomach. Are you prepared to handle injuries or illness? Breeding issues, stillbirths, angry animals in rut? Grooming, cleaning up excrement and very aromatic urine? Marauding predators or even death? If not, don't get llamas. I live in a rural area where I have seen many people get animals because they think it will be cute or quaint, and find it's nothing like they envisioned. If you are sure you are up for the work and commitment (llamas can live to be 20), then go for it.
Also, having large animals does make it difficult to go on unplanned trips, or even planned trips for that matter. There aren't a lot of llama kennels and they won't jump in the car and come for the ride.
posted by alltomorrowsparties at 3:29 AM on May 22, 2007
Also, having large animals does make it difficult to go on unplanned trips, or even planned trips for that matter. There aren't a lot of llama kennels and they won't jump in the car and come for the ride.
posted by alltomorrowsparties at 3:29 AM on May 22, 2007
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Do you have any use for the llamas? Alpaca fiber is valued by spinners for the nice yarn it makes. Some llama fiber is nice, while others isn't. Are you going to get sick of all the effort if there's not a return?
I'd say your best bet might be to ask a neighbor (or someone nearby) who has llamas. Sorry for a lack of personal experience.
posted by JMOZ at 11:28 AM on May 21, 2007