At Hidden Oaks Llama Ranch, we enjoy educating people of all ages that want to learn more about llamas. If you are new to llamas, we are happy to answer any questions you might have. We also encourage you to email us or visit our farm for more information.

This will give you a real idea of what they are like and how they interact with each other. Not only do they come in a variety of colors, sizes and fiber types, they all have different personalities! We will gladly show you how to trim nails, shear or train them for whatever it is you are wanting to do with them. We feel it is very important to match the llama with the owner, depending on your needs....breeding, showing, packing, therapy work, guarding, 4-H or if you desire, giving that special home to a couple rescues.

CAMELID COOKIE RECIPE  (click HERE)
 

Interested in seeing some of the FARM ADS
we have done or AWARDS we have received? 
 
Click on the following links below to view some of them!
 

2011 Farm Ads

Llama Banner Jewels - Peruvian Precedent & GC's Inca Legend

Llama Banner Calendar     Llama Banner   Cover   Profile   Celebration
 

2010 Farm Ads

Llama Banner Celebration   Page 1   Pages 2-3

LFA Futurity Show & Sale     Llama Banner Calendar

2009 Farm Ads

LFA Futurity Show & Sale

Hobby Farms Magazine - September/October Issue

Celebration Llama Futurity Show & Sale

Willamette Valley Llama Foundation (WVLF)
 

2008 Farm Ads

Cascade Llama Sale         Cascade Llama Sale

Virginia Christensen National Llama Welfare Award
 

2006 Farm Ads

ALSA SHOWRING MAGAZINE

LAMA LINK MAGAZINE    Cover       Page 6       Page 7 
 

Llamas are members of the Camelid family, which consists of five species, llamas, alpacas,
vicunas, guanacos and of course, Camels. They originated in the high Andes of South America, with many being imported into the United States from Chile, Bolivia and Peru. Llamas have now become so popular that you will see them in most every state, including Alaska and Hawaii.   
 

~ Llama Characteristics ~

Llamas are extremely intelligent, curious, gentle, well-mannered and clean.  They have a padded foot with two toes covered by a hard nail.
An adult llama can weigh anywhere from 250-500 pounds. The average life span is 15-20 years although some have lived into their late 20's. Colors vary from white to black, with shades of gray, beige, brown,
red roan and agouti.  It may be solid, spotted, or marked in a variety of patterns...tuxedo front, brown and white paint and tri color.

One of the biggest questions we always get asked is “Do they spit?”
My answer to that question is “it’s all in the way you handle them.” 
Most llamas will not walk up and spit on a person, unless they have
been abused, mistreated or have behavioral issues. Sometimes it can
also be from a llama becoming imprinted on people through bottle
feeding as a baby.  See the AGGRESSIVE MALES link below.  Spitting
is a means of defense and mostly used in establishing a pecking order
in the herd. Some llamas, like people just aren’t as sociable!

Llamas communicate their moods with a series of tail, body and ear postures as well as vocalizations.  Learning this llama language is one
of the joys of ownership.  Humming indicates a variety of moods from contentedness to concern.  Sometimes they will make a "clucking" noise.  In females, they will usually cluck to the males meaning "they aren't interested".  Males that cluck almost seem to have low self esteem and are trying to intimidate you, they may also try to stand extra tall also.  Young llamas will sometimes lower their head & neck and flip their tail over their back to another llama.  This usually means they are less confident and showing submission. 
 

~ Llama Care ~

Llamas are some of the easiest livestock to raise; but do require routine care like all animals. They need to have a three sided shelter with a roof of some kind, to provide them with shade in the summer and get out of bad weather. Three to four llamas can easily be raised on one acre of good pasture and must have access to good, clean water at all times. They are browsers, so their favorite thing to do is munch on leaves, trees, blackberry bushes and what ever else they may find.

- 13 Things New Owners Need to Know (2011) 


There are certain POISONOUS PLANTS, trees or bushes that can be harmful to them, so it’s very important to check this out. Here is another great link, courtesy of Mount Lehman Llamas on POISONOUS PLANTS.  Since llamas evolved to use the sparse vegetation in the Andes, they are extremely efficient at processing food.  They should be fed a good quality grass hay (12-14% protein) and have a free choice mineral supplement available. Llamas require annual vaccinations and deworming.  Regular FECAL TESTING is also very important!

Click below for more parasite information and photos I have taken
from my microscope!

- Parasite/Coccidia Photos (2/07)

- Instructions for doing fecal testing (2/07)

Please consult your local veterinarian for which vaccine and/or dewormer is best, as different parasites require different treatment. NAIL TRIMMING is done as needed, approximately two to four times per year, as well as SHEARING, which is done once a year, usually in the spring to early summer months. This is necessary to prevent heat stress, as well as keeping the fiber healthy. It also makes any grooming you may want to do a whole lot easier!

The following links (there will be more to come) are written by me and solely based on my experience from what I have learned first hand.
My intent is not to offend anyone, but rather to educate the public
about llamas....before you buy!

- Aggressive Males(1/07)

- Guidelines to consider when choosing a llama (11/08)


The following are educational brochures reprinted with permission
from the International Lama Registry, please visit their website at www.lamaregistry.com for additional information.  (Adobe .pdf format)

~ Our farm offers the following services ~

Consultation - $35.00 per hour
If you would like to learn more about training llamas, basic health
care or anything else you would like to discuss about llamas.

Shearing (we do not do herds of more than 10 llamas, but will gladly refer you)
$30.00 per llama if you want a barrel type cut and/or if shearing had been done the previous year.

$40.00 per llama if you want a full body cut and/or if shearing has never been done. 

*Sorry we do not shear alpacas or sheep, but can offer a referral.

Nail Trimming - $15.00 per llama

Trip and/or Hauling Fee - $.50/mile

Farm Tours/Field Trips
From adult assisted living centers to schools.....all are welcome
and there is no charge.

Fiber or Wool Types
LIGHT – Minimal body wool, short neck wool with smooth legs.

MEDIUM – Moderate to long body wool, minimal to moderate neck wool, smooth to moderate leg wool.

HEAVY– Abundant body and neck wool with minimal to abundant
leg wool, at least to knee and hock.
 

What do you do with a llama?

Llamas have several uses, but please keep in mind, not all llamas
are good at all things….it’s important to make sure the llama you choose is a good fit for you and your needs, we can help!

~ Showing ~

PERFORMANCE -
 Which includes obstacles you and the llama maneuver through.
There are three classes that make up performance. 

KGW News Channel 8
makes a visit
to our farm ...

~ Guarding ~

~ Therapy ~

~ 4-H ~

~ What else?   Enjoy them! ~

 RDRL Comet & Kayla               HOLR Firenza & Jonathan               Midnight Illusion & Alex

(photo by Jacintha Cauffield)