"How To"

This section of the website is dedicated to all the wonderful people and organizations who have helped us to Get A Clue about llamas. 

Stuff We've Written:

• Considering Camelids?  Here's what new owners in our area need to know about Meningeal Worm.

• First Babies -- a Learning Experience -- one Mom didn't have milk, another cria had the squirts.  Here's what we learned.

• IgG: How to Do it -- A novice at IgG testing and plasma administration describes both processes in layperson's terms.

• IgG: Why we test -- An experienced breeder gives her reasons for doing IgG testing on new cria.

• Innocents Afield, or Ace Travelers on the Road to Nationals -- Our report on the 2002 ALSA Grand Nationals.

Info From The Experts:

Food & Nutrition

• Forage Sampling and Sampling Equipment -- My hint: Do NOT drive the sharpened end of the sampler core into the back of your hand.  It hurts, leaves a nasty scar and doesn't do a thing for the sample.

• Assessing the Pasture Soil Resource  -- How to sample your soil

• Forage Topics from LifeStyleFarmer.com

• "Our" grain recipe was developed by Brad Sprouse with consultation by Dr. Murray Fowler.  Pregnant or nursing females or underconditioned animals may get up to 2 pounds a day; overconditioned animals get only a token amount, maybe 1/4 cup.  This is a real "treat" for the llamas and we use it in training and also in emergencies: someone who has gotten out and is headed for the road will come back for grain.  Don't ever change grain feeding patterns suddenly, as the llama's digestive system isn't really made for grain and changes can upset it.  Although it is intuitive to feed more grain in cold winter and less in hot summer, eating hay actually generates heat internally, so eating MORE hay is good in winter, while on really hot days, a little more grain might assuage hunger and help the llamas keep cool. 

 1130#  cracked or rolled oats

   500#  cracked corn

   100# liquid molasses

   250#  horse & foal charge (31-35% protein)

      3#  selenium*  (only if area is selenium-deficient)

      3#  vitamin E

      3#  ZinPro zinc supplement

      5#  A & D

      4#  trace mineral salt

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~2000#  total