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OPEN RANCH 

December 11 & 12, 2009 - Come to the open ranch and participate in Llamas and Alpacas 101.  Learn the truth and put the myths to rest at this informative event.  FREE ADMISSION both days!  Spinning demonstration.  Packing Demonstration.  Learn about herd management, llama health, breeding and much, much more!  Coffee and goodies will be provided.  Bring your rain gear and ranch ready boots in case of rain.  The ranch is located on Golf Link Road in Turlock, just north of Bradbury Road.  Take the Bradbury Road exit from Hwy 99 and turn right on Golf Link Road.  The ranch is on the left.  Call 209-632-6891 for more information.  Hope to see you there!

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My commitment is to help people learn more about llamas. I love to talk about llamas.

 

• Llamas are members of the camelid, or camel, family.
• Camelids first appeared on the Central Plains of North America about 40 million years ago. About 3 million years ago, llamas' ancestors migrated to South America.
• Llamas were first domesticated and used as pack animals 4,000 to 5,000 years ago by Indians in the Peruvian highlands.
• Llamas are hardy and well suited to harsh environments.
• Llamas are smart and easy to train.
• Llamas weigh 280 to 450 pounds and can carry about a quarter of their body weight, so a 400-pound male llama can carry about 100 pounds on a trek of 10 to 12 miles with no problem.
• Llamas are vegetarians and have efficient digestive systems.
• Llamas live to be about 20 years old.
• Llamas are social animals and prefer to live with other llamas or herd animals.
• Llamas don't bite. They spit when they're agitated, but that's mostly at each other.
• The current population of llamas and alpacas in South America is estimated to be about 7 million, and there are about 180,000 llamas and 14,000 alpacas in the U.S. and Canada today.