Anybody know someone who will come shear my llamas?

[TGreenhut]

I am located in Wilton, CA (Northern CA just south of Elk Grove) and I need someone who will shear and trim the nails of my two llamas. I just got them and I haven't quite learned how to shear them myself (although I want to learn). The shearer will probably need to have a chute because they are a bit wild yet....
Thanks!

 

[ksalvagno]

Are there any llama breeders near you? They might be able to help you.

 

[Chirpy]

Possibly you could put up a notice at your local feedstores and vet offices? Also, talk to the people who work in those places... they often know who buys llama feed so they may know who to put you into contact with.

Good luck finding someone.

 

[purplequeenvt]

Have you found anyone to shear your llamas yet? I would volunteer, but I'm in VT. If you haven't, you can do it yourself. It will obviously take more work on your part, but it is doable.

I would recommend covering the llama's head with a towel. This usually helps them calm down (it may not work with every animal) and what they can't see, they can't kick or spit at. You should also tie them in a corner so they can't move away from you. Another thing to remember is that the closer you are to the animal, the less it hurts if you get kicked.

You can then shear the llama using electric shears, hand shears (if you have happen to have either), or scissors. The method with scissors takes a long time, but it works. I was around 12 when I got my first llamas (10 years ago). When it was time to shear, my younger sister and I would tie the llamas to the crab apple tree in the backyard and snip away with our scissors.

Toe nail trimming is easy, unless these are untrained animals that won't let you touch their feet. If that is the case, tie him up and start rubbing his shoulder. Slowly work your way down the leg. If the llama kicks or jerks away, DON'T stop (unless you are in danger). If you do stop, he will quickly learn that he can get "unpleasant" things to go away by kicking or moving. Reward him frequently (when he is standing still and quiet) by stopping and turning away from him. Give him a couple seconds and start again. This is called desensitization. When you get him to accept your touch all the way down his leg, then you can try picking his foot up. Once you have completed this one leg, move on to the next. You will have to desensitize each leg.

Hope this helps!

 

[TGreenhut]

Have you found anyone to shear your llamas yet? I would volunteer, but I'm in VT. If you haven't, you can do it yourself. It will obviously take more work on your part, but it is doable.

I would recommend covering the llama's head with a towel. This usually helps them calm down (it may not work with every animal) and what they can't see, they can't kick or spit at. You should also tie them in a corner so they can't move away from you. Another thing to remember is that the closer you are to the animal, the less it hurts if you get kicked.

You can then shear the llama using electric shears, hand shears (if you have happen to have either), or scissors. The method with scissors takes a long time, but it works. I was around 12 when I got my first llamas (10 years ago). When it was time to shear, my younger sister and I would tie the llamas to the crab apple tree in the backyard and snip away with our scissors.

Toe nail trimming is easy, unless these are untrained animals that won't let you touch their feet. If that is the case, tie him up and start rubbing his shoulder. Slowly work your way down the leg. If the llama kicks or jerks away, DON'T stop (unless you are in danger). If you do stop, he will quickly learn that he can get "unpleasant" things to go away by kicking or moving. Reward him frequently (when he is standing still and quiet) by stopping and turning away from him. Give him a couple seconds and start again. This is called desensitization. When you get him to accept your touch all the way down his leg, then you can try picking his foot up. Once you have completed this one leg, move on to the next. You will have to desensitize each leg.

Hope this helps!

Thanks so much, but I found someone who sheared them! I will definately consider doing it myself next year! I really appreciate these tips!!!