From the Wilds of Montana!

[SkyWarrior]

Like I need another list?

I'm Maggie, professional author, pet writer, science fiction and fantasy writer and insane person who may be adopting a llama tomorrow. I own lots of chickens, ducks, geese and a turkey, I've raced sled dogs and I've packed dogs into the mountains. Yes, I'm on BYC. I live outside of Missoula, Montana.

I've done a lot of my own vet work (go figure) and write a lot about that sort of thing.

I know the llama will need a buddy. llama is obviously a plural word. I'm hoping someone can tell me some pointers to keep in mind when looking at a llama. I purchased two books (Storeys and one by Sandi Burt) and they don't seem to have good pointers on telling the age of a llama. Ah well! I'm sure many people will point out the error of my ways!

 

[Shootingstars]

I know nothing about llamas but just wanted to say hi! I live in the neighboring state of Idaho and also have turkeys, chickens, ducks and geese to go along with some goats and a pig.

Good luck with the adoption and pictures after you get it is a must!

 

[SkyWarrior]

I know nothing about llamas but just wanted to say hi! I live in the neighboring state of Idaho and also have turkeys, chickens, ducks and geese to go along with some goats and a pig.

Good luck with the adoption and pictures after you get it is a must!

Whereabouts in Idaho, neighbor?

 

[Emmetts Dairy]

Welcome!

 

[warthog]

 

[michickenwrangler]

What sort of sci-fi/fantasy do you write?

 

[SkyWarrior]

What sort of sci-fi/fantasy do you write?

Thanks!

I have several novels, mostly epic fantasy and I've written short SF humor and adventure stories. I do have an urban fantasy novel out as well with werewolves, if you like urban fantasy/mystery. You can check out my books on Amazon (type in M.H. Bonham and go to my author page) or you can visit Howlingdead.com or Lachlei.com for books.

 

[mully]

Your llama will be get along with other pasture animals but your llama will do much better in the company of another llama. What gender is the llama and what will you be doing with it. They need to be socialized so you can halter and take the animal on a lead. I pack my llamas and only have males and they get along just fine. You have the right books but look for info on line ...look up John Melton as he has some very good advise for a beginner.

 

[SkyWarrior]

Your llama will be get along with other pasture animals but your llama will do much better in the company of another llama. What gender is the llama and what will you be doing with it. They need to be socialized so you can halter and take the animal on a lead. I pack my llamas and only have males and they get along just fine. You have the right books but look for info on line ...look up John Melton as he has some very good advise for a beginner.

Good to know. I'll let my DH know so I can convince him that Sid needs a buddy. Sid is a neutered male and has been trained to pack, being a pack llama from an outfitter. (Long story short I got him from a woman who adopted him from the outfitter who got out of llamas )

He's already halter trained and pack trained. Knows gee/haw/get up/ whoa. I suspect he'll take a pack easily. I've packed Malamutes and run sled dogs, so this isn't totally out of my knowledge. He's a bit unsocialized because I was told the outfitter didn't handle him except working.

So far I've put him on hay and llama pellets (he's thin), wormed him according to my vet's recommendations, and worked with him on a daily basis to get him used to basic handling. I give him short conditioning walks -- he's down on the right pastern, but I'm hoping light conditioning and good food it brings that up. On the plus side: no gait issues, hocks and knees look right. Can scamper up a rocky hill like a mountain goat. Very sure footed.

I suspect the woman who had him didn't feed him and she kept him staked out where he couldn't get to a lot of food. The first day he gobbled the llama pellets from my hand -- something he doesn't do because he's a bit shy. His coat is matted, but with winter coming on, I don't dare shave him. That and a bath is a spring project.

Sorry this post is so long, but I felt I should give you a quick run down of what I've been doing and what his circumstance has been.

 

[Shootingstars]

I know nothing about llamas but just wanted to say hi! I live in the neighboring state of Idaho and also have turkeys, chickens, ducks and geese to go along with some goats and a pig.

Good luck with the adoption and pictures after you get it is a must!

Whereabouts in Idaho, neighbor?

HI, I am about 100 miles away from Couer D' Alene. I was just through Missoula Montana Monday and Tuesday!