Llama thread anyone?

[Puddin Fluff]

I may consider that at a later date, however, I need to get a handle on the girls I have now.

Good news: When I got home from work yesterday they were up close to the house so I got out of the car and headed to the catch pen with food (in 2 buckets). They followed and Sonora readily came into the pen with me to get to the food. I waited a minute or two to make sure she was comfy and then walked past her and out the pen to take the second bucket to Lady Hawk. She skittered away a few steps but after I put it down and moved back she slowly came over and cleaned it out!!!

That is the first time we have gotten her to eat. Sonora hasn't let her and we just started with two buckets to give them their space. Now if I can just get them both to go in the pen.

 

[Puddin Fluff]

Well, the girls are coming up (when called) at least once a day to eat. Sonora has no problem going into the pen but Ladyhawke is still skittish about it. I think it is as much the rebuff from Sonora as it is the pen. Sonora is kind of bossy. I am just happy that they are spending less and less time looking over the fence at the cattle next door and more time roaming the pasture. They are really pretty to watch.

 

[farmchick897]

Mine are settling in as well. They don't RUN frantically away when I approach at least. and I did manage to get halters off with no kicking or spitting.

 

[Puddin Fluff]

I haven't tried to touch them yet as I really want them to feel comfortable and not "caught" just yet. They are still a little leary of us being too close even with the feed. I think I will try to work my way a little closer to Sonora as she is the one whe is actually coming into the pen.

How "acute" is their vision? I am trying to figure out what they see and how far.

 

[farmchick897]

Not real sure but I can tell you I have 7 dogs that my llamas completely ignore if they are out in the pasture and I shaved my Golden one year and was out walking and here comes my male llama running straight for something. I look at what he's focused on and it's my Golden, so I start running waving my arms to get him off his course but I'm too far away and my Golden is clueless. The llama runs up and sniffs him and then puffs as to say, "oh, it's only you!" And walks away. I would have to say that's pretty good vision to notice a difference.

 

[Puddin Fluff]

Just thought I would post an update about the girls. We have had a busy and hot summer so we haven't done a lot of work with them but feed them daily just to get them close. They will both go in the pen but Ladyhawke is more reluctant to do so than Sonora. We have decided Ladyhawke has some vision issues and that is one reason she is a bit skittish.

I bought a book on training and have aproached Sonora with the first few stepps which she is not sure about but I haven't run her off so I guess we are doing ok.

I also got her to eat out of my hand this week. Both will eat from the feed bucket but this is the first time I have tried the hand. I dont' know that it will work with Lady hawke as it sometimes takes her a couple tries to get her nose in the middle of the feed bucket so I would guess my hand will be an even more difficult target.

Look forward to hearing from others with LLamas!!!

 

[Puddin Fluff]

Been a while since i have been on line. The girls are doing well. They are bothmuch faster to greet me since it has gotten cool and the grass is less plentiful. Both are letting me pet them when they are eating. Both will follow me into the pen. Ladyhawks vision is an issue that I am not sure how to work around. Maybe 2014 will bring me a BYC member with some experience who would like to chat. Happy new year.

 

[Mahlzeit]

Just came across this thread. Glad to hear they have come around and you are able to touch them now! What do you think is wrong with her vision?

 

[Puddin Fluff]

Just saw a couple other threads about llamas/so I thought I would give an update. We have had fun with winter so I've been busy and I have a full time job so not as much free time.

I am able to pen and touch both girls, although I would not say they like it but will tolerate it for feed. I hve collars on them both and have been able to lead Sonora around inside the pen. I plan to try opening the gate this week with her on lead and see what she does.

Ladyhawke certainly has vision issues. I think that leads to her being more defensive because she doesn't always know exactly where I am or what IS am doing.

Baby is due thw end of the month and I am anxious. Hope all goes well.

 

[Anikaanimalgirl]

I love llamas!!!!! but I have a question... are alpacas better in any way than llamas or perhaps the other way around.