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suenrob, I'll definitely post additional pics as the chicks grow.
I adopted two adult, somewhat neglected, llamas a couple of years ago. I've been able to get them to trust me in their catch pen, and can pet the top of their heads, but not much else. These were two older llamas left alone in a pasture for years when I got them. I've recently moved them into about a 4 acre pasture to keep watch over my goats as we've had coyote problems in that pasture.
If I were to get llamas again, they'd be very young so I could get them accustomed to being handled. They should have shots, regular foot care (much like a goats), shearing, etc. My birds are nowhere near being able to be handled easily so everything is a chore with them. While it might take me 30 minutes to catch one of them, when caught they accept a halter easily and walk quite well on a lead. Even though they haven't been handled much, they're quite curious. I'm going to keep working with mine until I can assure them the care they deserve.
Amos, the emu run is 6' tall "no climb" horse fencing. In fact, the pen is built exactly the same way we build our horse pasture fencing. We're able to buy commercially prepared emu chow in pelleted form. Right now a 50 # bag runs about $15. There are times during their breeding season when they'll eat 50 # a week. Since the male doesn't leave his nest for the 56 days he's brooding eggs, he doesn't eat or drink. He pretty much gets catatonic, unless something he perceives as a threat comes along. If I had to guess, I'd say on an annual average they eat about 100 lbs a month. I always offer them fruit and veggies but they rarely take me up on it!
But they are beautiful birds!
