We are frequently asked "Why are you raising llamas?..... or what are llamas good for?" Since llamas are rather new to North America and they do not fit simply into one of our classic use categories for large animals.......riding, food, fiber production........the question is a reasonable one.

The quick answer is that their dispositions and intellligence make them great pets. The more complex answer is that llamas fill all the above roles (though we do not eat them in North America) plus Llamas are remarkably versatile, naturally healthy, thrifty (it costs much less to feed a llama than a large dog), and terrifically fun companions. There are as many reasons to own them as there are people owning them. To start your thinking here is a brief and incomplete list of reasons some people own llamas:

Show animals(smaller, more economical to feed and safer than horses)

Guard animals (Sheepherders use the llamas' natural dislike of coyotes)

Packing

Do not damage pastures and trails because of soft hoofs

Wool to spin and weave

 

Here is a link to some folks selling a video tape answering the question "Why Llamas"

WHY LLAMAS?