Livestock 6 reasons to love llamas Llamas can be a wonderful addition to an acreage or farm. Not only are they beautiful and lovable, but they're helpful, too! By Lisa Foust Prater Lisa Foust Prater Lisa Foust Prater is the Family & Farmstead Editor for Successful Farming, sharing interesting family features, heartfelt editorial columns, and important health and safety information. Her favorite thing about her job is meeting interesting people, learning their stories, and sharing them with our readers.Lisa started her career with Successful Farming magazine in 1999, working primarily for the web team and writing product reviews for the magazine. She later wrote for the Living the Country Life magazine and website and has written and edited several cookbooks and other books for Successful Farming and Living the Country Life. Successful Farming's Editorial Guidelines Published on May 20, 2022 Close 1. They'll guard your sheep and goats When you put one llama with your sheep or goats, it will see itself as one of the herd, and as the largest, will act as protector. Llamas have a natural fear of dogs and coyotes, and they will charge and stomp any intruding canines until the danger passes. Llamas can also help alert you to human intruders, as they will often emit a loud, goose-like scream when a stranger approaches. READ MORE: Livestock guardian dogs 2. They'll carry your stuff Llamas have been used as pack animals by the Andean culture since pre-Hispanic times, and they're still great for trekking through the mountains or woods. Specially fitted backpacks carry food, camping gear, supplies, and whatever else you'll need on your trek. READ MORE: Raising alternative livestock 3. They can keep you warm Sheep aren't the only animals that can be shorn for their wool. Llama fibers can be used alone or in combination with wool to make yarn and create blankets and other items. READ MORE: Raising animals for fiber 4. They like hugs Linda Pierce and husband Michael live on the Co-Rect Llama Ranch in Minnesota. She says, "When I get home, I call the llamas, and they come running when they hear my voice. I look forward to the hugs and kisses. It's such a nice place to come home to, so very peaceful." READ MORE: Miniature llamas 5. They have a unique look Llamas may be solid, spotted, or marked in an endless variety of patterns, making each unique and interesting. Wool colors include shades of black, white, gray, brown, and red. Alpacas, on the other hand, are usually just one color. READ MORE: Alpaca fun facts 6. Their babies look like this Llamas are cute, but their babies are off-the-charts adorable. Imagine the fun of watching this little llama scamper around the pasture! A baby llama is called a cria, and they are born after 11.5 months gestation. One thing that's not so cute about llamas is the way they spit. While they generally don't spit at humans, it can happen. Read the article below to see why they spit, and how to read the warning signs so you can stay out of the line of fire. READ MORE: Why llamas and alpacas spit Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit