If you are
just beginning to think about acquiring your first llama, you may have
heard that llamas are herd animals and that you should have more than one.
You may also have heard that, in lieu of a second llama, other animals can
serve as companions.
We feel
strongly that it is inappropriate to place a llama into a solitary
situation. We will not sell a llama if it will not have a suitable
companion(s).
If the
companion(s) is to be other than another llama, care must be exercised in
introducing the llama to its new companions. It may be necessary to have a
gradual introduction and it is possible that the combination may not work
for the particular group of animals. We recommend that you and the selling
farm develop an introduction plan. We also recommend that a term of the
sale be that the selling farm will take the llama back if the introduction
fails. If we are the selling farm, we will insist on not only involvement
in the introduction, but also in taking the llama back if the introduction
fails.
Of course
there are also issues when introducing a new llama into an existing herd.
Similarly, there are considerations that must be taken into account if you
should decide to start off with two new llamas, not the least of which is
the gender of the llamas. Young llamas can be sexually precocious. The
selling farm should be willing to help you with all these issues. A good
farm cares about the llamas they sell.