We are very excited about these fuzzy, darling, little miniature, llama treasures.

Miniature Llama Information

Miniature llamas are rare!!  As of June 2007 there are 571 miniature llamas registered in the USA and Canada: 110 foundation, 156 immature minis and 305 mature miniature llamas.

The miniature or (mini) llama is the same species as the standard llama, but very small in size, making them easier to handle and easily owned by a wider section of people. Many people are already referring to them as the "backyard llama"!! They are the cutest animals ever.

A miniature or (mini) llama must be 38" or smaller at the withers to be registered or a llama from 38" to 40" can also be registered and are called "Foundation Stock" by the AMLA.

You won't go broke feeding these guys and they can be kept in much smaller areas than the standard llama, yes, including your back yard. The smaller the better, with excellent pedigrees, conformation, and gait.

Llamas are great for showing in 4-H, county fairs or sanctioned llama shows. They participate in parades, petting zoos, or taken to a school or church function as a public relations llama. They are used as a pack animal for campers or hikers, guard animals to protect goats or sheep, and don't forget the many uses for their wonderful wool. These little treasures are fuzzy little sweethearts that you'll want to love and hug. I love it when they "hum" to each other and to me!
 

The Llama is a member of the Camelid family. They are closely related to the camel as well as to the alpaca. Most of the Llamas in this country arrived here from South American countries. Llamas come in all shapes, sizes and colors. The thickness of their wool also varies from light to medium to heavy. Depending upon the climate where you live and your use for the animal would decide which is best for you. All of the llamas raised here at Valley Stable are registered with the International Lama Registry and the American Miniature Llama Association. Many people enjoy breeding and selling llamas. I of course fit into this category, as well as some of the others. The pleasure of breeding the animals and watching the cria (baby llama) grow is very rewarding to myself and others. The miniature llama gives you the smaller size similar to an alpaca, but with the personality of their larger counterparts, the standard size llama! The miniature llama gives you the best of both worlds.

The most commonly asked question regarding a miniature or (mini) llama is, "what is it used for?"

There are a number of uses for the mini llama. The first and probably most popular is simply as a pet.

Because the mini llama is so small, they're big hits at nursing homes, school programs, and even church events. Some of these groups will even pay you to attend!

Llamas must pass a screening with the Delta Society and be certified as a therapy animal before being allowed to enter health care facilities, etc. With certification and the small size, a mini with the right temperament is a natural for Animal Assisted Therapy certification!  Especially if handled as crias, which is done on our farm, they are EXTREMELY friendly animals which crave your attention.

There is no better animal than the mini llama for a small farm animal pet. A "mini" consumes only 3% of their body weight in hay and grain per day.  A mini llama weighs an average of 125 to 200 pounds.  The few pounds of hay, including feed needed per day when pregnant, growing, or working, is much less expensive than the food for your average dog. Depending upon your mini llama's body weight, metabolism, and the weather, which if hot, they often need no feed at all but only quality hay or pasture.

A very simple worming and vaccination program, worked out with your vet, makes llamas extremely "EASY KEEPERS."

An occasional toe trimming is needed from time to time as necessary. "Useful Llama Items" sells the toenail clippers at a very low price and, with practice, it is a simple task you can do yourself. Also, with the miniature or (mini) llama, I have found it NOT necessary to own or use a "chute" for treating them or vaccinating them, as they are so easy to handle.

Shearing them, at least around the "barrel" or mid-section, is nice in the summer to help them feel cool and happy.

PLUS, you can sell the wool and make a profit. It is a WIN-WIN task!!!

Not to mention the miniature or (mini) llama will start conversations with people much faster than your average dog!!  With their beautiful "HUM"!!!  They are gorgeous and simply a pleasure to have around!