Llama farms in Michigan provide a spectacle of interesting lawn ornaments when you drive by them without knowing the place is there. The 'lawn ornaments' are of course, the llamas themselves!
Why would someone raise llamas, you might ask? The truth known to most owners of llamas is that they are interesting animals with individual personalities and a joy to have around. They also provide a source of wonderful fiber which has a variety of uses.
For those interested in seeing competition llama shows, I would recommend they look for the sanctioned shows hosted by ALSA (Alpaca and Llama Show Association) which are available in many locations all over the United States. I had early interaction with llama farm owners when I was in Georgia many years ago, and I designed some T-Shirts for some of the owners.
Did you know that llamas are no longer brought into the U.S.? All the llamas you see here in the USA are bred domestically on local llama farms from the original ones brought into the country many, many decades ago now. The reason for this was the regulations regarding quarantine of livestock made it too expensive, as the animal
s would have to remain months in customs until it was confirmed they did not carry any diseases that could affect cattle, and other domestic animals.
A baby llama is called a ‘cria'. Did you know that it is impossible to accurately predict the color of a cria before it is born? Although some colors are dominant, so in some animals' consistency in the color of offspring can occur.
I am a local Realtor in Battle Creek, and recently I drove past a llama farm here in Michigan when I was out photographing houses and I just had to stop and take some pictures.
To me they are really some of the coolest animals there are, and if you have ever touched a llama blanket or afghan, it is really magnificently soft. The fiber is very warm as well, being similar to wool. So if you happen past llama farms in Michigan, or anywhere else, take a moment and marvel at these beautiful beasts.
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