Llama question for packers/elk hunters. . .

[KSdan]

Live in the country.  Plenty of room.  Have a few animals for fun. Kids like the goat, ducks, rabbits, etc.  Someone offered me a young baby Llama.
Okay. . . Is it hard to train and use a Llama for packing?  How much wt. can they carry?  I realize the "pet" value, but is the effort for this one Llama worth it if you only plan to use it for packing every other year or so?
Thoughts???
Thanks
Dan

[Chuck Jones]

LLamas are easy to train. Show them once or twice, and they get the idea. They are herd animals. They need to be with other llamas or at least goats or sheep. A full grown llama can carry about 1/4th their weight over rough ground. They almost take care of themselves on hunts. They eat almost any kind of grass or plant. If you have the room and time, you'll enjoy raising a llama.

PM me if you need saddles and packs. I had to give my llamas up because we were on the road too much.

[fatman]

http://tradgang.com/noncgi/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=030993#000000

http://tradgang.com/noncgi/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=035416#000000

[KSdan]

Thanks much guys. . . sounds like just one may not be good idea.

[hunt it]

Contact Doc John - Missouri Sherpa his handle, he had a whole heard of them for a few years. He's upgraded to horses this year but i know he'll give you his thoughts if you ask. I do believe he is out west elk hunting right now with SHAUN.

[Steertalker]

KSdan,

There's a gentleman from Oregon that used to post quite a bit here but I haven't seen him lately.  His handle is "Santiam".  He uses goats!  You should look him up and send him a PM for some advice.

I used to raise and breed Boer goats so I am partial to them.  Pound for pound there's nothing stronger than a goat.  Of all the barn yard critters, e.i. pigs, goats, sheep, horses, cattle, llamas etc, the pig and goat are by far the most intelligent.  Goats can go anywhere and I mean anywhere!!!  And can be taught to just follow you without a lead.  They also have fantastic eye sight and senses and more than likely with spot game or danger well before you do....as Santiam will testify!

Great animals!!

Brett

[oxnam]

Not to side track this post but I have had packgoats and loved them.  Sold them when I thought I was going to have to move.  
Wethers (castrated males) ususally weigh 190-210lbs and can pack 25-30% of their body weight.  Downfall was never a problem and you don't have to pack them any food.  Never had any instance where I could climb up something that they couldn't with less effort.  When backpacking, the only time I tethered them was at night.  They follow like dogs.  
Do some research before you go with the llama.  I transported mine in the back of my truck.  No need for a ramp because they will jump right in.  
Castrated goats never stink because they don't go into rut.
Go with goats,
oxnam