When we came to France a few years back, we had never set eyes on a llama or alpaca. The first ones we saw were at a french fair.
I stared at them for a long time in awe, thinking that's got to be a creature from another planet. The way they hummed softly at each other, in a soothing way and their funny way of walking.
A friend brought me a book on Llamas, which I read from front to back, the more I read, the more I became fascinated in these extraordinary creatures. Being hooked, I looked in all the local French advertisements each week in hope of buying a Llama but it seemed that in France Llama breeders were far and few between.
Months past and we finally found an "Elevage de lamas" at a nearby zoo.
This is how my love for breeding and training llamas began.
Llamas are docile, sensitive, intelligent creatures.
History
Llamas are members of thecamelid family, which at one time thrived on the plains of North America. With the Ice Age llamas migrated to South America and took up residence in the land of the Andean Mountains. 3,000 to 4,000 years ago llamas were domesticated by the Andean people making them one of the most oldest domestic animals in the world. The llama was the life line of the Inca Indians of South America. Incas called llamas their "silent brothers" , the llama was worshipped and highly regarded. The llama was their beast of burden and a source of food , clothing, as well as fuel.
Wool
lama wool is harvested by shearing or bushing in spring when their wool naturally starts to shed. 
Llama trekking ( Packing )
Like the Inca's, people are using llamas as pack animals. Llamas have dog like padded feet, making less impact on the ground than the boots of the hiker. For this reason llamas are let into nature reserves that are off limits to horses and mules. A conditioned llama can carry 25-30% its body weight, making them strong if not stronger than a horse.
In france llama trekking or packing is in its begining state. They is a few people starting with llama walking.
Driving
Livestock Guardian
Eco wood cleaners
Manure
Meat, milk & skin
Often cringed upon by llama owners, llamas are killed for meat by the native south Americas. Normally culling out young surplus males that are not of breeding quality. The meat is between beef and lamb although having a sweeter flavor than beef. It is often salted or dried into Jerky. They are also used for there sweet tasting milk and skins for making leather for shoes.
Caring for Llamas
lamas are one of the most hardiest and disease-free domesticated livestock.
Llama Facts
A male Llama can start breeding at 2 years of age Females can be bred at 18 to 24 months
Adult weight is 125 - 200 kl
Llamas can breed and give birth all year round
Average Birth Weight is: 9 to 15kl
Gestation is around 350 days
Only one Cria is born (twins are rare) usually born in the daytime
Weaned at the age of 6 months
Life Span: 18-25 years
Alpacas
New additions to ecoferme is Inca & Noah.
