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Llama Rearing & Feeding Guide in the UK
Introduction
Llamas are hardy, intelligent animals popular in the UK for their gentle nature, fibre, and as companions or trekking animals. Whether you keep llamas for work, fibre, or as pets, providing the right nutrition at every age is essential for their health and wellbeing.
Key Nutritional Needs
Llamas require a high-fibre, balanced diet with the right levels of protein, energy, vitamins, and minerals. Forage should make up the majority of their intake, but life stage feeds are important for growing crias, youngstock, and breeding animals.
Feeding by Age & Life Stage
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Cria Feed (0–6 months):
High-protein (16–20%), easy-to-digest pellets or creep feed designed for healthy growth in young llamas (crias). Feed little and often, alongside access to good-quality hay or grass.
Purpose: Supports rapid growth, immunity, and development. -
Growing/Youngstock Feed (6–18 months):
Balanced protein (14–18%) and energy to support steady development, frame growth, and condition. Feed once or twice daily, alongside forage.
Purpose: Sustains healthy growth and prepares for adulthood. -
Adult/Maintenance Feed (18 months+):
Fibre-rich, mineral-balanced diets for adult llamas, including breeding and working animals. Most adults thrive on forage with a vitamin/mineral lick or bucket, but hard feed can be added for extra condition or during periods of high demand (work, pregnancy, lactation).
Purpose: Maintains health, condition, and fibre production. -
Breeding/Lactating Feed:
Pregnant and lactating females benefit from extra nutrition—use a suitable breeding/lactation feed as needed, following manufacturer advice.
How to Feed
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Frequency:
- Crias: Feed small amounts 2–3 times daily.
- Youngstock/Adults: Once or twice daily for hard feed; forage ad-lib.
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Water:
- Fresh, clean water at all times.
Housing & General Care
- Provide dry, draught-free shelter and secure grazing.
- Llamas are herd animals—never keep just one.
Health & Biosecurity
- Clean feeders and troughs regularly.
- Routine worming, foot care, and health checks.
- Use camelid-specific mineral supplements.
Common Feeding Mistakes & FAQs
- Overfeeding cereals (risk of obesity/digestive upset).
- Not providing mineral licks (risk of deficiencies).
- Feeding sheep/cattle feed (wrong mineral balance).
FAQs:
- What is a cria? A cria is a young llama (or alpaca), from birth to about 6 months.
- Do llamas need hard feed? Only if growing, breeding, working, or in poor condition.
- How much forage? Forage should be available at all times.
Product Recommendations
Browse our full range of llama feeds, licks, and supplements.