The Best Time Of Year To Breed

Monday, May 19, 2008

Luckily, with llamas the time of year for breeding is not cast in stone. Talk with ten breeders and you are apt to get ten answers regarding the best time of year for breeding.

Times will vary depending upon where in the country you live and your purpose for breeding. Generally if you live in very cold climates you will want to avoid breeding for mid winter babies.

Generally it is also a good idea to avoid the hottest part of the summer as heat is already hard on llamas. Since you won't want to work your males in hot weather anyway this sort of takes care of itself. If you know your female does not handle heat well you will want to avoid having her carry through the last tri-mester during the heat of summer also.

Babies born in May and June seem to thrive and owners need not be as concerned if they aren't on the scene when baby arrives. As long as baby presents normally things will take care of themselves. Also, at this time of year, babies are able to run and play outdoors and sit in the sun which enhances strong bone development.

Some breeders purposely breed for November babies as they feel this gives them an edge for the next show season. If your barn has space to confine due moms out of the weather this will be another option for you. While some purposely breed for fall I've been told they see more problems at that time of year.

Generally llamas seem to be happier if they are not pulled out of the herd close to their due date but are allowed to stay with the group. If your pasture placement allows you to see your llamas easily then this is the best option for your girls. If it is necessary to pull due girls into a barnyard or closer pasture, be sure you pull up more than one for company even if you have to pull up an open girl.

We purposely do not breed every female back every year. We choose to remain small so restrict our breeding.