4-H Alpaca and Llama Project
Program Contact
Amy Alder, 4-H Program ManagerPhone Number509-962-7565 Email Address • amy.alder@wsu.edu
Alpacas and llamas can make great pets and fun additions to a family farm. They can be loving companion animals and work animals. Alpaca fiber is also useful for crafts, textile making, and fiber arts. Youth in this project area will explore what kinds of llama or alpaca fit into their family’s lifestyle and will be equipped with the skills to train and care for their animals.
Please note there are age restrictions on this project area:
Youth must be 8 by October 1st of the current 4-H year to be eligible for:
- Competitive situations, such as livestock shows or sales
- Enrollment in large animal projects, including Beef, Dairy, Goat, Horse, Sheep, Alpaca/Llama, and Swine
Objectives
Youth will:
- Learn about llama or alpaca breeds and identify their characteristics
- Study the responsibilities of alpaca and llama ownership
- Demonstrate their ability to care for their alpaca or llama through feeding, keeping records, grooming, and fitting their animal
- Learn health regulations and first aid for simple ailments for their alpaca or llama
4-H Alpaca & Llama Curriculum
Llama & Alpacas Helper’s Guide Digital Download
Washington 4-H Records, Forms, and Guides
Helpful Resources
Activity Ideas
List of activity ideas for llama and alpaca project youth from Ohio 4-H. The document does refer to Ohio-specific 4-H project requirements, however the list is a good starting point for youth in any state.
Washington Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory – Camelids
Other Reference Material
Llama and Alpaca Resource Handbook
This resource handbook contains essential information for all members taking a llama or alpaca project, starting with their uses and selection, ending with training, and including everything in between.