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
- Enrollment in shooting sports projects
- Enrollment in projects using motorized vehicles
- Enrollment in food preservation projects
Cloverbuds, 4-H youth ages 5-7, may participate in a number of age-appropriate activities, though they may not participate in competitive events.
If you have questions about eligibility please, contact your county 4-H coordinator.
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
Available from the Extension office or online
Lamas, Book 1, describes the first steps in getting to know and care for lamas, which include the species of llamas, alpacas, vicunas, and guanacos. Youth will learn where lamas originated as well as basic information about lama care, grooming, building trust, training, and much more.
Lamas, Book 2, builds on Lamas, Book 1, and describes continued training and care for lamas. Among other things, you learn about lama registration papers, lama communication, differences between llamas and alpacas, lama feed, lama training, lama showmanship, and using lama fleece.
Lamas Book 3 – the last in this series – builds on information presented in the first two books. Among other things, you will learn about lama social behavior, showing and judging, fiber types, body condition scoring, conditions that stress lamas, hiking with or driving a lama, guard lamas, careers that include lamas, and more.
Llama & Alpacas Helper’s Guide Digital Download
The “Lama” curriculum is designed to help youth develop both project and life skills. Activity/project skills are specific to the subject matter of lamas, such as learning how to care for your lama. Life skills relate to the process a member undergoes when doing an activity. Life skills, such as making decisions or mastering technology, are useful long after the member has completed the project. This Helper’s Guide will assist with facilitation of the Llama & Alpaca curriculum.
Washington 4-H Records, Forms, and Guides
For youth members
EM4890 – Youth Llama Project Member’s Manual
For adult helpers and club leaders
EM4891E – 4-H Leader’s Manual for 4-H Llama Activities
Leader’s notebook for Llama activities, including separate sections for minis, beginners, intermediate, and advanced 4-H student.
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 Specific Reference Material
Washington Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory – Camelids
Other Reference Material
From 4-H Programs
Llamazing Alpaca Explorers – University of Minnesota Extension
Llamazing Alpaca Explorers is a series of independent learning guides for youth in grades 3 and up to get to know llamas and alpacas.
From Higher Education Institutions
Breeds of Livestock: Llamas – Oklahoma State University
A thorough fact page about llamas, their traits, and their uses.
From Related Organizations, Journals, and Professionals
Alpaca Owners Association, Inc.
Learning Center section of the website includes and owners guide, alpaca etiquette, breed standards, fiber standards, and other information on raising alpaca.
Alpacas And Llamas: What They Are & Why You Should Keep Them
- Ohio 4-H Llama & Alpaca Project Resources
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.
Llama and Alpaca Project and Record Book
Complete this required project and record book every year a llama or alpaca project is taken. Get to know all aspects of llama and alpaca care while keeping complete records of your experience as a llama or alpaca owner.
- Kits, Projects, and Activites from National 4-H