Minis are wonderful, but I must warn you that they are addictive.  All llamas, not just minis, need companions of their own kind because they are herd animals.  So, that means that you need to have a minimum of two minis who will be pastured together.  Males and females need to be pastured separately.  They require the same care as any llama or alpaca, but they eat less and are easier to handle.  We show ours, take them to rest homes, participate in parades and when time permits, participate in events where children interact with the llamas.  There is a wealth of information on llama care on the internet.  One source would be www.lamasorg.com   and Marian Bruffy has a lot of information in pfd format on her website….  www.freestatellamas.com . 

In your search for minis, talk to many breeders, look at many llamas.  Do not be in a hurry, do not allow yourself to be pressured.  Ask if anyone has had bad experiences with particular breeders and beware of promises of mature size.  Anyone who promises you that a cria will mature at, for instance, “no more than 36”, is being less than truthful with you.  We, as breeders, can know the heritage and the “likelihood” of them remaining mini, but only God makes that final decision.  Whenever you put those genetic materials into the pot and stir, the outcome is somewhat predictable, but not carved in granite.  As far as generations are concerned, all that information is available on the ILR database.  Do your homework, do not take as gospel every claim that is made.   As an example, I will use one of my own llamas to show how I count generations.

You might want to go to www.miniaturellamas.com , look at the breeders directory, or the directory of members.  That will give you web and email addresses of many mini breeders.  You can see who is close to you…go see how they run their farm, how their animals react to them and to you, see if the animals are lively, bright eyed and healthy.  See if they are kept in clean and humane conditions.  See if they are loved.  Ask a lot of questions, look at lots of llamas and make sure that the choice you make is the right choice for you…not what someone wants to unload on you.  Ask about mentoring after the sale.   There are breeders that will advise you on an ongoing basis, and there are breeders that wash their hands of you once the check clears.   Check around to see who is the closest or best vet in your area that has camelid experience OR is willing to learn.  This is VERY important.  These animals have needs far different than horses or cows.  Once you become a mini owner/breeder/lover...consider "gifting" your vet with the books that will increase his/her knowledge.  The llama he/she saves...may be your own.  Suggested books are Camelid Drug Formulary, James M. Jensen, DVM Diplomate ACZM (privately published...just Google it) and Medicine and Surgery of South American Camelids, Murray E. Fowler, DVM...ISBN 0-8138-0397-7.  Both of these books are "pricey" but invaluable in helping your vet to understand and help YOUR ANIMALS.  In the long run, a very good, worthwhile investment.  Please feel free to contact us at any time if you have questions.  Email is checked frequently  gdumas@hughes.net and cell phone is in the pocket at all times... (804) 815-6459

Enjoy your journey to discovery of Minillamas...you will love what you find.

All the best...Gayle