Alpacas and llamas are prey animals, which means their first instinct when frightened is to flee. They are highly sensitive to loud noises, sudden movements, and unfamiliar environments. Calm and steady behavior from handlers is crucial in keeping them relaxed.

When approaching them, do so slowly and speak in a soft tone. It’s best to avoid direct eye contact initially and stand off to the side to appear less threatening. Always pay attention to the animal's body language and respect its boundaries. If a camelid becomes stressed, it is more likely to resist handling or panic, which can lead to injury.

While some camelids tolerate gentle handling very well, many do not. There are areas that most camelids typically find uncomfortable or threatening:

• Top of the head: Touching this area can make them feel defensive, especially if they are not well-socialized.

• Face and muzzle: Avoid grabbing or touching the face unless the animal is calm and familiar with the handler.

• Legs and feet: These are vulnerable areas, and handling them can trigger a defensive reaction like pulling away or kicking.

• Tail and hindquarters: Approaching from behind can startle them, and touching the rear end may result in a swift kick.

Stick to neutral areas like the sides of the neck or shoulders only when touch is necessary, and always move slowly.

Knowing how to read body language can help prevent injury and improve animal welfare during an evacuation. Watch for the following warning signs:

• Ears pinned back – A signal of annoyance or fear.

• Head held high and stiff – May mean the animal is on high alert or feeling threatened.

• Rapid breathing or pacing – Signs of anxiety.

• Refusing to move or repeatedly cushing (lying down) – Indicates resistance or shutdown behavior.

• Spitting, kicking, or vocalizing (humming, grunting, screaming) – These can be direct signs of stress or agitation. While alpacas and llamas do spit, it's usually directed at each other—not at humans—unless they feel threatened and need to defend themselves.

If you see these behaviors, take a step back and adjust your approach. Staying calm and moving slowly can go a long way toward helping the animal settle down.

Proper haltering is critical—not just for control, but for the animal’s safety and well-being. Camelid facial anatomy differs from horses or goats, so a halter designed specifically for llamas and alpacas is essential.

• Fit matters: A halter that sits too low can restrict breathing. It should sit high on the nose bone and not slip down onto the soft cartilage.

• Go slow: Many animals may not be halter-trained or may have had negative past experiences. Let them sniff the halter, gently slip it over the nose, and adjust with care.

• Never leave a halter on unattended: Halters can catch on fences or equipment, risking injury or strangulation.

In an emergency, if an animal is not halter-trained, use calm restraint methods with panels or group movement instead of forcing a halter.

Camelid fiber is water resistant but not waterproof. When their fleece gets very wet, it can soak through to the skin and can lead to:

• Chilling and hypothermia in cooler weather

• Increased stress due to the weight and discomfort of soaked fiber

Never spray alpacas or llamas with water to cool them down on their backs or heads—instead, use shade, ventilation, and water sprayed just on the belly, armpit area, and/or legs if cooling is needed. Baby pools can provide relief during excessive heat as well.

Alpacas and llamas are prone to choking, especially when excited or under stress. They may inhale feed too quickly, especially with grain or pellets. Key tips:

• Avoid feeding during transport or stressful situations, unless medically necessary.

• Feed in small, controlled amounts—no large handfuls or buckets of grain. Ensure plenty of feeders or bowls so every alpaca has enough space to eat comfortably. We prefer boot trays like these for animals prone to choking, so they are less likely to inhale their food.

• Don’t allow scavenging or grazing in unfamiliar areas during evacuation, as this could lead to choking or ingesting harmful plants or debris.

WHAT TO DO IF AN ANIMAL STARTS CHOKING: If an animal begins to cough, regurgitate food, or act panicked after eating, massage the left side of its neck in a UPWARD motion. Never stroke downward—this can make it worse by pushing the blockage deeper. Please get in touch with a veterinarian right away if the choking continues or worsens.

Transporting camelids safely is different from hauling other livestock. Here’s what to keep in mind:

• Use a funnel approach. Instead of chasing the llamas and alpacas, gently guide them using your presence and body positioning. Imagine creating an invisible funnel with your arms, gates, panels, or other people. Start wide and gradually narrow the space, helping the alpaca move in the direction you want without feeling trapped or panicked. Stretch your arms out to the sides to appear larger, use ropes held between two people, or use herding poles like this or even lightweight PVC pipes like this to guide them.

• Move slowly. If the animal seems stressed, pause and wait for them to calm down.

• Keep flooring non-slip and cushioned, if possible. Mats or straw help prevent sliding.

• Do not tie them inside trailers. Most alpacas and llamas prefer to travel in a cushed (sitting), and tying can lead to injury.

• Transport in pairs or small groups. Being herd animals, alpacas and llamas can become very stressed if separated from their companions. Traveling with at least one buddy helps keep them calm and makes the whole experience safer and more comfortable for everyone.

• Following the leader. Alpacas and llamas are herd animals, and every group usually has a leader that the others naturally follow. When you need to move the whole group, it can help to figure out which one is the leader and guide that one first. The rest will often fall in line and follow, making the whole process a lot smoother.

Whenever possible, load animals in a familiar or calm environment and allow extra time.