TRANSPORTATION
There are several options for getting our trained packstock where you
need them.
option 1: We deliver (you pay gas)
As mentioned above, the charge for this is $50 per half day (4
hours or less there and back) and $95 per full day for our truck and/or
trailer and driver. One option that comes with trailhead delivery
is that the driver may accompany the llamas on the trail while the vehicles
are parked at the trailhead, although he/she will not act in the capacity
of a guide or take responsibility for the group.
option 2: your trailer
We will allow our animals to be hauled in any basic horse or stock
trailer which has adequate springs and padding for their comfort.
Trailers must have a roof and have barriers on all sides with adequate
vetilation. Cargo trailers such as U-haul are not suitable.
Whichever you use, remember that they prefer to ride seated, which is why
we supply rubber mats to pad their knees. Most llamas also prefer
to sit or stand at a slight angle to the direction of travel to help absorb
the motion of the vehicle. Our llamas are absolutely not to be tied
or tethered in any way while traveling in a trailer.
option 3: your full size van
Most of ours are used to being transported in a full-sized van.
These can hold two with the back seat removed, or four with no seats.
It is necessary to partition the space with short removable stall partitions
when transporting more than two animals to prevent one from sitting diagonally
across all the available space, crowding all the others. A
llama needs a stall space about 20-24" wide and 72-60" long.
option 4: your pickup truck (full size only)
Our most experienced packers are trained to jump into any standard
pickup bed if their special mats have been placed there; then they sit
on command and we fasten their collars to a heavy-duty cargo bar adjusted
across the front of the bed to insure they remain seated. Training
them to do this took several months and a specially-made trailer.
This will hold two. The truck must have a lumber rack fitted with
sides, back, and front to restrain the llamas if they must be transported
loose. Some of our llamas will crawl under a low camper shell
on their knees (it goes without saying that there is a limit to the time
that a llama can be asked to sit like this without exercise).