Female llamas are good mothers and there is nothing as delightful as their babies playing and romping. Female llamas should not be bred until at least two years of age as llamas aren't fully mature until they are between three and four. It is easier and kinder to the animal to wait until they are more mature and less likely to run into birthing complications.

Males may be fertile at seven to nine months of age but aren't fully dependable breeders until two to three years of age when they are socially and sexually mature.

Llamas breed in a prone position (female in a kush position with the male on top) and copulation may take up to 45 minutes. The act of copulation induces ovulation (ie: they ovulate 24-36 hours after mating). Because they are induced ovulators llamas can be bred and can give birth any time through out the year.

Depending on the climate, you should plan breeding to avoid births in the extreme heat of summer or cold of winter. Gestation averages 350 days and a single offspring is produced. Twinning is extremely rare. The average weight of a newborn llama (cria) is 25-30 lbs but can range from 18-40 lbs.

Births normally occur in the daytime. From the onset of normal presentation (of both feet and head) to birth, 10-45 minutes may elapse. The placenta is usually passed within four hours. Llama young begin walking within an hour and should nurse in one to two hours.