Llamas after shearing
The Summer of 2011 North Texas had one of longest and driest streaks on record. Like the rest of Texas, we remain in a serious drought that is projected to run until summer 2012.
At my place NE of Dallas, we did not have as many consecutive days over 100 but, 99 vs. 100 is pretty much a moot point. The real issue for the herds, llama, goats, cattle etc is that the night time temperatures rarely dropped below 80.
Like humans, animals need cooler nights to recover so they can deal with the day time heat. Shade is essential as is plenty of water which ideally is in shaded areas. Most animals do not drink water from tanks in full sunlight as the water temperature can get quite warm.
Even with shade and water, llamas must be sheared. Put on your heaviest coat, preferably wool. Now go sit under a shade tree. Take a cool glass of water with you. That is what it will feel like for a llama that has not been sheared.
Some will last several weeks before dropping. Once down for heat, few recover fully.
Llamas are wonderful guard animals and will give many years of excellent service but they must be sheared annually before the heat sets in. However if you have one now that has not yet been sheared and has not dropped. Shear ASAP.
Links to folks that shear can be found on the South Central Llama Association website http://www.scla.us/shearing.html
