Types of Llama Fencing

Choosing the right type of llama fence involves more than just keeping llamas safe and secure, although that is important. It's also about keeping predators away from them. Llamas are prey animals, susceptible to wild creatures like wolves and bears as well as domestic dogs. Fencing should be a minimum of four feet in height to prevent llamas from jumping out of the enclosure. Other than that, appropriate types of fencing depend on the owner's budget, the number of llamas in the herd, and farm management. Loose llamas are notoriously hard to catch.

  1. Chain Link Fencing

    • Chain link fencing is a suitable fence to keep llamas in and predators out. The higher the fence, the better, and six feet for a chain link fence is recommended, as it is not the type of fence easily electrified to keep llamas from jumping to freedom. Available in a variety of sizes, choose the smaller mesh for llamas so hooves can't get stuck in it.

    V-Mesh, No-Climb Fencing

    • V-mesh, no-climb fencing often used for horses is also suitable for llamas. A wooden top rail is generally installed above the mesh. The wire mesh keeps predators out as well as smaller animals subject to attack by llamas. The animals' hooves cannot get caught in the tightly woven mesh. V-mesh fencing lasts for 15 years or more, so it's a practical choice.

    High-Tensile Electric Fencing

    • Consider the pros and cons to using high-tensile electric fencing for llamas. Some llama breeders don't think the mild electric shocks produced by such fences affect their animals, while others find them a suitable method of containment. Relatively affordable, maintenance is key with high tensile fencing as it tends to sag over time. You must space the wires so llamas cannot get their heads or hooves stuck in them, but the wires must be low enough so the llamas don't shimmy underneath. Keep a wire above head level to prevent the llamas from jumping out and escaping.