Providing Water for Llamas
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Water
Clean, fresh, unfrozen water should always be available free-choice. When temperatures are above freezing, many options exist from 30-gallon plastic garbage cans to automatic waterers. Be sure that other animals (especially waterfowl) can't get into the water -- some llamas won't drink water that they consider dirty; others will drink fouled water. In either case, the result is one or more seriously ill llamas.
When temperatures remain below freezing, stock tank heaters (securely mounted!) or heated-bottom buckets can be used. The buckets are generally safer, but only hold five gallons each. Outlet-mounted submersible heaters installed in stock tanks are also a safe option. In both cases, the heater cord must be protected from chewing (remember that other species besides llamas may use the cord for dangerous entertainment). If temperatures only dip below freezing at night, you may be able to merely knock the layer of ice off the water once or twice a day.
Waterers placed out of the sun don't thaw as quickly, however, they do not need to be cleaned as often -- sunlight encourages algal growth.
* * * Important * * *
Llamas may not consume enough (or even any) water during sudden cold snaps. A heated water source is ideal, but not always possible, practical, or safe.
Watch closely for llamas that shiver but have an elevated rectal temperature. Although you should also consider consulting a veterinarian and/or administering an antibiotic in case these llamas are actually ill, immediately offer these llamas warmed water, and call their attention to it repeatedly until they drink. If dehydration is in fact the cause, the llama will drink deeply and then typically stop shivering within a half hour and have a normal rectal temperature within an hour or two.
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