A KEY TOWARDS RESOLUTION MAY LITERALLY... "Hang in the Balance"

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By Cathy Spalding
www.gentlespiritllamas.com

Kushed alpacas and llamas should present with clear overall body balance. Sitting upright on their brisket, the legs should be squarely and comfortably tucked beneath the body with the neck and head vertically balanced and fairly square to the body. The front legs may be tucked underneath or stretched forward. At times, one front leg may be neatly tucked beneath the body while the other is stretched out forward. The hind legs are sometimes out to one side while still maintaining an overall comfortable body balance. The rear legs might be shifted back while still squarely beneath the body to give rise to the rear. This is often done for cooling in warmer weather to allow some airflow beneath the body. An alpaca or llama that is kushed out of balance could indicate an alpaca or llama that is out of balance in other ways such as stress, illness, a pregnancy concern or injury. It is important to consider their kushed balance in concert with other noted indicators as well as the surrounding circumstances to assist in determining any course of action.

This llama is kushed with both her front legs forward and exhibits good overall body balance. Her back is fairly flat and centrally balanced indicating her rear legs would be squarely and comfortably underneath her. Her neck and head meet with the rest of her body in a nice vertically centered and slightly forward manner. Her eyes are bright and alert with her ears in the forward alert and interested position. She appears to be chewing cud and generally enjoying a relaxing afternoon.

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