Llama Gestation Calculator

Breeding Date

‹	May 2025	›
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4	5	6	7	8	9	10
11	12	13	14	15	16	17
18	19	20	21	22	23	24
25	26	27	28	29	30	31
1	2	3	4	5	6	7

A llama bred on 9 May 2025 has an approximate due date of

Friday, April 24, 2026

The due date could fall between 16 Apr and 9 May. Learn more about the Key Gestation Milestones.

349 Days Until Birth (Approx.)

Created by Wes Nolte.Last updated May 2, 2025.

Llama Gestation Milestones (Approximate Timeline)

This table outlines key stages during a typical ~350-day llama pregnancy, starting from the breeding date you selected (9 May 2025). Dates are approximate.

Phase	Approx. Time After Breeding	Key Developments & Signs
Early Gestation	Month 1-3 (Days 1-90) Starting: 9 May	Fertilization and embryo development. Implantation in the uterine wall (~Day 20-30). Minimal external signs. Ultrasound may detect pregnancy (~Day 30-60).
Mid-Gestation	Month 4-7 (Days 91-210) Starting: 7 Aug	Accelerated fetal growth. Uterus noticeably enlarges. Dam's appetite may increase. Fetal movement might be palpable later. Ultrasound shows more detail.
Late Gestation	Month 8-11.5 (Days 211-~350) Starting: 5 Dec	Most rapid fetal growth occurs. Udder development (bagging up) typically starts ~1 month before birth. Dam may become restless, seek isolation. Pelvic ligaments relax.
Parturition (Birth)	~Day 350 Est. Due Date: 24 Apr	Signs of labor become more pronounced. Birth of the cria, typically during daylight hours. Expulsion of the placenta follows.
Post-Birth	Immediately Following Birth Date: 24 Apr	Cria should stand and nurse within 1-2 hours. Ensure cria receives colostrum (first milk). Monitor dam and cria health.

How to Calculate a Llama's Due Date (Parturition Date)

Calculating a llama's due date involves knowing the breeding date and the average gestation period. Llamas have a relatively long gestation compared to many other domestic animals.

Record the Breeding Date: Note the date(s) the female llama (dam) was bred with the male (sire). If multiple dates occurred, using the earliest date is common for estimation.
Know the Average Gestation Period: The average gestation period for llamas is approximately 350 days (about 11.5 months).
Consider the Range: Gestation can naturally vary. The typical range is between 342 and 365 days. Factors like nutrition, environment, and the individual llama can influence the exact length.
Calculate the Estimated Due Date: Add 350 days to the breeding date. This calculator does this automatically.
Monitor the Dam: As the estimated due date nears, observe the female for signs of impending parturition (birth), such as udder development, restlessness, separating from the herd, and relaxation of pelvic ligaments.

Factors Affecting Llama Gestation Length

While the average is around 350 days, several factors can influence the actual gestation length:

Nutrition: Poor or inadequate nutrition can sometimes slightly alter gestation length.
Environment: Extreme weather conditions or stress can potentially impact the timing.
Fetal Factors: The sex of the cria (baby llama) or the presence of twins (rare in llamas) might play a role, although this is less documented than in other species.
Individual Variation: Just like humans, individual llamas have natural variations in their gestation periods.

Llama Gestation Reference Table (Based on 350 Days)

This table provides estimated due dates based on a 350-day gestation period for breeding dates throughout the year.

References

Fowler, M. E. (1998). *Medicine and Surgery of South American Camelids: Llama, Alpaca, Vicuna, Guanaco* (2nd ed.). Iowa State University Press.
Merck Veterinary Manual. (n.d.). *Reproduction of Llamas and Alpacas*. Retrieved from relevant sections on camelid reproduction.
Smith, B. P. (Ed.). (2014). *Large Animal Internal Medicine* (5th ed.). Elsevier Health Sciences. (Relevant chapters on camelid medicine).