Cozy Llama Shed

Instead of building something out of straw, in November we built something to hold straw–well, hay mostly but also a few bales of straw for bedding. The primary purpose of this new construction is to provide shelter for our three llamas. In Logan we had such a structure, which they used on a regular basis whenever it rained or snowed, or if the wind was roaring out of the north. Here in Torrey, winter winds hail from the west, so the new building faces east. This one is at least one third better than their previous digs. I say that because, like the Logan version, it has two sections to protect the llamas, but it also has one wing to keep the hay dry and sweet under a roof. In addition, this building has a concrete floor, electricity for lights, a freeze-proof water spigot and a heated watering trough.

The floor of the llama shed is concrete, so the first step was to form the slab and put down gravel.

Tyler Torgerson's crew did the concrete work. Posts to support the roof were eventually placed on the exposed All Thread rods.

The surface of the slab has a rough texture. Our hope is that this will wear down the llamas' toe nails when they come inside to eat. This means we won't need to trim their nails when it's time to hit the trail.

Talk about the Ritz. Stegner (not pictured), Charlie and Arion don't acknowledge the improvements, but they certainly seem willing to enjoy them.