To kush or not to kush, that is the question. Well, actually, more to the point, the question I'm hearing a lot lately is, "What does kush mean?" Like all terms specific to a hobby, occupation, breed... whatever! ... when you use it all the time, sometimes you forget not everyone knows what you're talking about. And why should they? So here's a brief intro into Llama Lingo.
Kush refers to a specific body position. Llamas are part of the camel family. If you've watched many movies that take place in the desert, you've no doubt seen a camel cush down so someone can climb on their back to ride. They bend their front legs, drop to their knees, and then fold up their hind legs. Some people call it a kneeling position, others say the animal is sitting.
At any rate, this is what a llama looks like when it "kushes" down.
They often rest like this during the day. It is also a submissive posture for them, much like a dog rolling over to show its' belly. When males fight, the loser ends up in a kush position. They also breed in this position.
One thing to note, the term can be spelled either way, kush or cush. I've noticed that for whatever reason, it's more often spelled with a "c" when talking about camels, and with a "k" when talking about llamas.
For a llama to kush is NOT the same thing as lying down. Then they lay on their side, and often do a "dead llama" imitation that will have you running out in the field checking to see if they're still breathing.
Our llama lady loves to pretend she doesn't hear me calling her name, and holds really still until I get up close. I think she does it on purpose, just to see how fast I can make it out there.
It's nice to know I provide such great entertainment for the animals!
{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
Ahhhh, very interesting! I feel so…llama-informed now. I'm part of the club!
Love the lying down position, that's hilarious!
You said:
"do a "dead llama" imitation that will have you running out in the field checking to see if they're still breathing."
Oh My goodness! This is so very true! My male llama does'nt do the 'dead llama' very often as he is 'on duty' protecting his goat herd, but my female does this a lot. And my breath will usually catch in my chest until I see her finally move a little bit. whew!
Your llama kushing is quite lovely! Has she been recently shorn?
You said:
“do a “dead llama” imitation that will have you running out in the field checking to see if they’re still breathing.”
Oh My goodness! This is so very true! My male llama does’nt do the ‘dead llama’ very often as he is ‘on duty’ protecting his goat herd, but my female does this a lot. And my breath will usually catch in my chest until I see her finally move a little bit. whew!
Your llama kushing is quite lovely! Has she been recently shorn?
So, (sorry, I HAVE to), I guess they can lead a pretty cushy life then, eh?
farmgirl_dk: Welcome to Club Llama!
Twinville: Yes, she had recently been shorn in that picture.
Richard: Did you *really* have to? Cushy life, indeed!
Horses do that same thing. You watch and watch for breathing, finally give up and go check and they put their heads up and give you that "WHAT! look.
Thanks for the tutorial.
I love hearing about all the activity on your little farm! Your pictures are great, as well as your text!