[Jacob-list] LGDs

[Cathy Robinson]

Not too many weeks ago I initiated a discussion on this list about 
llamas and guarding sheep.  With the influx of new residents into our 
area, I was thinking that in the future we might need to move to a more 
silent guard.  Like Sharon, we have 2 Pyrenees that have done a 
wonderful job for us, but one does bark a lot.  I was almost convinced 
that a llama might be worthy of consideration until this same discussion 
came up just this week on a Great Pyrenees discussion list that I belong to.

I have spoken with several people that use llamas as guardians and swear 
by their efficiency, but after reading the comments on that topic this 
week from people involved with both LGD's and llamas (one was with llama 
rescue), I am now rethinking the issue for us.  Here are some of the 
points taken from those discussions.  These are not my personal 
thoughts; I am merely passing information which those of you who have 
(and like) your llamas may not agree with.

    * Llamas should be thought of as a sentry rather than guard.  They
      will alert and even rush to the fenceline if faced with a threat,
      but are not capable of much more.

    * Llamas would be most effective in guarding against weasels, foxes
      and lone coyotes.  They are not effective against  loose dogs (one
      or in packs), wolves, bears, etc.  

    * A llama can be brought down by a single dog with that intent.

    * The number one killer of llamas is loose dogs.

    * One lady told of her personal experience of having to help her
      neighbor "clean up" after two neighborhood dogs got into the area
      where her llamas were.  In less than an hour, two were killed,
      another was castrated and a fourth had serious leg injuries.

    * Most felt that llamas were most effective if paired with a dog (or
      gun), and that the fencing should be the primary obstacle, as
      Linda mentioned yesterday.  

What works effectively for one farm, may not work for another.  Each 
should evaluate their threat potential and  their personal 
circumstances.  If you are home all day and can respond to your llama's 
alert with a gun or other action, then that may be very effective for 
you.  If you are gone much of the day and at work off the farm, then 
whatever is left "in charge" of the flock should be capable of doing the 
job to the best of its ability.

On a lighter note, there was a discussion here earlier this week about 
chickens and sheep.  We do have chickens and they free range and go 
anywhere they want to go....over fences, through fences, in and out of 
the woods, etc. We also have a resident fox recently coming for a 
chicken dinner now and then.  I have been in the sheep yard twice when 
the fox was within sighting distance and the first to sound the alarm (a 
few seconds ahead of the dogs) were our two guineas.  The dogs were at 
the fence instantly!  Quite an effective pairing for guarding...guineas 
and Pyrs!

Cathy
Perfect Spot Farm
http://www.patchworkfibers.com/perfectspotfarm.html

Sharon Hill wrote:

>OK, I will put in my 2 cents.  I have had a Great
>Pyrennes since the year 2000 and have never lost a
>sheep to a predator.  My neighbor has cows and he
>loses several calves every year to coyotes.  
>  
>

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