[Jacob-list] Dogs, Sheep & Guardians

[SKimbro]

Hi there,

We have llamas.  We bought a gelding specifically as a guard.  We also have 
5 females with him that I think are a deterrent just by being here.  I know 
from personal experience, as well as many stories from other shepherds that 
llamas DO their job!  I'd recommend temperament testing for guarding though. 
Not all llamas will guard.  If you buy from a reputable breeder they will be 
able to tell you who will guard well.  They're almost always geldings.

Our animals are out at night in the pasture in a 3 sided shelter (when they 
even seek shelter, usually they lay all over the place).  We have Jacob's, 
16 hens (they are locked in a coop at night) and pygmy goats.  We also have 
many mountain lions, coyotes and dogs and have never lost an animal due to 
predators.  I'm sure it's the llama(s)!  Besides that they are SO fun to 
have around!

Good luck!

Sheri Kimbro
Ranch Abella
Shingle Springs, CA


----- Original Message ----- 
From: <perfectspot at blueridge.net>
To: <jacob-list at jacobsheep.com>
Sent: Wednesday, March 15, 2006 3:26 PM
Subject: [Jacob-list] Dogs, Sheep & Guardians


I would like to expand the topic of sheep and dogs in slightly different
direction, and hope that there will be responses from many of you.

I am curious about what (if any) flock guardians various shepherds
maintain in their flocks.  Do you use dogs, llamas, nothing at all?

We are located in an area that is growing quickly.  I do not foresee that
we will be able to use dogs as flock guardians in the future, once our
current dogs have finished their work with us.  They are wonderful and I
can't envision using anything else, much less nothing at all, but am
interested in hearing what is working for others.or not working.

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

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