Curious about llamas

[finnsfinnsheep]

Hello again.....To sum everything up, basically Wed 3/26 a large mastiff went over or through my electric fencing (4 strands, 5-6k voltage) and mauled my last pet doe and injured a lamb while I was at work. I have involved the police and animal control will be notified but that's an entirely other matter. It's a mess and I currently have the rest of my flock (Only sheep now) fenced off with 50" cattle panels until further notice. I will be adding cameras, trailcams, etc to various spots but obviously that won't stop the dog from returning if the situation doesn't resolve how I'd like it to. I live on a 3 acre property in an awkward triangle shape, with a busier county road along one side and 4 neighbors surrounding the other side opposite the private dirt road going up the mountain.

Already having 4 dogs on a smaller property with neighbors on all sides, I really just can't justify getting a LGD. I understand how valuable they are, but it's just not something I think would fit my farm and lifestyle as of right now. Guard donkeys from what I understand are very 50/50 in their abilities so I don't find the risk worth taking in that and their ability to founder is not something I want to deal with. I would like to know people's experiences with llamas as livestock guards. My only personal experience with llamas was on a horse farm and it was not only huge but not very nice to strangers (which I guess would be kind of ideal anyways). Thanks in advance!

 

[fuzzi]

I'm sorry about your stock being mauled. Are you allowed to shoot animals attacking your sheep?

 

[finnsfinnsheep]

I'm sorry about your stock being mauled. Are you allowed to shoot animals attacking your sheep?

absolutely, however, this happened while i was on my way home from work otherwise the situation would have ended differently for sure

 

[Baymule]

@farmerjan knows a few things about llamas. I am sorry about your dog attack. Can you put up a more permanent fence, sheep and goat wire, 4 feet tall and add hot wire to the top? A good fence may not always keep predators out, but it sure helps. Add a llama, and I think your sheep would be safe.

 

[secuono]

Llamas are prey and easy to take down.
Build proper fencing and add hot wire to it.

 

[finnsfinnsheep]

@farmerjan knows a few things about llamas. I am sorry about your dog attack. Can you put up a more permanent fence, sheep and goat wire, 4 feet tall and add hot wire to the top? A good fence may not always keep predators out, but it sure helps. Add a llama, and I think your sheep would be safe.

I think building a better perimeter fence will be my first step. My two rams are fenced in with just welded wire from Lowes and they were untouched and there was no disturbance to their fencing. This is a crappy lesson to learn but a lesson nonetheless

 

[Baymule]

I recommend sheep and goat wire.

https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/okbrand-330-ft-x-48-in-square-knot-cl1-galvanized-sheep-and-goat