Hens and Roos
Herd Master
nothing like some good helpers!! 
FergusonK's journal - Goodbye Java Jewel.
- Thread starter Ferguson K
- Start date
Devonviolet
Herd Master
- Joined
- Nov 22, 2014
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- 3,402
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- Location
- East Texas - Near Sulphur Springs
Since I can't access BYH on my satellite internet connection, 
and have limited data on my phone, I tend to not spend much time doing a lot of reading. That being said, I just read your journal and an glad I took the time.
My heart breaks for you And all your losses. I'm so glad that our hubby is finally coming around to see the importance of having LGDs!
Being new to farm life and livestock, every day is an adventure. I am SO glad I learned about the importance of LGDs, to protect livestock early on in my research, before we even bought the land. DH wasn't so sure in the beginning, and for sure he didn't like spending the money for a pair of puppies. However, our puppies are a year old now, and he is really impressed at how well they work together - especially when we hear Coytotes sounding off in the distance. When we first moved here (pre-LGD), we found fresh coyote prints in the mud on a daily basis. Since we got our Maremmas, I don't see coyote prints any more.
When we first got them we didn't know their working personality. But, are happy to see that Violet is our patroller and Deo is our watcher. Interestingly, now that Violet is in heat & we have them separated, Deo seems to be doing a bit more patrolling.
I will be watching, with interest, how your search goes, and if you Will be able to find a good pair of nature working LGDs at the Texas rescue. DH isn't on board with getting any more LGDs. But, I am thinking that another one might be handy as we open up more of our woods and get more livestock.
Time will tell . . .
and have limited data on my phone, I tend to not spend much time doing a lot of reading. That being said, I just read your journal and an glad I took the time.My heart breaks for you And all your losses. I'm so glad that our hubby is finally coming around to see the importance of having LGDs!
Being new to farm life and livestock, every day is an adventure. I am SO glad I learned about the importance of LGDs, to protect livestock early on in my research, before we even bought the land. DH wasn't so sure in the beginning, and for sure he didn't like spending the money for a pair of puppies. However, our puppies are a year old now, and he is really impressed at how well they work together - especially when we hear Coytotes sounding off in the distance. When we first moved here (pre-LGD), we found fresh coyote prints in the mud on a daily basis. Since we got our Maremmas, I don't see coyote prints any more.
When we first got them we didn't know their working personality. But, are happy to see that Violet is our patroller and Deo is our watcher. Interestingly, now that Violet is in heat & we have them separated, Deo seems to be doing a bit more patrolling.
I will be watching, with interest, how your search goes, and if you Will be able to find a good pair of nature working LGDs at the Texas rescue. DH isn't on board with getting any more LGDs. But, I am thinking that another one might be handy as we open up more of our woods and get more livestock.
Time will tell . . .- Thread starter
- #63
Ferguson K
Herd Master
Last night would have been the perfect night to be on patrol as a LGD. Woke up to what sounded like a thousand coyotes. The goats were screaming, quail were crowing. The closeness of the pack made my hair rise instantly.
Out of bed leapt my husband. In his boxers in 50° weather. Out the front door he ran, shotgun in hand. Our dogs immediately took for the woodlines. Yipping, anxious coyotes ran. By the sounds of the size of the pack if John hadn't have called the dogs back we may not have dogs anymore.
Game warden says the pack behind my house is numbered in the DOUBLE digits. Like 30 or more strong adults. Their range is wide. Never had that many members of the pack this close to the house.
The hunt is on. Time is ticking. I may end up with puppies after all... I'd rather train puppies and have them ready for kidding season than worry about that pack of monsters getting IN the fence.
Hot wire just isn't going to be enough. They dug under it. The goats were almost a snack last night.
Yay.
Via, I'm glad you enjoyed reading and catching up. I never imagined a life without LGDs, but, I spent a few years in college and had no need.
Out of bed leapt my husband. In his boxers in 50° weather. Out the front door he ran, shotgun in hand. Our dogs immediately took for the woodlines. Yipping, anxious coyotes ran. By the sounds of the size of the pack if John hadn't have called the dogs back we may not have dogs anymore.
Game warden says the pack behind my house is numbered in the DOUBLE digits. Like 30 or more strong adults. Their range is wide. Never had that many members of the pack this close to the house.
The hunt is on. Time is ticking. I may end up with puppies after all... I'd rather train puppies and have them ready for kidding season than worry about that pack of monsters getting IN the fence.
Hot wire just isn't going to be enough. They dug under it. The goats were almost a snack last night.
Yay.
Via, I'm glad you enjoyed reading and catching up. I never imagined a life without LGDs, but, I spent a few years in college and had no need.
Hens and Roos
Herd Master
glad to hear that all turned out okay last night!!
Wow... close call! Glad it worked out OK.
Baymule
Herd Master
30??? 
It's a good thing John was able to intervene. That's waaaay too many coyotes! Sure don't want your goats or your dogs to be coyote midnight snacks!
It's a good thing John was able to intervene. That's waaaay too many coyotes! Sure don't want your goats or your dogs to be coyote midnight snacks!- Thread starter
- #67
Ferguson K
Herd Master
It is terrifying to walk outside after dark without the dogs and a light. With winter approaching and food becoming scarce they've started to move closer to humans again.
Not. Thrilled.
Not. Thrilled.
Maybe you should duct tape the flashlight to the barrel of a rifle or shotgun...
Devonviolet
Herd Master
- Joined
- Nov 22, 2014
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- East Texas - Near Sulphur Springs
WOW, 30 coyotes is really scary! I suspect that even experienced LGDs couldn't handle 30 at once or even that number split in 2 areas - the way they divide & conquer. It wouldn't be pretty, whatever the outcome!
Our dogs are out here barking their heads of at the back fence, right now. Earlier I heard coyotes howling. I seriously doubt that even if we have coyotes, they would never get close enough to attack, with the deep threatening bark of such big dogs.
Our dogs are out here barking their heads of at the back fence, right now. Earlier I heard coyotes howling. I seriously doubt that even if we have coyotes, they would never get close enough to attack, with the deep threatening bark of such big dogs.
Devonviolet
Herd Master
- Joined
- Nov 22, 2014
- Messages
- 3,402
- Reaction score
- 8,171
- Points
- 513
- Location
- East Texas - Near Sulphur Springs
We recently had underground electric run to all of our outbuildings (not cheap), and an LED security light in the middle of the chickens and goat yards. It makes it a lot easier to see what's going on our there when the dogs are barking a lot at night.
Before that it was pitch black out there. So, we bought a high powered spot light, that allows us to see beyond the animals into the woods. We've seen skunks, oppossums, and quite a few armadillos. But no coyotes, bobcat or wild pigs.
I laughed at Latestarter's comment about taping a flashlight to the shotgun. But, actually that's a great idea. You can get some fairly powerful, small flashlights these days.
