Who's On Guard

One of the most frequent questions about alpacas is "how to keep them safe?" Though alpacas can be very protective animals, they are susceptible to predators especially the cute cuddly cria. At Spinning Wheel Alpacas, 6' predator fencing surrounds the perimeter of the pasture which keeps wildlife out and keeps livestock in. Other ways to keep alpacas safe varies, and it depends on the individual farm. Some have donkeys to protect their herds; some lock their alpacas up every evening. Some farms use llamas on their farms to protect the alpaca herds and some use dogs.

Donkeys: There have been some farms that utilize donkeys as predator control and have a good success rate with this type of guardian animal. However, donkeys are not communal poopers and will do their business just about anywhere. Clean up may not be favorable to alpaca owners and may spread diseases and parasites readily. Donkeys can have a friendly personality, but make sure this is a proper fit before using the donkey to protect alpacas. Research and talk to donkey owners to find out if this is a fit for your own predator control.

Llamas: Many farmers utilize llamas for predator control. They are cousins of the alpaca so behaviours and communication will be very similar between the two different animals. Llamas are beasts of burden and can do a great job of protecting other livestock as well. Behaviours are very common between llamas and alpacas so they understand each others non verbal communication (i.e.: ear position, tail position, spitting, etc) which seems to be a good fit in the barn yard. This is a great match as long as the llama has the guarding potential. Some llamas do not have this guarding instinct. So make sure if a llama is in your near future, you ask the correct question.DOES IT GUARD?

Livestock Guardian Dogs: Other animals used to protect livestock are Livestock Guardian Dog (LGD) breeds. LGDs have been used for centuries to protect livestock from predators in Europe and Asia. The most well-known of these breeds in North American are the Great Pyrenees, Anatolian Shepherds, Akbash, Kuvaz and Maremma. They are generally aloof toward strangers and their size alone is rather intimidating. They are nocturnal and work all night if necessary. Though strong, independent-minded and protective, they are normally gentle with children and livestock alike. If you are interested in LGD's to protect your alpacas, PLEASE do your research! All dogs have different characteristics and traits and may not be suited to a certain livestock. Just remember, that if you are looking at LGD's make sure both parents are working dogs and have been with livestock. Ensure that these dogs have been gentle with the livestock. You do not want to put a predator into your pasture. LGD's are never to touch the livestock in an inappropriate way. When LGD's are puppies, make sure they bond with the livestock they are intending to protect. The urge to hold and cuddle these puppies is irresistible, but you do not want these dogs to bond with humans as they will not protect humans once they are older.

After doing much necessary research on LGD Spinning Wheel Alpaca farms decided that the Maremma would come to work on the farm. To learn more about the LGDs on the farm, click onto Livestock Guardian Dogs under Animals with Jobs