Re: [Alpacasite] Fw: protection?

It's good that you're thinking ahead of protection before a tragedy
strikes.....

We also live very close to a state park and often see and hear coyotes in
our area. And dogs can be a threat no matter where you live. To address
these potential threats, we put up 5' no climb fencing with a strand of
electric running around the bottom. We also got an LGD, an Italian
Maremma Sheepdog. Unfortunately, despite these precautions a coyote was
able to kill our first cria as the Maremma was only a couple of months old
and our gates failed us. I've since been told that gates are the weak
link in any fencing endeavor, and it was certainly true in our case.
Anyway, we fixed the gating problem and the Maremma's now grown. In fact,
we soon added a second Maremma and are now breeding them. Last week we
added a third Maremma to our menagerie. (Although my husband disagrees, I
figure you can never have too many dogs around!) Anyway, no problems with
coyotes since that first one. We still hear them and see them a mile or
more away, but none on or near our property.

I know that others use guard llamas, but for various reasons we didn't go
that route. Primarily, because llamas would reduce the number of alpacas
I can keep on my limited acreage. Also, I'd need a llama or two per
pasture, where dogs can easily be given access to all pastures. Besides,
I like dogs. :) Obviously, then, we're partial to Maremmas. You can
find more information about them at www.all-animals.com/maremmas.
However, there are other breeds, such as the Great Pyrs that also make
excellent LGDs. Both Maremmas and Pyrs are natural protectors while still
being friendly to people.

If I can provide more information, please don't hesitate to ask.
Regards,
Cheryl Ross
Mount Ampato Alpacas
Trotwood, OH
www.alpacanation.com/mountampato.asp

------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Sponsor --------------------~-->
Get fast access to your favorite Yahoo! Groups. Make Yahoo! your home page
http://us.click.yahoo.com/dpRU5A/wUILAA/yQLSAA/jO1qlB/TM
--------------------------------------------------------------------~->

Opinions and postings on this list are the sole responsibility of the person posting the message. The accuracy and content of each message in no way reflect the opinions of the administrator or Yahoo.

List administrator - Rick Horn - All American Alpacas alpacas@alpacaweb.com
http://aaalpacas.com

TO CHANGE OPTIONS visit http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Alpacasite/join
Yahoo! Groups Links

<*> To visit your group on the web, go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Alpacasite/

<*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
Alpacasite-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com

<*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to:
http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/