[AlpacaTalk] RE: LGD
<<<<the only problem I've had was that one of them -- Maggie, I think --
killed about 5 of my 6 guineas. It's a long story and I'm not sure the
dogs were completely to blame.......
I actually think they were taking their cues from the alpacas who were
trying to stomp the hens, but can't be sure. I will say that my one
remaining guinea-Fred- will eat dog food out of their bowls as the dogs
lay there. The dogs got the chewing out of their lives when I found the
dead guineas, and Fred seems pretty safe out there now. I may try
another hen or two, but we'll just have to see what materializes. That
kind of change in the dynamics can confuse them and it amazes me that
they didn't kill the guineas sooner....actually, the guineas lasted all
summer and it wasn't until Septmenter that they 'bit the dust'. It also
amazes me that these dogs can be taught to leave your birds alone,
though there are some that can never be trusted with birds.....but just
watch how birds move and you'll understand how the prey drive can't help
but come through sometimes. Anyway, good luck with finding a nice more
mature dog.......I know they're out there!
Susan>>>
This is one of my concerns as I have chickens, ducks, and guineas in the
same pen with my alpacas. The guineas have been there since they were
tiny and are about a year old now; they have just gotten to the point
where they fly out of the pen, but come back at night. I have never
seen the alpacas pay one bit of attention to them, tho my very curious
personality plus gelding I have seen try to stomp the ducks on a few
occasions. He always liked chasing all the birds when he was younger.
Now I see Merry Morning chasing the guineas around (the chix and ducks
must be too boring as they don't run around much). SO I have wondered
how a lgd would do around them. I am constantly adding new critters, so
couldn't have a dog that was "confused" by such changes. For example I
am soon bringing in 3 call ducks, as a rescue, which are miniature
ducks. I am worried enough about the cats that wonder in and out and
all around the paca pens getting the little ducks, couldn't have a lgd
that might go after the little critters.
I may just have to stick with the hot wire for that reason, tho I really
taken with the idea of working livestock guard dogs. I have spent a
good deal of my adult life training and living with personal protection
dogs - imported german shepards (the "real" german shepard) and they are
awesome incredible impressive dogs. I trust them with my life and my
childrens', but not my livestock! I would love to fall in love with a
livestock guarding breed. I am already prepared to fall in love with a
working farm collie from all I have learned about them so far; but don't
know how they are as lgd - anyone here know?
Thanks Allison for the CGPR idea; I will check it out.
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posted by Chaddo at 8:34 AM
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