We lost three goats yesterday; Twist and the twins. They were run down by three stray dogs. This makes me change by thoughts about Patty's death. We need to reevaluate some things. Those dogs will be shot. We are thinking of getting a donkey. Any other ideas?
Shot 'em. Donkey is the best thing I have read up on. And male unfixed is the best bet. They will chaase the predators down. Just make sure you have a female to keep him company, or he could end up killing your does ( long story, but be happy to tell it)
ReplyDeletegood luck, and I am so sorry.
get a llama. They work better their is an article about gaurd llamas in the latest tractor supply magazine, Out Here. If you don't get it, let me know and I will send you my copy.
ReplyDeletePhelan,
ReplyDeleteIf we see them again they will be shot at. Sad thing is one of them hung around here this winter, and was gentle and sweet, but he was part of the offending group yesterday.
We had been considering a donkey before, but this solidified it. We are going to look at some this AM
And I don't think I want to know about story I have some weird thoughts from what you said :)
MommyMommy,
I'd love to see a copy of that article. The biggest problem I see with llama's is the initial cost. They are expensive.
I'm sorry, Stephanie. That explains Tim's post yesterday. I wanted to ask, but I also didn't want to spin him up more than he already was.
ReplyDeleteOh, Stephanie, I am so sorry for your loss. How horrible!! Around here, people dump their extra puppies and those that survive join together and form into packs of killers. Sad for the dogs, sad for the livestock they kill, sad for the owners.
ReplyDeleteI hope you find a good Donkey soon!
Oh so sad. Stupid wild mutts... I hope the problem is cared for soon.
ReplyDeleteHow horrid. I'm so sorry to hear that. We don't farm so I have no ideas, just feel sorry for the goats, and the stray dogs are why I paid the extra money for the "Spay/Neuter" license plate.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry. Damn cur dogs. I've heard llama's are not only good work animals but excellent guard animals, same go for Donkeys I suppose,, but I'm partial to llamas of course!
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry. :(
ReplyDeleteThe llama farm we visited had donkeys in the pastures with the llamas to protect the llamas. I'd go with a donkey over a llama just based on that.
Wow, so sorry for your loss! Dogs, even neighbors' dogs, are one of our concerns for when we move to some land. The area we're focusing on has neighbors along one side in 3 and 5 acre lots, and none of them seem to have any grazing livestock...but they do have dogs. We want to have livestock but arent sure how to protect them from the dogs. Not sure how to approach that with neighbors, either...watching and learning from the folks here is becoming very valuable.
ReplyDeleteAgain, sorry for the heartbreaking loss :(
Robbyn,
ReplyDeleteIt has been quite the learning experience! More on what we are trying to do to come...
The dogs must be stopped. Even pet dogs in a pack will resort to killing. Good luck
ReplyDeleteThat is so sad.
ReplyDeleteBesides a donkey, you could also try fencing, and guard dogs.
More info on guard dogs here: http://www.homestead.org/SheriDixon/LivestockGuardDogs.htm