How to Use Llamas for Predator Control

Lately, shepherds and goatherds have gotten a new ally in their fight against wolves and predator dogs...the llama. It may seem a little crazy, but those who have tried them to protect their herds love having them around. Here's how to get llamas to work for you, too.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Llama, at least 2 years old and preferably male
• Llama breeder
• Corral for the llama next to the sheep corral

1. Find a llama breeder willing to sell his or her animals as guards for other species. Not all llamas are suitable for the job. You need one that doesn't particularly care for humans, since the llama's job will be protecting the flock, not following after you.
2. Narrow your search to llamas that are at least 2 years old. Llamas younger than this are generally not big enough to scare off a predator, and do not have the emotional maturity for the job.
3. Select a male llama and geld him. Although female llamas have been used with some success, the males are a bit more assertive in protecting their flocks. Gelding him will keep him from attempting to mate with female sheep in heat.
4. Plan on introducing the llama to the sheep or goats just before the babies are born. Llamas are protective of their flocks, but they will be especially interested in the welfare of the little ones.
5. Place the llama in a corral next to the sheep for a few days. The bonding process between the llama and the flock may take only a few hours, but almost always is completed within a week.
6. Release the llama from his separate corral and let him join his new flock. He will be ready to protect his flock by charging, kicking, placing himself between the predator and the flock, herding the sheep into a safe area or by issuing a warning call.

Tips & Warnings

• Llamas can eat the same forage that sheep and goats do, so there is no need to buy special food for them like you would have to do for a guard dog.
• Llamas have been known to guard their herds for almost 20 years.
• Llamas have also been used to protect cattle, exotic deer, emus and ostriches.
• Vaccinate or deworm your llama at the same time you vaccinate or deworm your livestock. They are susceptible to many of the same diseases.