Protecting
those Lambs By Lisa Roskopf
Hi everyone! I hope that this lambing season has been good to all of you. Since it's that time of year with lots of lambs running around your pastures, I thought I'd share my experience on how we protect our lambs from natural predators. We live on the top of a mountain (hence the name, Hawks Mountain Ranch). It is adjacent to forest-zoned property and there are plenty of coyotes, bob cats and mountain lions in the area. Rumor has it, even a bear. Over the years we've lost dogs, cats and chickens to these predators. Before we purchased our Icelandic sheep we purchased 5 gelded Llamas (one for each pasture). We had been told they provided effective protection and that has certainly been our experience. We've had the animals for 3 years and have never lost a lamb or sheep from any of the 5 pastures the Llamas patrol. The Llamas will occasionally charge off to the woods and stare into the darkness. We know that if it weren't for their imposing presence and their alarm call, the coyotes would sneak through the fence for some tender lamb. The Llamas bond with the sheep and will actually try to herd them together away from where they perceive danger to come from. We feel they are effective protection and have nearly the same requirements as the sheep for shelter, feed, and vaccinations. I rely on my Llamas for a good night's sleep. Lisa Roskopf Hawks Mountain Ranch Gaston, OR
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