Need opinions on Llama's protecting minis

[Marnie]

My friend is worried about her minis being so close to the woods and alot of wooded land right there behind her buildings. She has a chance to get an 8 month old male llama tomarrow, she's thinking about getting it and gelding it and putting it in with her minis. The thing is that a couple yrs ago, she had two young geldings and it seemed to her that on occasion, if she missed having a mare in the barn for foaling, if the mare foaled outside, that the llama's seemed to be after the foal and the mare would have to keep them away. My question is, were the llama's looking at the foal as a preditor and would have killed it or were they just curious? We just don't know to much about llama's behavior so would appreciate any input? Thanks.

 

[Tony]

I have a gelding llama that saved the life of our tiniest stallion, Little America's Too Incredible, three years ago. They work extremely well against one or two dogs, but against a pack of six to eight, they have no chance, but neither do donkeys or mules at that point.

 

[tracyCCF]

I have also had some success with certain llamas. Had one for about 11 years, and he was a gelding, did a great job. I have also had some that were less than watchful. I now have three male alpacas with the horses, they hate dogs, and I feel would protect against coyotes, dogs, etc. if they are n ot kept too close to other alpacas. They can see each other across the fence, but dont run together.

 

[dannigirl]

My llamas are extremely curious about everything--including new baby horses. While they are right there and seem to want to be in the middle of all the action, they have never hurt any of my little ones. Sometimes, as the foal gets older and the mother a little less cautious, they will even babysit and watch them. Mine are ok with my dogs, but let a strange one come into the lot--OH MY--that dog had better skeedadle quick

: They don't bother my cats, ducks, chickens or even wild rabbits in the pasture, but bigger animals had better beware. Another advantage is that their curiosity has a tendency to look intimidating to people and it does keep strangers out of my pens, although they have never hurt any person.

 

[mmmorgans]

We have llamas as well. Llamas will naturally protect what they are bonded to - whether it be sheep, cattle, horses, llamas, alpacas, etc. The thing to remember is that if you want a llama to guard other animals - you need to only have one llama - otherwise they will bond with their own kind and not be as effective. A gelding is usually the best for guarding - but you need to give it time to mature - a young llama will not protect as it is a baby itself. With all of this said - some llamas are just better protectors than others - you are probably best to speak to a reputable llama breeder.

Our gelding llama is very curious about anything that comes in the yard. He is very intimidating to strangers - they just don't know that he is curious not mean!!!!! The 2 girls are not very good at protecting - although they will sound an alert if they see something in the distance - such as a coyote - so that is contribution to protecting the yard.

A friend of ours had a llama that was overly protective. He killed coyotes, stray cats, fox, and heaven help a dog - but he also was not safe around their small children. He once tried to climb up the side of the house to get into the house when one of the small children was crying.

Like dogs, horses or other animals - you need to find the right one to do the job you are asking of it.

Best of luck.

 

[Doobie]

I have never had to use a Llama for protection but they make great baby sitters !!!


We have a young male who plays with the young colts and it is wonderful to watch them play tag ... they run till one touches the other than turn around and trade places !!! its great !!! Then when tired out they lay down and sleep together !!

 

[virginia]

I had Llamas for several years and they do make great guard animals. They are strong and can probably kill a dog. A pack of dogs no, but will probably die trying. Once they got used to my dogs they were fine and the dogs could run under them. I'm not sure how they'd do in an actual fight with a big dog, but most dogs/coyotes and such when they see this strange looking animal with head down, screaming and unearthly warning , and running towards them and not away they turn tail and run. I saw two coyotes coming up my drive looking like they were out for a stroll, when my Herd Sire Hale Bopp let out this unearthly scream, (you have to hear it to understand). They CVoyotes didn't even seem to know that he was there till he yelled and charged. Man, they took off with their tails between their legs and I've never seen them since. I can just hear them telling their pals about this monster living at Ginnys and warning them off. LOL

Ginny StP