Other animals have proven to be effective guardians of sheep and lambs.
LLamas
Llamas are naturally agressive towards coyotes and dogs. Their
responses to predators include becoming alert; alarm calling;
walking or running toward the predator; chasing; kicking or pawing
the predator; or positioning themselves between the sheep and
the predator. They have been known to herd the sheep together
into one area to keep the safe.
Llamas will usually bond with sheep in a few days. A single llama
usually works best. An intake male llama may injure ewes as the
smell of a ewe in heat is similar to a female llama in heat.
In Australia and Europe, Alpacas are used as flock guardians.
Donkeys
Donkeys are increasing in popularity as protectors of sheep and
goats in the United States. Donkeys have an inherent dislike for
dogs and other canids. They will bray, bare their teeth, run and
chase, and attempt to bite and kick the intruder.
Only a gelded jack or jenny (female) should be used as a livestock
guardian since intact males can be aggressive towards livestock.
A single donkey will usually bond easily with the sheep.
Guardian dogs effectively deter coyote and dog predation in
fenced pastures and on open range, whereas llamas and donkeys
are best suited to fenced pastures of less than 30 acres. Guardian
dogs are more effective in deterring bear and mountain lion predation,
whereas some donkeys and possibly llamas are afraid of bears and
mountain lions.
A flerd
Running sheep and cattle together has been shown to reduce predator
losses, but in order for mixed species grazing to be an effective
deterrent to predators, the sheep and cattle must "bond"
together. Young lambs can be bonded with cattle by penning them
in confinement close to the cattle.
When bonded lambs and cattle are turned out to pasture, the lambs
will follow the cattle. When they are threatened by a predator,
the lambs will run and huddle among the cattle. A mixed group
of cattle and sheep is called a "flerd."
