Getting Katahdin sheep is a big decision for anybody. Upon aquiring our first few ewes we got warnings from other shephards to beware of predators. So what does that mean? Rogue dog packs, howling coyotes, wild bobcats and bald eagles could reak havock on a flock. Beware of predators!
Ok, what do we do to protect our sheep from these dangers? Nothing is 100 percent effective, but a combination of stratedgies could help to protect our flock. First, if we have the facilities, we could keep the sheep locked up at night. Not an option on our farm. Secondly, net and high-tensile electric fencing woud be great to install for shephards with unlimited funds. Again, not an option. Third, our farm could employ a sheep herder. Sure. Again not an option! Not an option! Not an option! Henceforth, beware of predators.
Now what? What else can we do to protect our defenseless animals from predators? LLamas, donkeys and guardian dogs are options that some shephards use with their flock and repel predators. Bingo! Finally we choose a method of protection for our flock. On Rowdy Mountain Farm we choose to have dogs. Five llivestock guardian dogs to be exact. Anatolian/Pyreneese and Akbash/Pyreneese are our guardians of choice. To clarify, with these genetics we hope to get the affecectionate, trustworthy, fearless characteristics of the Great Pyrenees and the independent, watchful, protective temperament of the Akbash or the Anatolian Shephard. This combination seems to encompass right traits for our farm.
Best Decision
Livestock guardian dogs are an awesome investment. At least one of the dogs is alert at all times. They seem to take turns sleeping and watching our sheep. As humans, we trust the instincts that were bred into our dogs. On the other hand an aquaintence of ours got rid of her livestock guardian dog {LGD} because it was sleeping in her barn during the day, not doing it’s job. Unfortunately, when the dog was gone she started to lose sheep. Despite the appearance, that “sleeping” dog was apparently working. Too bad it’s owner didn’t trust its instincts as much as we trust our LGDS.
Our dogs are trustworthy. Beware of predators. For instance I see Boo intently watching a box turtle, making sure it won’t eat a lamb. Max must have had a hard night. As a result, he smells like skunk. Shira, on the other hand, stalks and kills armadillos. Laine climbs fences at night to run off the unsespecting coyotes. And Sully, the beginner LGD, has a bark that will wake up people in the next county. Our dogs are loyal but fierce, attentive and brave, speedy and above all, wise.
Beware Of Unexpected Predators
Just when we thought all of the predators were under control other unexpected marauders arrive. Yes! Thieves, invaders, crooks, bums, looters, maggots, robbers….RUSTLERS! “Don’t underestimate me. I know more than I say, think more than I speak, and notice more than you realize.” They arrive and we know they are here.
Despite all of the precautions that are in place we are now on the lookout for the two footed predators. Watch out for predators with trucks and trailers that just happen to be sitting by your barn at midnight. Beware of predators in parked vechicles. lights out, gate chains smashed in, LGDs making a racket.
Watching You
Since this has happened twice we brought in the reinforcements. In other words Rowdy Mountain Farm has backup for the guard dogs. Next to the sheep barn, you can find motion dector lights. Also, trail cameras are located throughout the property. Surveillance signs are posted to make the intruders think twice about entering our property. Our sherrif loves videos and photos of the suspects.
In the end, those of you casing out the farm should watch your step, keep your distance, take heed and steer clear of Rowdy Mountain Farm. As mom would say back in the olden days, “mind your p’s and q’s.” It’s not worth your time and effort. It’s not worth the risk.
BEWARE OF PREDATORS!
