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Llamas, who are long-lived, can provide an effective, long-term and economical alternative to predator control in a variety of farm and ranch conditions.
- Effective - Guard llamas are highly successful in preventing predation in sheep and goat flocks. A survey of guard llama users indicates that over 50% of the guard llamas were 100% effective, and another 40% to 45% were highly effective in reducing losses of sheep to predators. Llamas are equally effective guarding milk, meat and wool producing goats.
- No Training - Llamas do not have to be trained or raised with sheep or goats to be effective guards. A llama should be introduced to a flock while in a small pasture or corral and remain in a small area until the llama and the sheep or goats bond with one another. A single llama per flock is more effective than two or more llamas. Gelded males and females are equally effective.
- Flock Size - Llamas are equally successful guarding a small farm flock or a large band of sheep. Many producers have successfully used llamas to guard flocks of 200 to 1000 animals in all types of terrain and pasture sizes.
- Llama Care - Llamas eat the same foods as sheep or goats. No special foods or supplements are necessary. Sheep and goat producers can usually use the same regimen of vaccinations, worming and hoof trimming (toenails for llamas) as they do for their flocks. Llamas have few medical problems and guard llama mortality is very low.
- Types of Predators - Guard llamas are particularly effective against coyotes and dogs. Studies conducted in the western United States, where most predator losses occur, show that 76% to 100% of sheep losses to predators were due to coyotes. Some predators such as cougars and bears may be too large for llamas to deter. Llamas have been known to alert owners of large predator attacks.
- Age of Llamas - Llamas of a variety of ages at the time of initial introduction have proven to be effective guards. Using llamas younger than 18 months is not recommended.
- Economical - Llamas live a long time, have low maintenance, require no training, eat the same food as sheep and goats, and generally have good health, all of which help to make llamas economical even for the small farm flock owner.
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