Guardian Animals

[dggoatlover]

Now that we are on larger acreagre and way more remote I am wanting to get a guiadian animals for the girls (goats). I sort of in two minds over a Maremma or a couple of Alpacas. Does anyone have any experiences with both that they could share?

[minnie]

Hi Desley,

We've got two alpacas (did have four) just pets really. They're wonderful gentle creatures, aren't very tactile at all but by all accounts are very good as guards. I do know we've never had any incidents with foxes and they are around, nor with dingoes and dogs...

Like goats they need their toenails trimmed and like horses some need their teeth filed, and like sheep they need shearing...

They will make a noise like a squeaking tyre if they see danger, which can be a goanna, snake, fox or with ours dogs. We don't have dogs so they warn about them. If you do have dogs they may need introducing, and then apparently accept yours but not others.

Vicki

[BJTJ]

HI
MY only experience with Maremo is not a good one - too possessive and too terrortorial, bites on a neighbours leg, arm and buttock were terrible. I am sure there are other good stories though but I would never be able to trust one after that incident.
BJ

[dggoatlover]

Well I've contacted an alpaca stud in our local area. The owner has given me a heap of information and names of other people locally she has sold animals to as guardians. She has been extremely approachable and helpful which is great! We have made an appointment to go out and see the animals she has available over the Anzac day weekend. They are also connected with another stud in Vic so if she doesn't have what we are looking for she can organise for some nice boys to be shipped up in a couple on months.

The hubby and I had a big discussion and have decided that with already having the three house dogs that another dog might just be too much. Especially if something were to happen and we had to move the goats on for some reason - the alpacas would be easier to rehome than a grown dog (hopefully that never ever happens!!!!!)

[dggoatlover]

Just thought I would share an update - not sure if I mentioned somewhere else - we ended up purchasing to wethers for herd guards. They are both doing very well. Darcy is a dark brown Huacaya and is quite aloof and stand offish with everyone but does his job. Rosetti is a white Suri and is just wonderful!!! He is very bonded with the goats and is loving having all the babies around at the moment. He has turned out to be a wonderful guard

[Heidi]

[minnie]

Hi Desley,

They are such wonderful creatures... our boys are watching little Fatima as well.

What a lovely shot.

Often wondered why the Cruises named their daughter after an alpaca.

Vicki

[Hayhay]

Beautiful shot! Thanks for the info too - we've been considering maremma or alpaca for that one-day-in-the-future when we have our own farm; I think aplaca's might get the job!