Yet another question: does anyone know whether donkeys are of any use to deter feral hogs? We have recently had an invasion and they are tilling up our pastures, at least those that dogs can't access. Would donkeys defend their territory against hogs as they do coyotes?
Question about donkeys
I don't know about donkeys but I know that llamas will.
Hmm... can llamas be pastured with cows and horses? I don't know anything about them.
WOW! HOGS? Sheesh! I thought coyotees were bad. Those things can be mean. I know nothing about Donkeys. Sorry. Just nosey. Best wishes.
These hogs are rather timid around people and very smart - difficult to hunt or trap. In any event, I don't really want to kill them (just the fire ants) I only want them out of my pastures. And, NO, they don't eat fire ants either. I may seriously do some research on llamas. If they get along with cows and/or horses and don't require a lot of special care; they might be an option. I noticed the local SPCA has some for adoption... Any advice from the experts?
I do not know very much about llamas and horses. I do know that one blog I read has one llama and one horse together with no problems. I found these quotes online in various places after doing a search on "llamas with horses"
QUESTION: Hi there. Glad I found someone to ask this question to. How compatible are llamas and horses? I've heard that the horse may have to get used to the llama, but will I eventually be able to put them in the pasture together and does it matter if there are more horses than llamas or vice versa? Oh and one more thing, will a male llama try to breed a female horse? Thanks for the advice. Elaine
RE: Llamas and horses would be quite compatible together after an introduction period. It wouldn't be just the horse that had to get used to the llama - it'd be a two-way situation. However, most farms that I'm familiar with that have both animals do not keep them together just for the sake of safety for the llamas. The horse is so much stronger than the llamas, that even a playful kick could be quite dangerous to the llama. I doubt very much if you would see any breeding occur between the two species - llamas lay down to breed.
(in another place)
A llama is usually quite content to be in with horses as they do seem to need companionship but they are happier if there is another llama around. The horses however, may not be too impressed. Some horses get quite upset the first time they meet a llama so they should be introduced carefully. The horse will most likely decide he is boss and may, at some point, kick the llama which can be serious if if the llama gets kicked in the leg. We have had llamas in with horses and have had no problems.
This llama site mentions using llamas as cattle guardians:
http://home.att.net/~lostcreekllamas/guardianllamas.html
Wow, a lot of information there! Thanks, CMoxon.
From the little I know about llamas..I know that not all llamas are "guard" llamas..some are just more protective than others. I have a donkey who guards my sheep...she'll even chase my neighbors chihuahuas. She's not overly fond of my horses, but she won't bother them if they don't approach her. I'm not sure if she would chase a pig away..a pig is one animal I don't have..hehe
What a cool username! Eweknow! That is so cute. Welcome to the Poultry & Livestock forum! I don't think I've seen you here before... we are neighbors! Glad to see you here.
So if I were to adopt a llama from the nearby SPCA, I would have no idea whether I was getting a guard or another pet? Are there disposition guidelines that might give a hint to its attitude toward guarding?
Meanwhile, I watched a couple of my heifers chase dogs out of their pasture, perhaps if I rotate the heifers into the invaded pasture they will also chase pigs... Worth a try. There is no sign of hog damage in the heifer pasture.
Thank you for your kind welcome ZZ! When I was researching about llamas...it sounded like that the only way to tell if they had the tendency to guard a flock was to try it and see..I do like the idea of "attack cows", Porkpal..you'll have to keep us updated as to whether they'll chase pigs out.
A donkey would be your best option. Llamas will guard better when they are with animals smaller than themselves, i.e: goats, sheep.
Thanks, MINNEDOSA, do you know that donkeys will actually chase pigs? I've heard that deer tend to stay away when donkeys are present but I think pigs would have to be actively pursued.
So far there is no new pig damage in the pasture with the heifers but I have not seen the heifers go after the pigs yet.
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I've got donks, and I don't think they'll do much about the pigs unless they perceive them as a threat to themselves or their buddies. Oh, they might chase them a time or two, have a little fun pig bowling, but really attacking them like they do a dog or coyote... seems kinda unlikely to me.
Unless you can find a jenny that has a personal grudge against pigs...
I can see the want ad now: " Wanted female ass with an attitude..."
LMAO!!
Thanks for the laugh