Alternatives to livestock guardian dog

[ghislaincote]

Hello all,

Since we have more and more ducks, we are considering to get an animal that could become our livestock guardian.

Do you have experience with livestock guardians other than dogs ? If so, please share your experience.

Thanks !

 

[Duckfarmer1]

Well...I was told that alpaca could guard a yard well, but I know many farmers out west with LGD...and they about fell over when I suggested that option for my farm...I’m not ready for an LGD either....where are you located...what type of predators are you trying to prevent...what other animals do you have?

 

[chickenlittle21]

You can put a owl statue on top of a pole or you could get a outdoor barn cat

 

[chickenlittle21]

Brama roosters also provide protection

 

[BigBlueHen53]

My cats sleep all day. And the good hunter only guards one outbuilding from mice, voles, moles and shrews. The cross-eyed cat guards the basement from very slow spiders and the occasional cricket. I don't think my chickens benefit from their skills at all. But my Sheltie does a great job of keeping coyotes off the place, and we seldom have predatory losses thanks to her. A guardian dog doesn't have to be huge to be effective.

 

[Duckfarmer1]

We have a Bulldog that scared of a bear...but...we see coyote tracks all the time and he’s sound asleep in the basement.

 

[SueT]

Some people use donkeys for guardian animals. I had a donkey when I had guineas, and they got along very well. The guineas did not always stay in the donkey pasture, but I guess that could be arranged.
I don't know how they rate on protection compared to dogs, and some individuals may be better than others. Donkeys, like other animals, require training and care. (for example proper hoof care is crucial)

 

[ghislaincote]

....where are you located...what type of predators are you trying to prevent...what other animals do you have?

I am living in Le Bic (Quebec, Canada). Most predators are wolves, stoats, weasels, racoons. I let my ducks outside when they are 1 month old, so I usually don't have problems with flying predators. Don't have other animals for now except poultry.

 

[Duckfarmer1]

I am living in Le Bic (Quebec, Canada). Most predators are wolves, stoats, weasels, racoons. I let my ducks outside when they are 1 month old, so I usually don't have problems with flying predators. Don't have other animals for now except poultry.

What’s a stoat?

 

[Duckfarmer1]

well, this isn’t a dog...but it’s a trick that’s helped...an old farmer trick. Play music kind of loudly out at the barn/pen/coop. It makes the predator think there are people there. It has helped us...we have not had losses since the music.