Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
Sheep have been bred for thousands of years to be docile, a trait that makes
them easy victims. However, there are other species that become quite aggres-
sive when predators invade their territory, and shepherds have harnessed
this trait to defend their sheep for almost as long as they have been keeping
sheep.
During the early and mid-1900s, shepherds switched from using guardian
animals to using guns, poison, and traps. They adopted the philosophy that
any predator was a bad predator and that elimination of all predators was
their goal. Recently, the use of guardian animals as protectors of sheep has
garnered renewed interest. This results partially from desperation, as poisons
and traps are now outlawed in many states and many species of predators are
protected by such laws as the Endangered Species Act. But shepherds are
also becoming more interested in strategies that protect their sheep without
indiscriminately killing all predators.
Attacks usually occur at night or very early in the morning, when you're
normally asleep. A guardian animal is on duty 24 hours a day and is most alert
and protective during the hours of greatest danger.
Few guardian animals actually kill predators, but their presence and
behavior can reduce or prevent attacks. They may chase a trespassing dog or
coyote but should not chase it far. Chasing for a prolonged distance (or time)
is considered faulty behavior because the guardian should stay near the fl ock,
between the sheep and danger. The best guardians balance aggressiveness
with attentiveness to the sheep.
Whichever type of guardian you're considering, remember the following:
■
The guardian needs to bond with the sheep, and the bonding process
can take time.
■
Guardians should be introduced slowly, across a fence; it's usually easier
to make the introduction in a small area rather than in a large pasture.
■
One guardian is generally suffi cient on a farm; on open range at least
two are required. In large pastures or on open range, bigger animals
(such as donkeys and llamas) may be more effective than dogs — though
dogs can signifi cantly cut down on losses, even in large areas.
■
Each animal is an individual and will react differently in different situ-
ations. Some individuals don't make good guardians!
