Should foxes be the topic of conversation at any local gathering,

you'll hear it said that Taggerty foxes are the largest, smartest, most ferocious and prolific of any in the state of Victoria.

An overstatement, admittedly … but certainly we do seem to have more than our fair share.

As a result, the losses suffered each year at kidding time were depressing …until the arrival of the llamas.

It soon became apparent these camelids did not like canines of any kind, foxes or dogs … and made no secret of the fact. Any unsuspecting dog which ventured into a llama paddock was instantly chased out.

And should (s)he be sufficiently imprudent to hesitate in departing, was promptly subjected to a series of ear piercing shrieks, a stream of odorous green bile, and if that failed - which was rare - jumped upon.

On the other hand, when we ran llamas and angoras together, they were perfectly contented companions. Often kids were seen playing under and ... when the llamas were kushed ... even on the llamas.

Some goat-breeders recommended stock guard-dogs as fox protection during kidding time, but having tried this once, we weren't especially impressed. Dogs needed daily feeding, some shelter … and occasionally, when bored, would chase the goats for entertainment.
 
Apart from which, having family dogs and a working dog at the Homestead, each of whom was loved and cherished … it went against the grain to assign one to an all-weather existence out in the paddock with the livestock.
 
Llamas, however, like goats, were livestock. They grazed and browsed as did the goats, were happy in their paddocks … and seemed just as protective … if not more so. In the US they were used frequently to protect sheep from coyote attack.

One of our llama geldings, Bubbles, was particularly protective of new-born crias … so trying him out as a guardian for Georgie's newly acquired angoras seemed worthwhile.

Two months prior to kidding, we put him in the paddock with the expectant mums … and he took control of his charges like a duck to water. Kidding came and went and to our absolute amazement and delight we did not lose one babe.

Bubbles was indeed a success and so became mentor to future trainee guardians.

Very soon he had two stalwart graduates in Jacko and Peri. With these, and the next pair of trainees, Phineas and Clancy, we achieved great flexibility in running the angora herd.
 

During mating or weaning, when the herd was fragmented, there were watchful eyes aplenty on duty … and at kidding time or when the goats were running in one of the larger hill paddocks, Bubbles had willing subordinates to assist in patrolling the extended boundaries.

Today, a more formalized training pattern is practiced. As each group of young llamas is weaned, they're placed in a paddock with an experienced guard llama and his goats. In the space of a few weeks they bond with their caprine charges … and by the time they reach maturity, any ill-advised fox or dog will be confronted by a formidable 200+ kilogram opponent.

Our llamas have proved themselves ideal guardians. No special feed or shelter requirements; no need to remove them from the herd prior to rotating paddocks; or when bringing goats in for drenching; crutching; wigging; foot trimming etc.

And at shearing time, the row of 'banana-eared minders' lined up outside the shed, awaiting the return of their charges, is a pleasure to behold. Their startled reaction to the angoras hairless state, however, can provide a riotous 'photo-opportunity'!

If you would like to know more … or need a guard llama for your stock … contact Georgie.
 
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