Llama Watch

Ahh, sunset on the farm, a breeze blowing through the grass, heifers grazing on clover, llamas drinking at the pond – wait!  Llamas?!?!  Yep llamas!

Predators can be a serious issue for our dry cows and yearling heifers who stay in some of the remote pastures and don’t get as much attention as our milking cows.  Neighborhood dogs like to see the cows run, coyotes want a meal and panthers stalk about for snacks, what’s a bovine to do?  Join up with a llama of course!

Roger and Lisa brought home our first llamas (Bandito and Cantessa) after we had issues with neighbor’s dogs chasing our dairy cows.  The dogs had fun, the cows did not, and some of them even ended up injured.  We had considered guard dogs but they required more training and input than we had time for.  At the recommendation of one of our friends we decided to try a pair of llamas. 

 

While they don’t want to be right with the cows at all times they are tolerant of their pasture mates and fiercely protective of their territory.  They despise predators and will chase, kick, bite and spit any intruders out of the pasture as soon as their alert ears and eyes spot them.  Needles to say, since Bandito and Cantessa came home, the neighborhood dogs avoid our pastures.

The heifers are forever curious about the llamas and impromptu games of follow the leader often ensue.

 

Bandito doesn’t mind so much, but Cantessa prefers to have her personal space!

  

While striking a strange profile in contrast to the petite heifers, our llamas have become an important part of the Brickhouse farm.  Their watchful eyes and alert ears protect our girls from harm, even when we can’t be near.