Predation accounts for a significant portion of sheep and lamb losses. The severity of the problem varies by farm and geographic region. For some producers, predator losses can be so overwhelming that they decide to liquidate their flocks. Other producers may never experience a loss due to predators. Regardless of the perceived predator threat, all sheep producers and owners of sheep should implement steps to prevent predation.
There are various strategies for dealing with predators. Similar to internal parasite (worm) control, no one strategy will ensure success. Usually, it is a combination of practices which provides successful predator control.
Non-lethal predator control: These methods of predator control do not harm the predator and are favored by environmentalists, animal welfare advocates, and many producers.
Fencing
In most situations, predator control begins with a good fence. A fence is the first line of defense against intruders. However, predators can penetrate a fence by digging under, jumping between the wires, crawling through holes in the mesh, or jumping over the top of the fence.
Woven wire (or net) fences in good repair will deter many predators from entering pastures, especially if vertical stays are no more than 6 in. apart and horizontal wires spaced 2 to 4 inches apart in the bottom portion of the fence. Although more expensive to install than high tensile electric fences, woven wire fences have many advantages and should be considered for perimeter or boundary fences.
High-tensile, electric fencing is another option for predator-proof fencing. Perimeter fences should consist of at least five strands of high-tensile smooth wire. Increasing the number of wires will improve the effectiveness of the fence as a deterrent to predators.
To be effective, the wires need to be properly spaced. The bottom wires need to be closer than the top wires. Where there is adequate soil moisture, all of the wires should be electrified. Otherwise, the fence should have a mixture of both live and ground wires. Four to eight inches is a good height for keeping sheep in and predators out.
Absolute predator-proof fencing, although possible, is very cost prohibitive. One example of such a fence is 13 strands of alternating electric and ground wires, supported by line posts every 22 feet, with support stays every 11 ft.
Fence lines need to be kept clean from vegetation. Weeds and grass that touch the fence will reduce voltage and lessen the effectiveness of the fence. Fencelines can be kept clean with herbicides or hand-held weed cutters.
Management
Predators attack mostly at night. Penning sheep at night in lots near buildings and near humans will deter many predators. If the yard is well-lit, the risk is further reduced.
Proper disposal of dead stock will prevent scavenging, which will help to keep predators away. A dead carcass, left out, can introduce predators like Coyotes to sheep predation.
Shed lambing instead of pasture lambing helps protect vulnerable lambs. Newborn lambs are prime prey for predators. Pastures that have a history for high predation should not be used for lambing. Pastures that have rolling terrain and contain creek beds or brush provide ideal cover for predators. Shifting the lambing season to an earlier or later time may limit predation.
Lethal predator control: Lethal methods of predator control result in the death of the predator and are necessary when non-lethal methods fail to control predation.
Trapping
Trapping is one of the most effective methods for controlling troublesome predators. Trapping is an effective way to remove coyotes. Leghold or snare traps can be used to kill troublesome predators. Snares are more selective. Unfortunately, trapping will also routinely injure or kill non-target species.
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