Coyote's getting too close

MarkLeininger · Mar 1, 2005

Re: Coyote\'s getting too close

OK, I'm going to buy one donkey per person on this thread who suggested it. And if at least one of those donkeys doesn't kick the stuffing out of these coyotes, I'm going to load the donkeys all in a horse trailer and deliver one to each of your doorsteps so you can figure out what to do with it.

I'm going to research this some more. We have all kinds of other critters as pets, no reason we shouldn't get a donkey.
thanks

BigAl · Mar 1, 2005

Re: Coyote\'s getting too close

Good luck and it will work . I would look around for a Donkey Rescue Site in your state . I bet there is one .You should be able to find them for free or very little "cost wise" . You don't need a big one .They eat more ! My nieghbor's donkey's are the small ones .
Big Al

Maxfli · Mar 1, 2005

Re: Coyote\'s getting too close

Mark,

Our old address was 39W349, 39 Miles west of State street in the Chicago. West of Elgin, in the country, but not very far. There were Coyote's everywhere. Several people lost pets. Now we moved and were 55 miles west, really out there and there seem to be fewer around. Move west!! I always thought I could fend off just about anything with my son's old paintball gun, High pressure Nitro tank, electronic speed loader, the thing would shoot 2 or 3 balls per second for quite a range. They would probably return on you though.

PBinWA · Mar 1, 2005

Re: Coyote\'s getting too close

There are dog breeds that can take care of Coyotes and those that can't. Your hunting dog may be able to stand up to coyotes (for some reason mine can) but in general it is not what they were bread to do. Dobies, and German Shepherds are a little small for the bigger Coyotes. You need a BIG dog - over 100 lbs is recommended.

If you want a good outdoor Coyote tough dog then consider one of these if you have kids:

Great Pyrenesse

Or one of these if you want a more aggressive Guard Dog.

Akbash Dog

In general, get a big male (or two) if you want to take an aggressive stance against the Coyotes the males will be more likely to go looking for trouble. A female will stay closer to home and be more protective. Of course, these are generalizations.

I think a pack of dogs is always fun to have around but then again I like dogs more than I like people and maybe even more than tractors. /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif

Unfortunately, finding the right dog can be a lot of work.

DaveNay · Mar 1, 2005

Re: Coyote\'s getting too close

( There are dog breeds that can take care of Coyotes and those that can't. Your hunting dog may be able to stand up to coyotes (for some reason mine can) but in general it is not what they were bread to do. Dobies, and German Shepherds are a little small for the bigger Coyotes. You need a BIG dog - over 100 lbs is recommended.)

If a dog is really what you are looking for, then a Kuvasz is a very good candidate for guarding your property and all of its residents.

Dave

bczoom · Mar 1, 2005

Re: Coyote\'s getting too close

Dave,

Nice looking dog! Their "buying" page doesn't work but do I assume correctly that these are pretty expensive?

As I mentioned in the other Coyote thread, I'm going to be looking for a dog soon.
I read through the web site and they post cautions with this breed and children on this page

Personally, I don't feel that coyotes are so rampant in my area as to qualify my selection of a dog as a being protector and defender first. I need a good family dog first but something that would stand and fight to protect my kids if the need arises.

Brian

DaveNay · Mar 1, 2005

Re: Coyote\'s getting too close

( Nice looking dog! Their "buying" page doesn't work but do I assume correctly that these are pretty expensive?)

Yes, they are easily in the thousand dollar range for a purebred, and much higher for show quality. They are one of the most beautiful dogs I have ever seen in person though. The warning about children is of course accurate, but I don't believe any more dangerous that the many more common large breeds of dog that are out there.

Dave

stevenf · Mar 1, 2005

Re: Coyote\'s getting too close

MarkL, Come pick up one of mine for a while I've got 2 donkeys, 3 mules, and a mammoth jack. Frankly the youngest mare mule is my best hunter where the other guys will wait a little longer until the wild dogs or coyotes get close before they go into action she'll put her head down and go on the hunt. She can see a dog or coyote from over 1/2 mile away coming thru the brush and by the time it crosses the fence line shes standing there ready to stomp a mud hole and kick it dry. The only problem is she doesn't care for any dogs much although she has learned to put up with our shop dogs and the ranch guard dog but it is a fragile relationship she has with them as they feel threatened by her being anywhere close and then they do the bark and growl thing which in turn turns on her OhYeah well if I catch ya I'm going to kill ya thing. We tried a Great Pyrenees and he was OK the only problem is you have to raise them with what they are supposed to protect and wouldn't go on the hunt unless the herd was threatened where the donkeys and mules just plain don't like dogs and anything that looks like a dog so they rid themselves of this by giving chase and if they catch them wave bye bye. Although I do find that I like to keep my shooting hand in good working order while I'm there if your not there its nice to know someone is minding the hen house. For your purposes a single full size donkey is the best bet as they are healthier and require no or very little maintenance and are hardier than a minature and far cheaper. Be careful with the adopt a burro bunch I'm not saying its bad just read the fine print, vet bills and the adoption agency having unlimited rights to come check on you and the animal anytime they want scared me off they require 2 vet checkups a year I think which just that cost alone pays for a donkey of your very own with no one to tell you what you can and can't do with it. If you do decide to get a donkey get one that is youngish maybe a year or so old and make good friends early as with any equine they can be a pain if they aren't able to be handled. Also be prepared to fence out anything that you'd prefer for it not to eat because your honey's petunias hanging from its lips will have her in attack mode. My neighbors around the ranch have all had government hunters on their ranches the last 2 years shooting, trapping and poisoning coyotes and we've not seen one set more than a couple of paws on the ranch without one of the asses knowing about it and running them off they haven't killed one that I've found for a couple of years as the coyotes have figured out where not to go play at. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
Steve

Freds · Mar 1, 2005

Re: Coyote\'s getting too close

If I had to choose between a Hungarian Kuvasz and a Grt Pyr, the Grt Pyr would win out without thinking. While their lifespan may not be as long, they are much more amiable. They seem to adapt more readily to changes, including what they are supposed to be guarding and are great with kids... when supervised like any dog should be.
I've boarded both and dealing with a HK is like dealing with a Chow or a cat for that matter. Very independent and hard to read. Nice dogs with a purpose, but "elusive".
I don't know if I could own a donkey or a goat for that matter. I like to interact with my animals. Just cause I have the room doesn't mean I want one. I may have to deal with coyotes in my area shortly, they're here, and if I have to finish fencing in the back field or put up an invisible fence... it will be a Grt Pyr that is my property guardian. Those dogs just aren't happy unless they are standing in a field looking around. I can't say enough good things about that breed.

stevenf · Mar 1, 2005

Re: Coyote\'s getting too close

Freds, I,m down in Texas and big dogs and heat don't go well together our Great Pyrenees only lasted about 7 years but he was a brute he weighed in about 180 and it was all mean when and he needed to be. Up where you guys are at I'd expect to get closer to 10 years out of them about 8 productive years because the first is spent training and the last is spent dying. I know that sounds ugly but I love dogs and when we lose one its like a family member passing we take our shop dogs everywhere mines 1/2 blue healer, 1/4 anatolian shepard and a 1/4 great pyrenees she is a beautiful dog but not much size only 70lbs or so my honey's is a full blooded rott and the ranch guard is a 1/2 doberman 1/2 german shepard. All this said you need to go visit some donkeys if you get them young they are self sufficient, gentle, fun to have around both of our little guys have a great sense of humor, their life expectancy is something like 30 years, they can graze on almost anything and derive sufficient nutrional value to need no grain or other store bought food, they cost about $100 to buy a young nothing special donkey preferably a jenny and last but not least they are already out in the field protecting your fence lines from erant dogs and coyotes and they are there full time where a dog stands a good chance in most families of being brought inside in inclement weather at least if not most of the time so the coyotes are free to come play until fido is let out to do his job if you can peel him or her away from the wood stove. Again I love dogs but that donkey has got to be sounding pretty good about now especially when the intial cost of the animal for a good line of pyrenees is around $500. + food, vet bills, and a very short life span compared to the donkey. Besides that way you can say Jackass and not get the look from your honey of course she can also say it looking straight at you as mine often does and then counters with Oh I was thinking about Melvin(he's the mammoth jack). /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
Steve

1962 · Mar 2, 2005

Re: Coyote\'s getting too close

a .223 round is great..but there is another way...how about a pit bull... pit bull's were breed to fight bull's in numbers(many pit bull's, one bull)...if ya raise them right, they won't hurt adults and kids, but perfect to control coyote's. pound for pound, the pit bull is tough.. and will destroy a coyote.(and probably have a good time doing it)... and ya won't be breaking any laws, for the pit bull killing the coyote's..... /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

penokee · Mar 2, 2005

Re: Coyote\'s getting too close

Not to start a "Dog War", I love all dogs, but the hard facts in this part of the counry are that Pit Bulls have done a lot of damage with children/youth. Our youngest daughter's father-in-law had a Pit Bull that he got as a pup and it was his baby - until the day it snapped it's chain and took down a young girl riding past their house on a bicycle. Luckily the girl lived - 29 stitches to her face and head. The dog had to be destroyed and the resultant lawsuit still isn't settled. The local police know where most of these type dogs are in the community, because of the record they have. They fiercly protect their family, but if a stranger walks in the yard like the Meter Reader, the dog will do what you want him to do with the coyotes. The local water meter reader wont even go down the block until local law enforcement call the owners and request they put their Pit Bull inside until the meter is read. Nothing personal meant, but mention this because of local experiences.
penokee /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

Highbeam · Mar 3, 2005

Re: Coyote\'s getting too close

Shar-peis, chows, pit bulls, or any other dog bred for fighting will NOT find its way into my family. The instincts are bred in to kill. Give me a working dog, a breed that has the bred in instincts for something else.

It is not worth the risk in my opinion. If you need an animal to take care of your animals then get a donkey or learn to shoot.

Cactus · Mar 3, 2005

Re: Coyote\'s getting too close

( Give me a working dog )

German Shepherds ???

Highbeam · Mar 3, 2005

Re: Coyote\'s getting too close

I would have to look into their heritage. A herding dog, from the working breeds, would seem to have the right blood. I grew up with collies and just had to put down my last dog, a Chesapeke(sp) Bay Retriever about a year ago. Very good dogs. The retriever was better than 100 lbs with a large head and big mouth. The working dogs seem very eager to please and capable.

The problem with the collies and the shepherd is the long hair. What a mess. The retriever, at least the chessie, put out a thick grease on their coat to repel water. Stinky dog.

Cactus · Mar 4, 2005

Re: Coyote\'s getting too close

Most German Shepherds do not have long hair. I have 5 on my farm...wonderful/smart/devoted dogs.Mine are more of the old East German bloodlines.

Highbeam · Mar 4, 2005

Re: Coyote\'s getting too close

Very handsome dogs. I ran dogs in 4H for six years when I was a kid and used to know all kinds of dog trivia. The germans had that slink to their rear end and I remember that the slink was different with a german german or maybe an eastern infuence. Almost like a sub-breed. I always thought they would shed that thick coat in the fall and spring.

Cactus · Mar 5, 2005

Re: Coyote\'s getting too close

I have 2 black/sables/ 1 black and tan/1 black and red and 1 all black. I also have a cur mix and a stray hound mix that we adopted...but the shepherds are a quite nice dog. You should see me walk them...I fire the truck up and head out the road 2 mile round trip about 25 mph and a herd of German Shepherds trying to keep up with me,what a sight. If you are outside working they are always in my face trying to get my attention,whether it is just a pat on the head and a hug or throwing sticks for them to chase . I have the one female that will help bring the chickens in the evening,she will scare them out of the pine trees or flush them out of the wood pile,she has a natural herding ability as well.I never had the time to work/train them..I have some $$$ in them but I just like them as my dogs.

tc18ny · Mar 6, 2005

Re: Coyote\'s getting too close

Coyotes are scavengers, they carry disease. It will take only one time to kill your of your animals and you will have wished you killed them first. If you can't do it, find someone that can. Around where I live, we have contests to see who can shoot the biggest Coyote. They hand out prizes and everything.

dmccarty · Mar 7, 2005

Re: Coyote\'s getting too close

Highbeam,

( they would shed that thick coat in the fall and spring.)

I did not realize this until after I got my German Shepard but I think there was a mistranslation of the word Shepard from German to English. I thnk the German's called them SHEDDERs not Shepards. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

My sheds year rounds. Hair all over the place. We dont and won't every have wall to wall carpet in our house because of the dog hair. The house we just built has finished concrete floors. Its much easier to find the dog hair and get it up. If I open the windows and/or turn on the ceiling fans the hair moves to the corners and its easy to get up. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

The good thing about the dogs hair is that dirt just falls off once it dries up. I use to worry with about the dog walking in water and such until I saw that once it dried the stuff just fell off...

Later,
Dan