diff --git a/content/animals/alpacas.md b/content/animals/alpacas.md index 8c7db2f..87948a4 100644 --- a/content/animals/alpacas.md +++ b/content/animals/alpacas.md @@ -8,7 +8,13 @@ tags: # Alpacas -We have **3 alpacas**: **Onu**, **Sapphi**, and **Phil**. +We have **3 male alpacas**: + +| Name | Nickname | Age | Role | Description | +|------|----------|-----|------|-------------| +| **Onyx** | Onu | 10 yrs | Alpha & guardian of the herd | White fur, no "hat" of hair | +| **Flocon** | Floco | 4 yrs | Next in line — son of Onyx | White fur, with a "hat" of hair | +| **Sapphire** | Sapphi | — | Smallest of the herd | Black fur | > [!warning] Alpacas hide illness > They're prey animals — they mask symptoms until critical. **If something seems even slightly off, monitor it closely.** See [[emergency|Animal Emergency]]. @@ -96,10 +102,13 @@ The system is flexible. If you notice it, nurture it. ## Notes from the Herd -- **Onu** can be reactive at night — has been known to charge things he thinks are predators (e.g. blanket movement at the foot of the bed) and make a loud screech. Stops as soon as you say it's you. +- **Onyx (Onu)** is the alpha and guardian — can be reactive at night, has been known to charge things he thinks are predators (e.g. blanket movement at the foot of the bed) and make a loud screech. Stops as soon as you say it's you. +- **Flocon (Floco)** is Onyx's son and second in line. +- **Sapphire (Sapphi)** is the smallest — keep an eye on him in feeding/herd dynamics. - Deer in the area can make alpacas nervous → loud warning sounds. - A camera in the stables is planned for monitoring. - **Sapphi's leg wound** (~April 26, 2026): was bitten — clean 1-2× per day with vet's protocol for 7-10 days. Watch for flies on fresh wounds. +- The herd is patrolled and protected by our two [[guardian-dogs|Anatolian Shepherd LGDs]]. ## Stables Setup diff --git a/content/animals/chores.md b/content/animals/chores.md index 7a7a941..611811f 100644 --- a/content/animals/chores.md +++ b/content/animals/chores.md @@ -18,9 +18,11 @@ tags: |------|------|---------| | Morning | Open poultry coop | Chickens, ducks | | Morning | Quick health scan, count | All | +| Morning | Feed + check-in with [[guardian-dogs\|LGDs]] | Guardian dogs | | **11:00 AM** | Cleaning round + water + hay check | [[alpacas\|Alpacas]] | | Throughout day | Egg collection | Chickens | | Throughout day | Refresh water as needed | All | +| Evening | Feed [[guardian-dogs\|LGDs]] (2nd or 3rd meal) | Guardian dogs | | **8:00 PM** | Cleaning round + water + hay check | [[alpacas\|Alpacas]] | | Dusk | Close poultry coop | Chickens, ducks | diff --git a/content/animals/emergency.md b/content/animals/emergency.md index a2bf972..7e169fd 100644 --- a/content/animals/emergency.md +++ b/content/animals/emergency.md @@ -37,7 +37,7 @@ tags: ## When You Call the Vet Have ready: -- **Which animal** (Onu, Sapphi, etc. — see [[alpacas|alpaca page]]) +- **Which animal** (Onyx/Onu, Flocon/Floco, Sapphire/Sapphi, the horses, the LGDs — see the [[index|animal pages]]) - **Symptoms** (specific, when they started) - **Vital signs** if known (heart rate, temperature, gum color) - **What changed** (new feed, weather, predator activity) diff --git a/content/animals/guardian-dogs.md b/content/animals/guardian-dogs.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..8584c4b --- /dev/null +++ b/content/animals/guardian-dogs.md @@ -0,0 +1,130 @@ +--- +title: Livestock Guardian Dogs +description: Care and duties of our two Anatolian Shepherd LGDs +tags: + - animals + - dogs + - lgd + - guardian-dogs +--- + +# Livestock Guardian Dogs + +We have **two Anatolian Shepherd Livestock Guardian Dogs (LGDs)**. Their job is to **patrol and protect our livestock** — alpacas, horses, chickens, ducks. They live with the herd, not in the house. + +> [!important] Working dogs, gentle souls +> Their **primary role is guarding the herd** — that's the job we trust them to do. At the same time, they are **gentle and approachable**, and because we host a lot of guests and visitors, **social interaction with people is welcomed and encouraged**. Greet them, talk to them, let them be part of the day — that helps them stay confident around new faces. + +> [!danger] Absolutely no uninvited dogs on the property +> Our LGDs see this land as their territory and the livestock as their pack. **Outside dogs trigger their guarding instincts and can lead to a fight.** No uninvited dogs are allowed on the property under any circumstances. +> +> If a guest arrives with a dog: it must stay **leashed at all times** and remain near the chateau, away from the livestock area. Confirm with the team before any visiting dog comes onto the land — see [[../getting-started/house-rules#dogs|house rules on dogs]]. + +## Their Duties + +- **Patrol** the perimeter of the livestock area +- **Deter predators** — their presence and bark alone deters most threats; Anatolians can stand against wolves, coyotes, foxes, and large birds +- **Stay with the herd** — they are part of the pack to the alpacas and other animals +- **Alert** — barking at unfamiliar sounds, movement, or animals at night is normal and expected + +## Daily Care + +### Feeding + +- **2-3 meals per day** (not one large meal — reduces bloat / gastric torsion risk) +- High-quality dog food appropriate for large, active breeds +- **4-6 cups per day total** depending on weight and activity +- **No vigorous exercise immediately after meals** (bloat prevention) +- Fresh water always available + +### Daily check-in + +They live in the field but **thrive on regular human interaction**: + +- Visit them daily — call them in or go out to the field +- Quick health scan: eyes, gait, coat, demeanor +- Pet them, talk to them, reinforce the bond +- Welcome guests to greet them gently — confident socialization keeps them comfortable around visitors +- Note any unusual behavior in the group chat + +### Grooming + +- Anatolians need **minimal grooming** — no professional grooming required +- Brush occasionally to manage shedding (especially during seasonal coat changes) +- Check ears, paws, and teeth periodically + +## Training & Behavior + +### Adolescent stage (6-12 months) + +> [!warning] Watch for play behavior with livestock +> Between **6 months and 1 year**, LGDs go through a stage where they want to **play with livestock like they would another puppy**. At 75-100 lbs, this is dangerous for the alpacas and chickens. **Consistent correction is critical during this phase.** + +### Bonding + +- Bonding happens through **calm, consistent presence with the herd** from a young age +- Praise positive interactions with livestock +- Positive reinforcement works far better than punishment with this breed + +### Reading their alerts + +- A **bark in the night** is the dog doing its job — listen, but don't assume the worst +- A **change in pattern** (constant barking, unusual position, fixated stare) → check on the area +- LGDs that suddenly **leave their post** or won't engage with the herd → check them for injury or illness + +## Health Watching + +### ✅ Good signs + +- Engaged with the herd, alert +- Eating, drinking, normal energy +- Bright eyes, glossy coat +- Normal gait + +### ⚠️ Watch closely + +- Reduced appetite +- Lameness +- Excessive scratching, hot spots +- Reluctance to patrol or stay with herd + +### 🚨 Emergency — see [[emergency|Animal Emergency]] + +- **Bloat / gastric torsion** — distended abdomen, retching without producing, restlessness, drooling, collapse. **This is a life-threatening emergency. Call vet immediately.** +- Severe injury (predator confrontation, vehicle, etc.) +- Heatstroke (panting, weakness, very red gums) +- Sudden inability to walk +- Suspected poisoning + +## Bloat Prevention + +Large deep-chested breeds are prone to bloat. Prevention: + +- 2-3 smaller meals per day, not one large meal +- No vigorous activity 30-60 min before/after eating +- Elevated bowl is debated — current consensus leans toward floor-level feeding +- Consistent meal timing + +## Working With the Herd + +- LGDs treat the alpacas and other livestock as **their pack** +- Don't be alarmed if you see the dog lying close to or among the herd — that's the job +- Alpacas may be wary at first, then accept the dog as protector +- Chickens and ducks generally come to ignore the dog as part of the landscape + +## Periodic Care + +| Task | When | Notes | +|------|------|-------| +| Vaccinations | As recommended by vet | Natural-first; only when necessary — see [[natural-care|Natural Care]] | +| Tick / parasite check | Weekly during warm seasons | Visual + tactile check | +| Nail trim | As needed | Often self-wears in the field | +| Vet check-up | Annual | *TBD: vet contact* | +| Fecal exam | Every 3-4 months | Targeted parasite control | + +## Related + +- [[emergency|🚨 Animal Emergency]] +- [[natural-care|Natural & Preventative Care]] +- [[alpacas|Alpacas]] +- [[poultry|Chickens & Ducks]] diff --git a/content/animals/index.md b/content/animals/index.md index 01f36ba..32c329b 100644 --- a/content/animals/index.md +++ b/content/animals/index.md @@ -7,7 +7,7 @@ tags: # Animals -We share the land with **3 alpacas**, **2 horses**, **chickens**, and **ducks**. This section covers daily care, watching for issues, and what to do in an emergency. +We share the land with **3 alpacas**, **2 horses**, **chickens**, **ducks**, and **2 livestock guardian dogs**. This section covers daily care, watching for issues, and what to do in an emergency. > [!danger] Emergency? > Go straight to **[[emergency|Animal Emergency]]** for vet phone numbers and quick symptom-to-action guide. @@ -41,9 +41,10 @@ We tend toward **natural care first** — herbs, minerals, clean environment, pr ## Animals -- [[alpacas|Alpacas]] — Onu, Sapphi, and Phil +- [[alpacas|Alpacas]] — Onyx (Onu), Flocon (Floco), Sapphire (Sapphi) - [[horses|Horses]] — 2 horses - [[poultry|Chickens & Ducks]] +- [[guardian-dogs|Livestock Guardian Dogs]] — 2 Anatolian Shepherds ## Reference diff --git a/content/animals/poultry.md b/content/animals/poultry.md index 46ef705..6bd3d0a 100644 --- a/content/animals/poultry.md +++ b/content/animals/poultry.md @@ -55,6 +55,7 @@ Our flock includes chickens and **4 ducks**: Tango, and 3 others (names TBD — - Coop **closed every dusk**, opened in the morning. - Watch for tracks, dug holes, missing birds. - Big bee/wasp activity around stables/coop → check for nests. +- Our [[guardian-dogs|Anatolian Shepherd LGDs]] patrol the area and deter most predators. ## Natural Daily Health Boosters diff --git a/content/getting-started/house-rules.md b/content/getting-started/house-rules.md index 6bc326d..d06d852 100644 --- a/content/getting-started/house-rules.md +++ b/content/getting-started/house-rules.md @@ -43,6 +43,12 @@ This is a space that prioritizes wellbeing, balance, and sustainability. Our cor - Be vigilant with cosmetics, soaps, sunscreens, and bug sprays — natural products only ### Dogs + +> [!danger] No uninvited dogs on the property +> We have two [[../animals/guardian-dogs|Anatolian Shepherd LGDs]] working the land — outside dogs trigger their guarding instincts. **Confirm with the team before any visiting dog comes onto the property.** Visiting dogs that are approved must stay **leashed at all times** and remain near the chateau, away from the livestock area. + +For approved guest dogs: + - Indoors is a daytime dog-free space - At night, dogs can accompany you to your room but must have their own bed - No sofas or common sitting areas are shared with dogs diff --git a/content/index.md b/content/index.md index df73db8..b5cf889 100644 --- a/content/index.md +++ b/content/index.md @@ -24,6 +24,9 @@ User manuals and operating guides for heaters, machinery, kitchen appliances, an ### [[spaces|Spaces]] Information about buildings, rooms, and outdoor areas. +### [[animals/index|Animals]] +Daily care, chore schedule, and emergency procedures for alpacas, horses, chickens, and ducks. + --- > [!warning] In an Emergency