Scottish farmer hires Alpacas to protect his turkeys for Christmas
- 5 years ago
Craig Michie, 33, was inspired by the farming techniques of his Colombian wife's family when he decided to bring in the pair of South American animals.
He has even named them after Colombian football stars Carlos Valderrama and Rene Higuita, who were part of the country's celebrated team in the early 1990s.
The burly alpacas protect his turkeys from predators such as foxes, badgers and birds of prey.
Craig, who runs the Barra Bronzes farm near Oldmeldrum, Aberdeenshire, said: "The alpacas bring added security in warding off predators, allowing the turkeys to range further for a more varied diet.
"The birds are free to roam as animals such as foxes, badgers and birds of prey are put off by the presence and smell of the alpacas.
"My daughter calls them the 'pacas' and the whole family have become attached to them. They are here to stay. But the main benefit is to the turkeys."
The guards are already performing above and beyond their duties.
He has even named them after Colombian football stars Carlos Valderrama and Rene Higuita, who were part of the country's celebrated team in the early 1990s.
The burly alpacas protect his turkeys from predators such as foxes, badgers and birds of prey.
Craig, who runs the Barra Bronzes farm near Oldmeldrum, Aberdeenshire, said: "The alpacas bring added security in warding off predators, allowing the turkeys to range further for a more varied diet.
"The birds are free to roam as animals such as foxes, badgers and birds of prey are put off by the presence and smell of the alpacas.
"My daughter calls them the 'pacas' and the whole family have become attached to them. They are here to stay. But the main benefit is to the turkeys."
The guards are already performing above and beyond their duties.