We have had a lot of problems in the neighborhood with dogs killing lambs. Mine are put in a paddock at night by the house, but I am thinking of adding a donkey as a guardian. I read the earlier post about the jack. The donkey that I am looking at is a 2 year old jenny. She has been raised as a pet, I wonder if she could be used as a guardian inspite of not being raised with sheep?

Anything special I should be aware of buying a donkey? I didnt really know what to ask when I talked to them. They want $300 for her. They have the mom and dad and are expecting a new baby(donkey) any day.

Thank you, Tami in WI

-- Tami in WI (windridg@chorus.net), April 30, 2001

Answers

300 dollars, buys ALOT of ammo,, or quit a few traps

-- sam (sopal@net-port.com), May 01, 2001.

Donkeys are very much individuals, so there's no real way of knowing ahead of time if she would protect your lambs.Some donks love to tease baby animals, some bond with them immediately (especially if there are no other donks) and will fiercely protect them.

Of course the best choice is one specially socialized to be a guardian animal, but for that you'd most likely have to pay alot more than $300. You could try her out for a while on less vulnerable roomates to see how she reacts, and resell her if it doesnt, since she's probably a fine pet she'll probably no problem to sell.

You might also consider llamas? They've come way down in price lately, and make excellent guards. I've had both, and although I personally prefer the personalities of donkeys as pets, my llamas did a better job of serious protection.

-- Earthmama (earthmama48@yahoo.com), May 01, 2001.

I think you have the perfect sex and age to start with. My two, are not yet quite 2. The biggest advice I got from folks doing what I am doing, trying to introduce donkeys with goats, as to take it very slowly. I had my donkeys on the other side of the fence, with only nose contact with the goats for several months. During this time I got my donkeys used to contact, and also used to a halter. When I did introduce the donkeys and the goats, I was right there. Everything went fine, though the goats were afraid of the donkeys at first. I do have a half gate up so the goats can get out of the pasture/woods if they want to. Also because I grain my goats and not my donkeys, it is easier for me to have each kind of animals grain, hay and minerals in seperate areas. Like Earthmama said, you won't know if this is going to work for you until you try it, each donkey is indeed an individual. My Maria could eaisly have been put in with the goats from day one, Rosa on the other hand is much more aggressive, and I know if I were to grain the goats in with them, she would kick at the goats to get to the grain. Vicki

-- Vicki McGaugh TX (vickilonesomedoe@hotmail.com), May 01, 2001.

"Ethyl" the donkey takes care of about 30 goats and does a fine job. She was recently on the losing end of a battle with 2 Rotweilers after one of the kids, but she tried her best. We doctored her lacerations on her legs and face and she is healing ok now. If the problem had been a lone coyote or two, she would have come out on top and been able to save the kid. With the birth of any new kid, she stands right over them very protectively for a couple of hours which is quite a sight to see. Ethyl certainly earns her keep.

-- Carole in Tx (carle@earthlink.net), May 03, 2001.