Re: [RC] bad dogs & goat protection--Donkeys are fine - Karla Watson
It is true that you can't throw a donkey in with
goats. I should of elaborated but I kept it short. (sorry) I place donkeys with
people who want them for protection but its usually a donkey that has been
raised with goats or the animal they are protecting. Dogs are wonderful at
protecting, yes, but many farmers don't want to daily feed/check on the dog
especially when the herds are in more remote areas. Farmers are using donkeys
and raising them with livestock so that when they send them to more remote
pasture areas, the donkey will eat/drink/sleep with the herd. Most of the
donkeys that kill goats, smaller animals and even horses are jacks (unneutered
males) who do get extremely hormonal and territorial. (I wish everyone would
geld their donkeys but they don't.) Usually the farmers use female donkeys since
they are very protective but are not prone to attack other animals. The geldings
are very good but aren't as "serious" about protection like the mares and tend
to play with the goats, etc. There are MANY exceptions and variables with that
statement. Again, I should of gotten very specific.....I forget that ridecamp
needs to have things spelled out or there is a debate....;-) Google search
"guard donkeys" and you will get some very useful information and read the
correct process, which is very easy. Donkeys are often getting a bad wrap and
they don't deserve it. They are very loving, very hardy and extremely smart
pets.
