Friday, January 15, 2016

Donkey Defenders Re Post 2010




 Paco the horse and Eyeore the Donkey (note he is not purple) live next door to Val and Cookie. Robert called them over to the fence for me.
 Robert told me ranchers and farmers use Donkey's instead of dogs for Guard Donkey's. Who Knew? Not me! 
Click on link for info about how ranchers use donkeys as defenders Howling For Justice

 
The donkey stays close to Paco to keep the flies off both of them, you can see in the series they were rubbing against each other, and removing the flies. 2 tails are always better than one for swishing of pesty flies.

Jennies rather than the Jacks of the species are superior pasture guards because of maternal, protective characteristics, Gersbach said. Donkeys, or burros, gravitate toward bonding with whatever livestock happens to share their pasture, whether it is horses, cattle, sheep, or goats




However, too many donkeys in one meadow will encourage herd behavior and yield less effective protection. The most effective pasture guardians arrive at a young age and grow up among their animal neighbors.
 Donkeys have the advantage over working dogs in pasture settings because they eat the same food as other livestock, Gersbach said.



17 comments:

Coloring Outside the Lines said...

Interesting- our Jack thinks he is a horse- and the horses have adopted him as one of their own. Sometimes I feel sorry for him because he doesn't have a mate.

Kathy said...

They're known for keeping coyotes away. So are llamas.

Suburban Girl said...

Fascinating!

Gail said...

Wonderful guards but I do not like their sound.

Great pictures.

eileeninmd said...

I did not know the donkey can be guards. I have heard that llamas are used are guards. Cute photos, I love both the horse and donkey. Happy Friday, enjoy your weekend!

My Mind's Eye said...

WHAT A BEAUTIFUL DONKEY...AND HORSE. I FOR ONE THINK DONKEYS ARE UNDER APPRECIATED....
HUGS MADI AND MOM

Rose said...

I love horses. I can't help it...they are such beautiful creatures. I just realized...I have never petted a donkey. Never touched a single one.

DeniseinVA said...

Fascinating about the donkeys. Love your photos Sandra. I love donkeys even though when I was ten one bit me. My fault, I had no idea that you don't feed a donkey with grass with your fingers sticking up, rather than laying it in the palm of your hand. That way they nibble the food and not your fingers, hehehehe. A lesson I never forgot!

Debby@Just Breathe said...

They are so sweet looking.

Ruth Hiebert said...

These are great pictures. I have heard that donkeys are like a good guard dog or better.

TexWisGirl said...

yup, lots of ranchers use a couple of donkeys to guard their cattle herds here. and a few with llamas.

Ann said...

I had no idea ranchers used donkeys like that. How interesting. I also enjoyed seeing the pictures.

Unknown said...

Wow I learn something new every day.
I wonder if they can protect shoppers
in Mall parking lots.

Betty Manousos said...

using donkeys as guard animals? fascinating!
i'm equally fond of both animals. horses/donkeys.
great shots!

happy weekend~

photowannabe said...

Fascinating.
Terrific shots of the beautiful animals.

EG CameraGirl said...

AW! Wonderful photos, Sandra!

Anonymous said...

I'd read about that on another blog. I never knew donkeys were more than cute. :)