To keep the AG exemption on our property going, we had to get livestock back on it.
The discussion about what we should get first started while we were still house-hunting. Cows, horses, goats, pigs, llamas…You name it. It was suggested…Zebras! The boys wanted Zebras and Peacocks.
That is when I realized: “Wait a minute. The boys go to school. Mike goes to work. That means I deal with whatever we get by myself!”
Two donkeys were roaming the field of one of the properties we toured.
Hmm…Donkeys? “What do we know about donkeys?”
Donkeys are not as big as horses. They are pretty sturdy animals. When trained, they are super sweet.
They are intelligent and have great memory.
As far as grass, they are not picky eaters.
The decision was made: “Until someone is around to help me regularly, we will go for the friendliest and easiest to take care of. Donkeys!”
We talked about getting some on Craiglist.
Our neighbor suggested the auction but said: “Be aware. You might end up with more animals than you went for.”
And then, there is the option of rescuing thru a specialized group, which is what I chose.
Sometime in early winter, I applied to adopt two donkeys with Peaceful Valley Donkey Rescue. We were approved and then waited for a pick-up date. That gave us time to tidy up the barn.
Finally, in early March, we were called to go pick up our donkeys. That day, the rental place only had the bigger livestock trailer. Maybe, it was a sign.
We headed out to meet the donkeys.
You see, there were 15 of them waiting to be adopted. We did get to see them online prior to going but we decided to wait and choose our 2 when we got to meet them.
When we got to the fostering shelter, Angela was waiting at the gate like she knew we were coming. As soon as we walked in, she kept her nose against my back and followed us around the field. Her son Blake tagged along. She chose us. It was sweet.
We petted quite a few of them but ultimately Rowdy and Grayson stood out of the bunch…Rowdy took a liking to my oldest son, Lee. He followed him around, leaning against him to be petted. The caretakers told us, they had never seen him act that way. He usually stayed aside and did not care to interact with people much.
There was a dilemma. Which two to pick? Angela and Blake or Grayson and Rowdy?
Well, Rowdy was glued to Lee. He was paired with Grayson as best buds and couldn’t be split. Angela was glued to me and Blake to Nico, so we took four donkeys home!
One of the reasons we decided to adopt thru the rescue, apart from helping, was that the donkeys are socialized, halter broke, and will stand for the farrier. Many donkeys are difficult to work with because they are left wild to protect their herd. (cattle, goats…)
Donkeys can be territorial and are really good protectors. They do not like coyotes.
Finding a farrier that would work on donkeys was a bit challenging but we found one and they like him. We get their hoofs trimmed every 10 to 12 weeks.
We deworm them every season. The rest of the time, they get spoiled with hay, sweet feed and treats.
We did not rename them. We tried but couldn’t agree so we just kept what they came with.
It has been 10 months now, and guess what? Rowdy is living up to his name!
Once shy, he now is the loudest of the bunch. He even kicks at the gate if we ignore him for too long. He will push the others to get brushed more. Oh and don’t leave snacks in your pockets…
Grayson loves anything red. We discovered that when we tried to put on their halter the first time. He refused all of them but gave me no trouble with the red.
Now we know, when we present the halters, Red is for Grayson, Black for Rowdy, Blue for Blake, and Burgundy for Angela.
They, of course, love apples, carrots, and bread but most of the time, they just graze in the field.
Last spring, I planted a bunch of herbs, and flowers said to be good for the chicken around their run and coop. Mike thought it would be a good idea to use the donkeys as organic lawnmowers. They mowed all right…grass, flowers, and plants…There was nothing left.
Recently, Rowdy and Grayson broke into the bee yard and manage to pull the hive’s roof off. I am not sure that they appreciated the surprise inside. Hopefully, it will be the only time. Anyway, I am planning on redoing and increasing the bee yard.
Right now, they like to play around, steal your tools and buckets, and play “come catch it”…Oh and Don’t leave the gate open!
They just recently started to brae. They come to the fence line by the house and if they catch a glimpse of us, they call. I guess it is a good thing. They know where the treats are and instead of running away, come beg at the door…both front and back. I would hate to have to chase them on the road. Around the house is enough. They are much faster than any of us.
Angela and I connect on a “hormonal” level. I noticed that at certain times of the month, she is more affectionate and attentive.
At other times, she doesn’t want to be bothered, which I understand and respect. After all, we are both surrounded by boys. I get the feeling.😉
Our crew is young, between 1.5 and 3.5 years old. This means they are getting close to a trainable age. Maybe we’ll try to ride them someday.
In the meantime, we love to spoil them and they know it.
Looking at them, chillin in the field has a very calming effect. It reminds us to take a minute to sit and breath.
Next, chickens!