[Jacob-list] Re: I'm all for true love, but this is ridiculous (Matt Smith)

[Matt Smith]

Hi All, I'm fairly new to the list. I've enjoyed reading it for a while but you all know more than I so there's never been a chance to add my two cents. I use a guard donkey ( Horace) He came with my little flock (8)of Jacobs. He's a retired breeder and I had no idea he could be or would be a guardian, he just took it on himself. I keep my ram (Higgins)with my flock year round. Horace and Higgins have had their issues over time but never have hurt each other. Last year all ewes bred/lambed with no problems and Horace never interfeared in any of it. Since he's my only donkey (mini) I believe he thinks he's a sheep (or Angora goat when I have him in with my goats). The only interfearing I've seen is when he's "guarding" a ewe or doe and their big lamb/kid wants to still be near Mom, Horace will sometimes chase them away, I like to think he's helping in the weening process. There was some chasing at breeding time but was always confined to the evenings when Horace does his daily running and bucking. That's when he and Higgins would have their issues. Horace wants to run around and Higgins is much too snobby and proper to have such frivilous activity going on in his presence so he'll try to put a stop to it. He'll try until Horace is tired of being challenged and show Hig who out weights who, then it's over. Never any blood, he'll nip but I truly think it's a hirearchy thing, not in attemps to harm.
Long story short, I very glad we took on Horace. He's a great guard for my animals, he's chased away many stray dogs while "on the job". Also he's a great guard for the farm, he'll scream anytime someone parks or walks by on the road where it's not normal. Yes it's loud but we get used to it as well as think it's cute. (hope the neighbors agree). When I hear him scream, all I have to do is look at Horace and he'll be pointing in the direction of the stranger and I know where to look.

Hope this helps.

Matt Smith
Happy Valley Angoras.
Utah county, Utah.
zonata at utah-inter.net
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