My First Donkeys any words of wisdom? UPdate 12/1

doxies13isenough · 11-25-2007, 03:34 PM

Went to an auction yesterday two brothers were selling all their horses, mules and donkeys.
Here are the two I bought
I have named them George and Weezy
I was told they are 2 years old. They have had very little human contact they have been in the field with his cattle their whole lives. The jenny is a lot more calm than the Jack. After we start petting and talking the the Jenny the Jack finally comes around and wants to be petted a little. They are still aren't very sure of us humans. Any words of wisdom would be greatly appreciated.

BarnBum · 11-25-2007, 06:18 PM

Aww, so sweet. My words of wisdom, time, patience and a soft voice. Sounds like the jenny will come around sooner, the Jack will eventually see thru his jenny friend, that hey, being a pet isn't that bad !!!

Berry · 11-25-2007, 07:18 PM

They will steal your heart. We had our donkey for a short few months before he passed away. He was very young and had not been handled much when we got him. He loved to have his ears rubbed and to be petted and groomed. He was just learning to lead well and was learning some manners when we lost him..to rabies. Please ensure you have them fully vaccinated.

doxies13isenough · 11-28-2007, 07:37 PM

Well we have had the donkeys for 5 days and no progress on getting them to calm down. The jack has now started kicking when we(me or my 19 yr old son) come toward him. I had a long talk with them today and tried to explain I want to be their friend. My son said if he didnt think I was crazy talking to two donkeys in an almost whisper it would have brought tears to his eyes. I am at my wits end. These fellows said they had been around humans and have been handled...yea right. I dont think they have ever seen a human. I know the 6mo old colt we got at the same place has never ever had any human contact. that is another thread .... coming soon.
Will these donkeys ever trust humans? I go in the stall with them every day when I feed and just talk to try to get close to them without spooking them or getting myself kicked.

Mule360 · 11-28-2007, 09:45 PM

They'll trust you. Keep on doing the same thing you're currently doing - but always stay safe. I wouldn't pressure them a great deal in the stall until they know you better. Just spending time with them like you've been doing will work wonders - especially if you bring their food and water every day

. If the jack is still, well a jack, instead of a gelded donkey, he's going to be more aggressive. Watch for him to kick or bite if he feels threatened or pressured further than he's ready to go. Every time you are around them, you're building the relationship and steps toward the friendship you want. It can be a discouraging to not immediately see progress, but think how great it'll be when you're greeted with braying when they see you.

Mule Fool · 11-28-2007, 11:15 PM

How big is the area they are in? If they are in a pretty small space the jack might be feeling pretty threatened since he can't really get away from you, so kicking is his only defense. Can you get them into a little bigger area? but not TOO big of course. if he has the option to get what he feels is a safe distance away then you can work on building his curiousity to come over and investigate on his own terms. Just a thought.

AlbertaGirl · 11-28-2007, 11:23 PM

Do you want them breeding? If not, I'd probably want to get the jack gelded. It won't fix everything, but will be a start.

They are slow to trust for sure, but I'd give them more time. You don't have 2 stalls, by any chance? If you 2 close ones, I'd probably want to seperate them. My donkey loves carrots, maybe a carrot will work as a friendship-bribe? Don't give up yet!

doxies13isenough · 11-29-2007, 05:10 AM

Thanks for the encouraging words. They are both in a stall together the stall is 10x12 or bigger. We only have the two stalls right now we are working on more. The other stall is being used the house the 6mo colt that is scared out of wits. I will buy carrots on my way home tonight. The Jack is still a Jack I thought I might have one baby then have him gelded. If he continues to be so aggressive I will probably have to rethink my plan. I guess it is hard to undo 2 years of no contact in 5 days right? I will keep everyone updated. And take more photos. Their home will be a acre and half area with lots of grass and a 10x20 stall with covered breeze way.
This first picture is where we are housing the donkeys see where the side of the barn is that is cut in half to make to stalls

This is a picture of their future home.

I would love to go ahead and move them the only thing is A. I can not get close enough to put a halter on them to even try to move them and B. if I did move them would they ever come to me or would they stay on the other side of the pasture when I came in to feed them.

**gbarmranch** · 11-29-2007, 05:14 AM

Nice barn and turn out area - they sure are adorable.. I will be following this thread as I still have hopes of a donkey some day, and know nothing about them...

doxies13isenough · 11-29-2007, 05:29 AM

Yea this is my first rodeo with donkeys.. Hope I get it right.

Chic · 11-29-2007, 07:05 AM

5 days is really early for a donkey to gain trust so don't give up hope. If it is one thing I have learned about donkeys is that they have to think it is their idea and for that to happen it must have a benefit.

I have a pony that was pretty much unhandled when I got him. I have been working with him for a couple months on trust. I have a big lightweight (neuroprene?) pan I put his grain in... then I stand in the doorway of the stall and hold the tub. If he wants his grain he has to come near me. I hold the tub while he eats. At first, I didn't make any moves toward him... then slowly started trying to pet him. Now he will let me pet him while he eats his grain. It's a slow process but I suspect this method would work with a donkey. Patience is the key... donks are very curious creatures. All you have to do is have the time and patience to stand there until his curiosity wins over his self preservation instinct.

With a stud donkey I'd watch out for the teeth... mine is a mini and loves to be scratched but still tries to take a nip now and then. (I have also round penned the pony but I don't think that will work very well for a donkey)

Best of luck and keep us updated!

Mule Fool · 11-29-2007, 08:44 AM

I only know donkey through how it shows up in a mule, but they are all about survival. they'd rather be safe than sorry and you will really have to prove you are a good thing for them. I think chic is right that you need to figure out a way that things can become their idea. if you can pet the jenny that's a big plus I think. If you go in there and pet her and give her some treats I would just ignore the jack. Don't even act like you know he's there. a little while of this I'm thinking he might start to form the idea to come and check this thing out. when he does that, though I would not move towards him or try to pet him at first. I would continue ignoring him. You want him to be feeling he can't hardly stand to not be in on the fun.
Personally I'd probably want to geld him since he would be more tractable, but you also want life to be pleasant for him while he's getting to know you so maybe that's not in the plan for awhile.

doxies13isenough · 11-29-2007, 09:16 AM

Thanks for the tips.. I am game. I will keep you updated. I am going to be by the store tonight for carrots. Is there anything else that I can feed them as a treat?

AlbertaGirl · 11-29-2007, 02:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by doxies13isenough

Thanks for the tips.. I am game. I will keep you updated. I am going to be by the store tonight for carrots. Is there anything else that I can feed them as a treat?

Grain, and apples for sure! My donkey has also eaten bread, and those Valentine's candy hearts (pastel colors, with words on them). I can't say I'd really reccomend giving them those, but my guy will try all kinds of things! It was actually when my farrier was trimming his hooves, and he wasn't being too co-operative, she had the idea, and it worked like a charm, he was too busy contemplating the unusual flavor to worry about what she was doing

. Anyhow, sort of off topic, but just be creative! I guess donkeys can become nippy when handfed, and while you're not at that point yet, something to keep in mind...

I really would get the jack gelded, it should make a big difference in his temperament. Also, the jenny may be bred already, and if not, I can't imagine donkey stud fees are very expensive (to have her bred somewhere else when she's a bit older).

doxies13isenough · 11-29-2007, 03:06 PM

I wondered if apples would be ok.. I know gelding my husbands horse really helped his attitude. I will have him taken care

of as soon as I can. I have no I idea if the Jenny is bred or not. She very well could be seeing how it was an open pasture. I could be getting a surprise.

doxies13isenough · 12-01-2007, 07:10 AM

Well we have had a break through yesterday. And of course it was the human that needed training not the Jacks.... I was moving too fast for them to trust. Our friend came down yesterday morning to held my daughter get hay out of the loft and he had them coming to him...So I get home yesterday afternoon and he comes up and He said I thought these donkeys would not come to you He got in the stall sat on a 5 gal bucket and held his hand out and I be they come over to him and he rubbed their noses. They even ate hay out of my hand. I was moving my body too fast. Dumb human

dixie · 12-01-2007, 07:18 AM

Not a dumb human - a trainable one. (Don't you know all equines train their human servants

) Now you know what you need to do to get to know them. First big step in your process. Good luck.

Mule Fool · 12-01-2007, 08:43 AM

That's great! Once they get you trained things should be fine.

doxies13isenough · 12-01-2007, 02:14 PM

Well we got the donkeys moved today they are soooo much happier. It was easier than I thought. It is probably a 200 yard walk from the barn to the turn out area with stable they will be living in. My son and husband got cowboy halters on them with just a little bit of trouble not nearly as bad as it could have been. then I gave my son a Carrot and the Jenny let him lead her right down to the other area. Now the jack on the other hand was not moving so we finally let me go and he ran right down to his girl and they made a lap around the fence and started grazing. They have not lifted their heads

They just look so much happier. It is going to be tougher now to get my hands on them but as long as they are happy I have the patients to make it work. OMG my son just came in and said hey we might be having babies before we wanted to the jack is trying to mount.... oh no

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11-25-2007, 03:34 PM
doxies13isenough Yearling Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Western KY Posts: 924	My First Donkeys any words of wisdom? UPdate 12/1 Went to an auction yesterday two brothers were selling all their horses, mules and donkeys. Here are the two I bought I have named them George and Weezy I was told they are 2 years old. They have had very little human contact they have been in the field with his cattle their whole lives. The jenny is a lot more calm than the Jack. After we start petting and talking the the Jenny the Jack finally comes around and wants to be petted a little. They are still aren't very sure of us humans. Any words of wisdom would be greatly appreciated. Last edited by doxies13isenough : 12-01-2007 at 07:06 AM. Reason: update

11-25-2007, 06:18 PM
BarnBum Greenbroke Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Sunshine State Posts: 3,525	Aww, so sweet. My words of wisdom, time, patience and a soft voice. Sounds like the jenny will come around sooner, the Jack will eventually see thru his jenny friend, that hey, being a pet isn't that bad !!!

11-25-2007, 07:18 PM
Berry Weanling Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Elora, Ontario Posts: 316	They will steal your heart. We had our donkey for a short few months before he passed away. He was very young and had not been handled much when we got him. He loved to have his ears rubbed and to be petted and groomed. He was just learning to lead well and was learning some manners when we lost him..to rabies. Please ensure you have them fully vaccinated. __________________ Show me your horse and I will tell you who you are. Old English Saying. www.muttnwood.com

11-28-2007, 07:37 PM
doxies13isenough Yearling Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Western KY Posts: 924	Update Well we have had the donkeys for 5 days and no progress on getting them to calm down. The jack has now started kicking when we(me or my 19 yr old son) come toward him. I had a long talk with them today and tried to explain I want to be their friend. My son said if he didnt think I was crazy talking to two donkeys in an almost whisper it would have brought tears to his eyes. I am at my wits end. These fellows said they had been around humans and have been handled...yea right. I dont think they have ever seen a human. I know the 6mo old colt we got at the same place has never ever had any human contact. that is another thread .... coming soon. Will these donkeys ever trust humans? I go in the stall with them every day when I feed and just talk to try to get close to them without spooking them or getting myself kicked.

11-28-2007, 09:45 PM
Mule360 Weanling Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Northeast Arkansas Posts: 200	They'll trust you. Keep on doing the same thing you're currently doing - but always stay safe. I wouldn't pressure them a great deal in the stall until they know you better. Just spending time with them like you've been doing will work wonders - especially if you bring their food and water every day . If the jack is still, well a jack, instead of a gelded donkey, he's going to be more aggressive. Watch for him to kick or bite if he feels threatened or pressured further than he's ready to go. Every time you are around them, you're building the relationship and steps toward the friendship you want. It can be a discouraging to not immediately see progress, but think how great it'll be when you're greeted with braying when they see you.

11-28-2007, 11:15 PM
Mule Fool Started Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Washington State Posts: 2,283	How big is the area they are in? If they are in a pretty small space the jack might be feeling pretty threatened since he can't really get away from you, so kicking is his only defense. Can you get them into a little bigger area? but not TOO big of course. if he has the option to get what he feels is a safe distance away then you can work on building his curiousity to come over and investigate on his own terms. Just a thought.

11-28-2007, 11:23 PM
AlbertaGirl Greenbroke Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Alberta Posts: 3,259	Do you want them breeding? If not, I'd probably want to get the jack gelded. It won't fix everything, but will be a start. They are slow to trust for sure, but I'd give them more time. You don't have 2 stalls, by any chance? If you 2 close ones, I'd probably want to seperate them. My donkey loves carrots, maybe a carrot will work as a friendship-bribe? Don't give up yet! __________________ Some people say horses don't have a sense of humor... they obviously haven't met mine yet ;o)

11-29-2007, 05:10 AM
doxies13isenough Yearling Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Western KY Posts: 924	Thanks for the encouraging words. They are both in a stall together the stall is 10x12 or bigger. We only have the two stalls right now we are working on more. The other stall is being used the house the 6mo colt that is scared out of wits. I will buy carrots on my way home tonight. The Jack is still a Jack I thought I might have one baby then have him gelded. If he continues to be so aggressive I will probably have to rethink my plan. I guess it is hard to undo 2 years of no contact in 5 days right? I will keep everyone updated. And take more photos. Their home will be a acre and half area with lots of grass and a 10x20 stall with covered breeze way. This first picture is where we are housing the donkeys see where the side of the barn is that is cut in half to make to stalls This is a picture of their future home. I would love to go ahead and move them the only thing is A. I can not get close enough to put a halter on them to even try to move them and B. if I did move them would they ever come to me or would they stay on the other side of the pasture when I came in to feed them.

11-29-2007, 05:14 AM
gbarmranch Administrator Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Tennessee Posts: 29,205	Nice barn and turn out area - they sure are adorable.. I will be following this thread as I still have hopes of a donkey some day, and know nothing about them... __________________ Quality FoundationQuarter Horses http://home.earthlink.net/~vpgann Minds are like parachutes – they only function when open – Thomas Dewar

11-29-2007, 05:29 AM
doxies13isenough Yearling Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Western KY Posts: 924	Yea this is my first rodeo with donkeys.. Hope I get it right.

11-29-2007, 07:05 AM
Chic Long Yearling Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Michigan Posts: 1,207	5 days is really early for a donkey to gain trust so don't give up hope. If it is one thing I have learned about donkeys is that they have to think it is their idea and for that to happen it must have a benefit. I have a pony that was pretty much unhandled when I got him. I have been working with him for a couple months on trust. I have a big lightweight (neuroprene?) pan I put his grain in... then I stand in the doorway of the stall and hold the tub. If he wants his grain he has to come near me. I hold the tub while he eats. At first, I didn't make any moves toward him... then slowly started trying to pet him. Now he will let me pet him while he eats his grain. It's a slow process but I suspect this method would work with a donkey. Patience is the key... donks are very curious creatures. All you have to do is have the time and patience to stand there until his curiosity wins over his self preservation instinct. With a stud donkey I'd watch out for the teeth... mine is a mini and loves to be scratched but still tries to take a nip now and then. (I have also round penned the pony but I don't think that will work very well for a donkey) Best of luck and keep us updated! __________________ Jewlery For Your HorseThe Kelley Square "I cannot do everything, but I can do something; and because I cannot do everything I will not refuse to do the something that I can do." Edward Hale

11-29-2007, 08:44 AM
Mule Fool Started Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Washington State Posts: 2,283	I only know donkey through how it shows up in a mule, but they are all about survival. they'd rather be safe than sorry and you will really have to prove you are a good thing for them. I think chic is right that you need to figure out a way that things can become their idea. if you can pet the jenny that's a big plus I think. If you go in there and pet her and give her some treats I would just ignore the jack. Don't even act like you know he's there. a little while of this I'm thinking he might start to form the idea to come and check this thing out. when he does that, though I would not move towards him or try to pet him at first. I would continue ignoring him. You want him to be feeling he can't hardly stand to not be in on the fun. Personally I'd probably want to geld him since he would be more tractable, but you also want life to be pleasant for him while he's getting to know you so maybe that's not in the plan for awhile.

11-29-2007, 09:16 AM
doxies13isenough Yearling Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Western KY Posts: 924	Thanks for the tips.. I am game. I will keep you updated. I am going to be by the store tonight for carrots. Is there anything else that I can feed them as a treat?

11-29-2007, 03:06 PM
doxies13isenough Yearling Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Western KY Posts: 924	I wondered if apples would be ok.. I know gelding my husbands horse really helped his attitude. I will have him taken care of as soon as I can. I have no I idea if the Jenny is bred or not. She very well could be seeing how it was an open pasture. I could be getting a surprise.

12-01-2007, 07:10 AM
doxies13isenough Yearling Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Western KY Posts: 924	Well we have had a break through yesterday. And of course it was the human that needed training not the Jacks.... I was moving too fast for them to trust. Our friend came down yesterday morning to held my daughter get hay out of the loft and he had them coming to him...So I get home yesterday afternoon and he comes up and He said I thought these donkeys would not come to you He got in the stall sat on a 5 gal bucket and held his hand out and I be they come over to him and he rubbed their noses. They even ate hay out of my hand. I was moving my body too fast. Dumb human

12-01-2007, 07:18 AM
dixie Long Yearling Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Southwest TN Posts: 1,447	Not a dumb human - a trainable one. (Don't you know all equines train their human servants) Now you know what you need to do to get to know them. First big step in your process. Good luck.

12-01-2007, 08:43 AM
Mule Fool Started Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Washington State Posts: 2,283	That's great! Once they get you trained things should be fine.

12-01-2007, 02:14 PM
doxies13isenough Yearling Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Western KY Posts: 924	Well we got the donkeys moved today they are soooo much happier. It was easier than I thought. It is probably a 200 yard walk from the barn to the turn out area with stable they will be living in. My son and husband got cowboy halters on them with just a little bit of trouble not nearly as bad as it could have been. then I gave my son a Carrot and the Jenny let him lead her right down to the other area. Now the jack on the other hand was not moving so we finally let me go and he ran right down to his girl and they made a lap around the fence and started grazing. They have not lifted their heads They just look so much happier. It is going to be tougher now to get my hands on them but as long as they are happy I have the patients to make it work. OMG my son just came in and said hey we might be having babies before we wanted to the jack is trying to mount.... oh no