Herd Protecters

WhisperStables · 07-23-2008, 01:06 PM

Will a gelded jack protect a herd as well as a jenny? We realy don't want a jack/stallion. But we have a bad coyote problem. And this past week they even caused the death of one of our horses. We used to have a 12hh jenny and NEVER had any problems while we had her. But once we sold her the problem just keeps getting worse and worse. But I can't seem to find any jenny's in my area other than mini ones, which we don't want. so is there there any differance in the amount of protection with a jack/gelding/jenny? Which do you donky people prefer for your herd?

arabiancowgirl · 07-23-2008, 01:56 PM

I personally think jacks would get the job done, but jennys are just as good

I am not sure about a gelded jack

WhisperStables · 07-23-2008, 02:24 PM

The only problem with a Jack is I'd have to worry about him covering/breeding my mares. Too bad you can't train them not too.

WhisperStables · 07-23-2008, 07:24 PM

Well, still no luck finding a donkey. I've tried HT and equine.com and all the local and state newspapers. Any other ideas? I will be going to the auction in IA on 8-4-08 to look for one if I can't find one any other way. I'd much rather get one from a family so I have an idea of the persanality. But sense it's only job will be herd protection, I'm not picky.

Chevychic26 · 07-23-2008, 07:27 PM

I have several of each in my pastures. The gelded jacks tend to bond better with their 'herd' and seem to do a more thorough job of protecting. Next, I would have to pick a Jenny. Ungelded Jacks can be very agressive toward other animals. I put mine with gelding horses so no one gets hurt. The horses cant get run over like a little goat could.

WhisperStables · 07-23-2008, 10:25 PM

Too bad you do not live closer to me, I'd like to meet your big ear family

Mav2007 · 07-23-2008, 10:27 PM

I've heard that llamas are great at protecting sheep. Do they protect horses as well?

Bandit · 07-23-2008, 10:31 PM

My gelded jack seemed to be more interested in protecting his herd after being gelded than before. I don't know about a Jenny.

southernkissed · 07-24-2008, 07:21 AM

Our gelded jack hates coyotes and really gives them fits if they come in his pasture.

Chevychic26 · 07-24-2008, 07:39 AM

You are welcome to visit anytime! Good luck finding a donkey!

WhisperStables · 07-24-2008, 08:34 AM

So it sounds like a gelding is the way to go. And another question, what age range would be best? 1-4, 5-10, 10-15, 15+?

pvf · 07-24-2008, 09:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mav2007

I've heard that llamas are great at protecting sheep. Do they protect horses as well?

No.. If a horse doesn't get along with the Llama the llama gets pounded first. and they run from alot of things. or at least thats what our neighbors llamas do..

Chevychic26 · 07-24-2008, 01:06 PM

I honestly don't know how to answer the age question. I guess it depends on what you want from them. A younger donk will be easier to train for their feet, shots, etc., but may be a little less experienced in dealing with predators. An older donk may be more shy of people unless it was handled by the previous owner. Mine are all different ages and they all do a good job protecting. Donks are funny though, because once they love you, you are theirs for life. I have no doubt that if I was being attacked by something in my pasture, that one of my guys would save me. I would look for a standard size donkey because the minis may get hurt trying to save you or your herd!

WhisperStables · 07-24-2008, 01:45 PM

Most of the ones I see at auctions have their manes shaved off. When I get mine, should I keep it shaved? Is that the standard? I never shaved our other ones, but I want to make sure I'm doing everything right. What is the best way to introduce him to our herd of 8 so that he will bond and want to protect them?

Chevychic26 · 07-24-2008, 03:48 PM

They are really very easy to care for. I do not shave mine and their mane sticks straight up. It's kinda cute! If you can, I would get two. They work in pairs. When mine are 'threatened' by a racoon or rabbit(

) one will charge towards the horses to protect them and the other will put their head to the ground, flatten their ears, and charge the intruder. Many a raccoon and rabbit carcass have I picked up out of the pasture. Be careful if you have cats that are not wise to the 'way of the hoof'. I learned that the hard way, too.

I would introduce them like you do any other horse. When I get new horses, I try to give them a fence line that shares with the donkeys. Some horses are terrified at first of the donkeys and their bray. I had a donkey brake a leg and had to go to the University of Florida for 4 months. The vets said horses were returned to their owners more bombproof then ever thanks to the donkey braying! After a few days, your horses should be fine. I also have a pony size mule that patrols pastures and she seems to be a little less offensive to the new horses.

Jadelover · 07-24-2008, 06:55 PM

We have a 5 yr old gelded jack. He is absolutley the best at protecting our sheep, horses, cows. He is such a lover, and I agree with the other poster above, that I have no doubt, our donk would protect me if he had too. He is also an excellent watch dog. If anything is out of place at all, he brays and lets us know. He also kills snakes all the time.

WhisperStables · 07-24-2008, 09:13 PM

What about the chickens and ducks? Will they attck them too? If so, I'll have to put some mesh up so they don't wonder in there.

WhisperStables · 07-25-2008, 08:40 AM

These are the only ones I can find in my area at the moment. I asked for pictures on the first two yesterday morning, but have not heard back yet. The stallions I would be cutting of coarse. What ya think?

1
http://www.horsetradin.com/viewlisting.php?view=22389

2
http://www.horsetradin.com/viewlisting.php?view=22388

3
http://horsetopia.horse-for-sale.org...fieds/ad321763

4
http://horsetopia.horse-for-sale.org...fieds/ad146882

Chic · 07-25-2008, 01:10 PM

Well, the two jennies are cheaper but I'd have to wonder what size "medium to large" is...

I couldn't really find anything in the ads that were bad... although, the 10 year old jack might have some studly behavior even after gelding. Especially if he has been used for breeding up to this point.

McRaeArabians · 07-25-2008, 01:32 PM

I have been looking for a donkey as well for our coyote problem for a couple weeks now. I haven't had much luck.

View Poll Results: Which is the best herd protecter?
Jenny	8	22.22%
Jack	5	13.89%
Gelded Jack	12	33.33%
Any gender	11	30.56%
Voters: 36. You may not vote on this poll

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07-23-2008, 01:06 PM
WhisperStables Long Yearling Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Hanna City, IL Posts: 1,145	Herd Protecters Will a gelded jack protect a herd as well as a jenny? We realy don't want a jack/stallion. But we have a bad coyote problem. And this past week they even caused the death of one of our horses. We used to have a 12hh jenny and NEVER had any problems while we had her. But once we sold her the problem just keeps getting worse and worse. But I can't seem to find any jenny's in my area other than mini ones, which we don't want. so is there there any differance in the amount of protection with a jack/gelding/jenny? Which do you donky people prefer for your herd? __________________ I can not save every horse, just as a preacher can not save every soul. But just as the preacher keeps on preaching, So must I do all I can for as long as I can, as often as I can.

07-23-2008, 01:56 PM
arabiancowgirl Long Yearling Join Date: May 2008 Location: Anchorage, Alaska Posts: 1,117	I personally think jacks would get the job done, but jennys are just as good I am not sure about a gelded jack __________________ Liberalism: A haunting fear that someone, somewhere, can take care of themselves!

07-23-2008, 02:24 PM
WhisperStables Long Yearling Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Hanna City, IL Posts: 1,145	The only problem with a Jack is I'd have to worry about him covering/breeding my mares. Too bad you can't train them not too. __________________ I can not save every horse, just as a preacher can not save every soul. But just as the preacher keeps on preaching, So must I do all I can for as long as I can, as often as I can.

07-23-2008, 07:24 PM
WhisperStables Long Yearling Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Hanna City, IL Posts: 1,145	Well, still no luck finding a donkey. I've tried HT and equine.com and all the local and state newspapers. Any other ideas? I will be going to the auction in IA on 8-4-08 to look for one if I can't find one any other way. I'd much rather get one from a family so I have an idea of the persanality. But sense it's only job will be herd protection, I'm not picky. __________________ I can not save every horse, just as a preacher can not save every soul. But just as the preacher keeps on preaching, So must I do all I can for as long as I can, as often as I can.

07-23-2008, 07:27 PM
Chevychic26 Newborn Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: florida Posts: 48	I have several of each in my pastures. The gelded jacks tend to bond better with their 'herd' and seem to do a more thorough job of protecting. Next, I would have to pick a Jenny. Ungelded Jacks can be very agressive toward other animals. I put mine with gelding horses so no one gets hurt. The horses cant get run over like a little goat could.

07-23-2008, 10:25 PM
WhisperStables Long Yearling Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Hanna City, IL Posts: 1,145	Too bad you do not live closer to me, I'd like to meet your big ear family __________________ I can not save every horse, just as a preacher can not save every soul. But just as the preacher keeps on preaching, So must I do all I can for as long as I can, as often as I can.

07-23-2008, 10:27 PM
Mav2007 Long Yearling Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 1,434	slightly off topic, but.... I've heard that llamas are great at protecting sheep. Do they protect horses as well?

07-23-2008, 10:31 PM
Bandit Coming two Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Central Kentucky Posts: 1,787	My gelded jack seemed to be more interested in protecting his herd after being gelded than before. I don't know about a Jenny. __________________

07-24-2008, 07:21 AM
southernkissed Halter broke Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: diamond p longhorn ranch, texas Posts: 119	Our gelded jack hates coyotes and really gives them fits if they come in his pasture.

07-24-2008, 07:39 AM
Chevychic26 Newborn Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: florida Posts: 48	You are welcome to visit anytime! Good luck finding a donkey!

07-24-2008, 08:34 AM
WhisperStables Long Yearling Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Hanna City, IL Posts: 1,145	Another Q? So it sounds like a gelding is the way to go. And another question, what age range would be best? 1-4, 5-10, 10-15, 15+? __________________ I can not save every horse, just as a preacher can not save every soul. But just as the preacher keeps on preaching, So must I do all I can for as long as I can, as often as I can.

07-24-2008, 01:06 PM
Chevychic26 Newborn Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: florida Posts: 48	I honestly don't know how to answer the age question. I guess it depends on what you want from them. A younger donk will be easier to train for their feet, shots, etc., but may be a little less experienced in dealing with predators. An older donk may be more shy of people unless it was handled by the previous owner. Mine are all different ages and they all do a good job protecting. Donks are funny though, because once they love you, you are theirs for life. I have no doubt that if I was being attacked by something in my pasture, that one of my guys would save me. I would look for a standard size donkey because the minis may get hurt trying to save you or your herd!

07-24-2008, 01:45 PM
WhisperStables Long Yearling Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Hanna City, IL Posts: 1,145	Most of the ones I see at auctions have their manes shaved off. When I get mine, should I keep it shaved? Is that the standard? I never shaved our other ones, but I want to make sure I'm doing everything right. What is the best way to introduce him to our herd of 8 so that he will bond and want to protect them? __________________ I can not save every horse, just as a preacher can not save every soul. But just as the preacher keeps on preaching, So must I do all I can for as long as I can, as often as I can.

07-24-2008, 03:48 PM
Chevychic26 Newborn Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: florida Posts: 48	They are really very easy to care for. I do not shave mine and their mane sticks straight up. It's kinda cute! If you can, I would get two. They work in pairs. When mine are 'threatened' by a racoon or rabbit() one will charge towards the horses to protect them and the other will put their head to the ground, flatten their ears, and charge the intruder. Many a raccoon and rabbit carcass have I picked up out of the pasture. Be careful if you have cats that are not wise to the 'way of the hoof'. I learned that the hard way, too. I would introduce them like you do any other horse. When I get new horses, I try to give them a fence line that shares with the donkeys. Some horses are terrified at first of the donkeys and their bray. I had a donkey brake a leg and had to go to the University of Florida for 4 months. The vets said horses were returned to their owners more bombproof then ever thanks to the donkey braying! After a few days, your horses should be fine. I also have a pony size mule that patrols pastures and she seems to be a little less offensive to the new horses.

07-24-2008, 06:55 PM
Jadelover Weanling Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Central New York Posts: 231	We have a 5 yr old gelded jack. He is absolutley the best at protecting our sheep, horses, cows. He is such a lover, and I agree with the other poster above, that I have no doubt, our donk would protect me if he had too. He is also an excellent watch dog. If anything is out of place at all, he brays and lets us know. He also kills snakes all the time.

07-24-2008, 09:13 PM
WhisperStables Long Yearling Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Hanna City, IL Posts: 1,145	What about the chickens and ducks? Will they attck them too? If so, I'll have to put some mesh up so they don't wonder in there. __________________ I can not save every horse, just as a preacher can not save every soul. But just as the preacher keeps on preaching, So must I do all I can for as long as I can, as often as I can.

07-25-2008, 08:40 AM
WhisperStables Long Yearling Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Hanna City, IL Posts: 1,145	These are the only ones I can find in my area at the moment. I asked for pictures on the first two yesterday morning, but have not heard back yet. The stallions I would be cutting of coarse. What ya think? 1 http://www.horsetradin.com/viewlisting.php?view=22389 2 http://www.horsetradin.com/viewlisting.php?view=22388 3 http://horsetopia.horse-for-sale.org...fieds/ad321763 4 http://horsetopia.horse-for-sale.org...fieds/ad146882 __________________ I can not save every horse, just as a preacher can not save every soul. But just as the preacher keeps on preaching, So must I do all I can for as long as I can, as often as I can.

07-25-2008, 01:10 PM
Chic Long Yearling Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Michigan Posts: 1,207	Well, the two jennies are cheaper but I'd have to wonder what size "medium to large" is... I couldn't really find anything in the ads that were bad... although, the 10 year old jack might have some studly behavior even after gelding. Especially if he has been used for breeding up to this point. __________________ 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

07-25-2008, 01:32 PM
McRaeArabians Newborn Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Alberta Posts: 11	I have been looking for a donkey as well for our coyote problem for a couple weeks now. I haven't had much luck.