Why put donkeys on land

[251bravo]

My question is it beneficial to place jurrels on farm land?We have land fenced in...and i thought these animals would cut down in over growth and add fertilizer to land...Good idea or not?We have have had horses on this land but not donkeys,,,,any ideas?

[Summerthyme]

I'm really not sure what you're asking here. Help me out... what are your goals? "cutting down overgrowth" seems to be saying you've got a lot of brush growing up? If so, donkeys or horses aren't the ones to help you out with that.

Goats, however, are prime "brush eaters". However, they can be hell to keep in, even with fences which hold horses without a problem.

My suggestion would be to pick up a pair or more of Dexter cattle, if you can find them. We've been amazed at the brush those little cows will eat. (Scotch Highland cows will do the same, but they're pretty darned hairy- I doubt they'd tolerate your climate at all). If possible, no matter what species you choose (they'll all "add fertilizer"), clip and/or cut down the bigger brush first... then the goats or Dexters will nip off all the new, young growth, and eventually they'll probably kill off most of it.

A couple points- goats are VERY susceptible to parasites, especially down south. You simply MUST deworm them regularly. (there are other "systems" which purport to cut down on regular deworming, but they require almost daily inspection of each goat, observation of several physical signs, and then worming "as required". I suspect that few people, outside of some dedicated dairy goat folks, have the time or dedication required. And a goat with worms ends up as a DEAD goat, all too quickly). They also, as mentioned before, have major problems in staying inside fences. Some breeds are worse than others.

If this doesn't address your actual questions, ask again!

Summerthyme

[Josh G]

Where I live (East Tenn) many if not most of the cattle breeders and horse breeders put one or two donkeys or mules in with the herd to protect the calves; they have a greater protective instinct than cows and horses and are known to run off coyotes. I have one quarter horse mule in with 10 head of cattle and when there is a calf present, he really does do the job. He's also very good dispositioned, and a nice rider; sure footed and strong.

[Navajo]

llamas seem to be showing up more on land here.... Very protection agaist Coyotes and you sell the hair once a year also...

[1loner]

llamas seem to be showing up more on land here.... Very protection agaist Coyotes and you sell the hair once a year also...
That would fit the bill for many people. SHTF the hair from a lama makes some great cloth as well.

Question is how do they taste?

[Navajo]

I too have wonder about taste.... Maybe like a big goat would be OK

[Rhodie]

After 35 days of Rat packs (canned army chow)while patrolling in southern Angola, we traded an old man a large box of Tea, Coffee and Sugar for two goats. Made us a nice BBQ and we all ate good.

The Old man said he had the better deal as it had been ten years since he had coffee or tea. (Living in a Commie country does have it's rewards)

[251bravo]

Thank you all for the advice..i have several reasons for asking..one is the tax deduction for farm land..two..their is alot of overgrowth..and three..i could use the fertilizer...we did have horses on the land yrs.ago and i love animals so you have helped me...thanks TOL folks.

[PlumBob]

I've heard that llama tastes a lot like spotted owl. :-D

I too have wonder about taste.... Maybe like a big goat would be OK

[2dollarbill]

I've heard that llama tastes a lot like spotted owl. :-D


:shock: Oh My...


2DB

[firebird]

Donkeys are also good for killing snakes. They hate them and will stomp them into the ground. Not terribly good for brush clearing though, goats are way better. BTW, goats will kill snakes too.

[eeyore]

Here is a donkey in action in it's protection mode

[Summerthyme]

Umm... that's a MULE.

Summerthyme