Feeding the Donkeys

Oh my goodness, I think we’ve found a new favorite hobby. By now you know we’re obsessed with our new donkeys at the farm, but after bringing them some carrots and feeding them the other day, it’s taken our love to a whole new level.

They’re like these big, slow, gentle giants who are finally warming up and letting us get close enough to feed and rub them. They’re still a little hesitant, especially if we make sudden movements, but I’m betting by summer, they’ll be best friends with all of us.

We loved leaving the carrots in our hands and letting the donkeys take multiple bites out of them before devouring the whole thing. How they extend their upper lip while they eat had us all laughing so hard. They’re so damn cute!!!

Our oldest is pretty scared of them, so he kept his distance most of the time. I get it, because they are so much bigger in person, but I am hoping in a few months he’ll feel more comfortable and safe around them.

Did you know?

Donkeys make excellent protectors of livestock, which is the entire reason we brought them to Ocoee Farm since we’re having a big coyote problem. Countryfolks.com says that: “Donkeys offer several advantages as guardian animals. They're naturally aggressive to canines, territorial, require only four to six weeks' socialization, need similar shelter and food as stock, don't challenge fencing or dig, live long, don't cost much, and aren't usually a threat to humans.”

And Helpfulhorsehints.com similarly says that donkeys “Become so defensive that a lot of farmers and shepherds keep donkeys around specifically to deter coyotes, foxes, and even wolves. They can be an excellent protector for sheep, chickens, and other animals.”

I know we all feel safer with these big precious girls on our farm keeping our sheep and pigs and geese safe.