How to Use Donkeys for Protecting Goats
- 1). Contact a local breeder or livestock auction from which to acquire a donkey. Donkeys are widely available throughout the country. Female donkeys are best for guarding. Males, although less expensive than females, need to be gelded before they become guard donkeys. Nongelded donkeys may show aggression toward goats.
- 2). Introduce the donkey to your goat herd. Donkeys and goats interact well, so you should not experience any problems.
- 3). Encourage your donkey to bond with the goats by allowing the animals to mix for a week or so. Once they are happy with each other's company, the donkey naturally acts as the goats' guardian. Allow the donkey to bed down with the goats at night. If any predators such as foxes or wild dogs come near the goats, the donkey alerts them with a loud bray. This puts the goats into a state of alert and warns them of approaching danger. Donkeys are also known to attack small predators, even killing them if given the chance.
- 4). Buy one donkey per 200 goats. This is an acceptable ratio, according to the Texas Department of Agriculture. Donkeys also interact with other guard animals, such as dogs, if raised together.
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