Livestock guardian question..

[Kittikity]

I live just outside the city limits so I don't have a huge predator problem.. The most likely problem would be stray dogs, maybe some racoons and possums.. But I'd like to get a livestock guardian just for the peace of mind, if anything.. But I don't know if I should get a dog or a donkey.. I don't have a lot of space so if I went with the donkey it would be a mini donkey.. This guardian would have to be around chickens, rabbits, and goats.. I understand that getting an animal as young as reasonably possible is the best idea, and if they were born around livestock is even better.. So I will definitely be adding that to my search criteria.. I also live in central Florida so something like a great pyrenees wouldn't do well here in our heat.. So which do you all think I should get? A mini donkey or a dog?

 

[purr]

I don't know alot but some people were saying a llama makes a good guardian

 

[Mahonri]

A dog is a man's (or a wo man's) best friend!

 

[Beekissed]

Anatolian shepherd! Not all the fur but with the same capabilities as the GP!

 

[redhen]

a donkey will protect livestock?....interesting!..never heard of it...aganist coy dogs?..or just smaller predators?...sorry to piggy back..i'm just interested in this..thanks, Wendy

 

[Florida chick]

Well a mini Donk, won't do you much good, they would take the donkey for dinner! I would go with a GP< but be prepared they like to roam, NEED space and are not quiet.

 

[Queen Scoot]

i say get a great pyr...awesome guards

 

[Wolf-Kim]

Don't go with a mini-donkey for a guardian. For your situation you want a dog!

Donkeys are protective, but most stray dogs that are a nuisance run in packs and a mini donkey would only be a big bloody mess. Donkeys need their size to be effective, because they kick and bite. A mini donkey will only put the donkey's face to face with the dogs(literally) and it would end poorly.

I say get a puppy!!

-Kim

 

[piecemaker]

I have seen our mini donkey run 2 coyotes out of pasture. We have a llama now he is good he ran the neighbors 3 labs off a few times, Why do city folks think it is ok to turn their d**** dog loose when they come to the country. Llamas would be hot in FL. I say spend some time around a donkey then decide

 

[dixygirl]

There is a video online of a mule (donkey x horse) stomping a mountain lion to death. He was being ridden on a trail. They kept being stalked by the mountain lion, so the donkey threw his master off his back and commenced to kill the predator. He was then remounted and they rode off unscathed. So a mini donkey is the ticket!