Mini donkey ?

[Bunnylady]

Why do people use prey animals as guardians?

Because some prey animals are fiercely protective of their territory, and more than capable of defending it against some predators (just ask the person whose pet dog got killed by a single kick from a donkey!) They aren't useful in every situation, and some aren't useful at all (being just as much a danger to the animals you hope they'll protect). A lot of donkeys bray if they see anything unusual, thus acting more like an alarm system. Depending on the predator, LGD's can be overmatched, too; I firmly believe that a person's predator protection should primarily rely on fencing/housing that is highly predator resistant.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

I have 3 standard donkeys for predator protection. They are good at stomping intruders and predators. I would definitely get at least 2 donkeys as they form tight bonds. My chickens and ducks can go under fences. I used to have a mini, they probably aren't as good at protection as standards are in my opinion. Donkeys are longer lived than dogs, and are easier to care for than dogs.

 

[ShannonR]

I have 3 standard donkeys for predator protection. They are good at stomping intruders and predators. I would definitely get at least 2 donkeys as they form tight bonds. My chickens and ducks can go under fences. I used to have a mini, they probably aren't as good at protection as standards are in my opinion. Donkeys are longer lived than dogs, and are easier to care for than dogs.

Sounds like some very expensive predator control! So do you have someone come out to trim hooves, or do you do that yourself? I can't imagine how that would be easier ro care for than a dog

 

[Chirehe]

If you have the space and time for a dog I would highly suggest an LGD, my great pyrenees does a great job with my chickens, she mainly stays in their run (20’ x 40’) at night and watches over the coop during the day she’s usually on the other side of fence in my main yard because she hates being pent up with the ducks and chickens, she’s never intentionally hurt them but she will sometimes paw and try to play with them. One day I came home and she had actually started protecting a dead chicken from the others (not eating it or anything like that just laying with it making sure nobody messed with it) I’ve loved having her but I would make sure you had another dog for it to socialize with, she’s best buds with my beagle and she gets to play with him during the day.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Sounds like some very expensive predator control! So do you have someone come out to trim hooves, or do you do that yourself? I can't imagine how that would be easier ro care for than a dog

They eat grass all summer and hay we bale ourselves. We do all our own hoof care and vaccines. I've only had a vet out twice in 20 years to float the teeth in the older donkey. I definitely spend more money on my dogs care. I guess it all depends on you experience with equines and where you live.

 

[ShannonR]

They eat grass all summer and hay we bale ourselves. We do all our own hoof care and vaccines. I've only had a vet out twice in 20 years to float the teeth in the older donkey. I definitely spend more money on my dogs care. I guess it all depends on you experience with equines and where you live.

I could see where it would be cheaper if you happen to own ample pasture and your own haying equipment

 

[HennyPenny2019]

How big is the pen the donkey would have access too? Depending on the size the mini donkey would probably need to be walked more then just once, or let out into a bigger pen for a couple hours a day.
Mini donkeys do need another mini donkey for companion.
Here is a couple sites I found helpful when researching to get my own mini donkey, I always recommend researching an animal throughly before getting it, to make sure you can fit it’s needs.
https://www.bensonranch.com/articles/five-things-every-new-donkey-owner-should-know/
https://animals.mom.me/how-to-care-for-miniature-donkeys-12215126.html

This makes ME want mini donkeys now ... my husband is going to be mad at you ...

 

[DoeAndGander]

I’d recommend a standard donkey or a LGD for predator control definitely not a mini. How much space would the donkey have? How is your drainage for the area? I’m not sure how much you know about equines but if it’s wet at all in a tight space you’re going to have a mud pit (unless in desert) and would have to worry about hoof rot. So many things to consider!

 

[Quackers3211]

This makes ME want mini donkeys now ... my husband is going to be mad at you ...

Lol

 

[theVulture]

Donkeys and horses dont mess around. My friend used to have a dog. But he got kicked by a donkey and died. Donkeys can and often will kill coyotes and puma. They can be more expensive to care for but a standard donkey would do so much better at protecting. Also some people i know uses ostriches for protection . Get few chicks, let them grow among chickens and watch them kick the hell outta intruders