[Jacob-list] Re: I'm all for true love, but this is ridiculous (Matt Smith)

[Linda]

Is Horace gelded?

On Sat, 8 Jan 2005 10:45:28 -0700, Matt Smith wrote:
>Hi All, I'm fairly new to the list. I've enjoyed  reading it for a while but
>you all know more than I so there's never been a  chance to add my two cents.
>I use a guard donkey ( Horace) He came with my  little flock (8)of Jacobs.
>He's a retired breeder and I had no idea he could be  or would be a guardian,
>he just took it on himself. I keep my ram (Higgins)with  my flock year round.
>Horace and Higgins have had their issues over time but  never have hurt each
>other. Last year all ewes bred/lambed with no problems and  Horace never
>interfeared in any of it. Since he's my only donkey (mini) I  believe he
>thinks he's a sheep (or Angora goat when I have him in with my  goats). The
>only interfearing I've seen is when he's "guarding" a ewe or  doe and their
>big lamb/kid wants to still be near Mom, Horace will sometimes  chase them
>away, I like to think he's helping in the weening process. There was  some
>chasing at breeding time but was always confined to the evenings when  Horace
>does his daily running and bucking. That's when he and Higgins  would have
>their issues. Horace wants to run around and Higgins is much too  snobby and
>proper to have such frivilous activity going on in his presence so  he'll try
>to put a stop to it. He'll try until Horace is tired of being  challenged and
>show Hig who out weights who, then it's over. Never any blood,  he'll nip but
>I truly think it's a hirearchy thing, not in attemps to  harm. Long story
>short, I very glad we took on Horace.  He's a great guard for my animals, he's
>chased away many stray dogs while "on  the job". Also he's a great guard for
>the farm, he'll scream anytime someone  parks or walks by on the road where
>it's not normal. Yes it's loud but we get  used to it as well as think it's
>cute. (hope the neighbors agree). When I hear  him scream, all I have to do is
>look at Horace and he'll be pointing in the  direction of the stranger and I
>know where to look.
>
>Hope this helps.
>
>Matt Smith Happy Valley Angoras. Utah county, Utah. zonata at utah-inter.net


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