Donkey Guards Sheep For Texas Farmer

Donkey guards sheep for Texas farmer AG WORLD Ag World 13-1-20 Donkeys sometimes do a better job guarding sheep than dogs, according to Texas sheep farmer M.H. Boatler of Big Spring who says his 15-month-old jenny "Millie" does a great job taking care of his flock. Boatler says Millie looks after sheep like a shepherd. If anything threatens the animals, she gathers them up and herds them into the barn. If it's feeding time and all the sheep are in but one or two, she stands and brays until they come in or she goes out and brings them in. Millie is an off-white cream color and stands only about a foot taller than the sheep she watches. She was born on a sheep ranch and raised around sheep. Local extension agent Mike Bragg says many Texas farmers in the area have started using guard don-keys. Jennies, he says, quickly develop a motherly, guardian type of attachment to the sheep. He notes that it's best if donkeys grow up around sheep but not always necessary. And he adds that in most cases male donkeys don't take to shepherding.- Farmers who have switched from dogs to guard donkeys say donkeys make better shepherds because they require less upkeep and are less expensive initially. Dogs must be fed daily and a good one costs as much as $500 versus $100 to $150 for a donkey.

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