Donkey Question

[SKF]

We are thinking of trying to buy a donkey that is a sale today that has been used for breaking calves. Any advice or tips about donkeys? Plus if you use them for breaking how long do you leave the calf on the donkey?

 

[Torch]

Ask Zach, he has a million and one of them!

 

[Jill]

There is no magic for donkeys, they are born with the instinct to work, just make sure they aren't really mean.  All calves are different some break right down and others it can take up to a week or two.

 

[ROAD WARRIOR]

I use a donkey all the time - a good one will get the job done in about 12 hours. RW

 

[SKF]

I use a donkey all the time - a good one will get the job done in about 12 hours. RW

Do you just put the breaking color on the Donkey and then tie the calf to it? How long do you leave the calf tied ot the Donkey? We've never owned a Donkey before and really don't know to much.

 

[ROAD WARRIOR]

I actualy use an old set of nylon bull hobbles around the donkeys neck. I made a short rope with 2 heavy bull snaps with swivels on both ends - total length snaps and all of about 18 inches. I use the nylon calf halters that have a chain under the chin. Most of the time within 12 to 18 hours I can unhook the calf from the donkey and lead it to the barn and tie it up, but I cull pretty hard on disposition too. I also like to use a fairly small pen - 60' x 80' with no obstructions for the calf or donkey to get tangles up in. The calmer the donkey is the faster he will get the calf broke. I won't tollerate a donkey that kicks or bites the calf, I went through about 20 to get the one good one. Good luck! RW

 

[justintime]

I use a cinch from a saddle that will fit around the donkey's neck. I tie the calf to the two rings on each endof the cinch, and tie it at approx 1 foot in length, so that the calf is always beside the donkey. I also agree that the quieter, and gentler the donkey the better it is at halter breaking. We have three, and the best one is the timidest one of them.

Last year, I had a bred heifer that I tried to tie up for the first time in the barn. She was jumping, flipping herself and smashing her head so much that she had blood coming out her nose. I was afraid she was really going to do some major damage to herself, and I had to leave for a few hours, so I did not think I should leave her tied in the barn. I tied her to Elizabeth and turned them into a small pen. I cam back three hours later and they were standing in the same place I had left them. I untied the heifer and led her back into the barn and she never even pulled on the halter. I am not sure what magic Elizabeth put on the heifer but she was halter broke from that point on.

Elizabeth is a sweet heart but I still think she looks more like Charles. She is pictured on our website.

 

[savaged]

I could use that donkey to tie my teen-age girls to 

 

[ROAD WARRIOR]

I actually named this donkey after an ex boy friend. He was the biggest jack ass I had ever met. Fortunatly, he didn't stick around nearly as long as the donkey!RW

 

[SKF]

I could use that donkey to tie my teen-age girls to 

Thats a great idea!! I have a teenager that I could use the donkey on. I wonder if the donkey can get rid of that teenage girl attitude!!!

 

[SKF]

I actualy use an old set of nylon bull hobbles around the donkeys neck. I made a short rope with 2 heavy bull snaps with swivels on both ends - total length snaps and all of about 18 inches. I use the nylon calf halters that have a chain under the chin. Most of the time within 12 to 18 hours I can unhook the calf from the donkey and lead it to the barn and tie it up, but I cull pretty hard on disposition too. I also like to use a fairly small pen - 60' x 80' with no obstructions for the calf or donkey to get tangles up in. The calmer the donkey is the faster he will get the calf broke. I won't tollerate a donkey that kicks or bites the calf, I went through about 20 to get the one good one. Good luck! RW

I hope our donkey is calm. We just bought him today at the Holiday Classic sale in Oh. We will have him in a few weeks. They said he has been used for breaking calves I guess I will find out when he finally arrives.

 

[afhm]

SKF can you post the results you have of the sale please. Thanks.

 

[SKF]

SKF can you post the results you have of the sale please. Thanks.

We did our bidding over the phone and we only bid on the donkey.  I wish I knew what the prices were. They seemed to have some really nice cattle in the sale.

 

[beefy]

whatever type of collar you put on the donkey just remember never let the calf's nose go past the front shoulder of the donkey or even a timid donkey can kick them back there <cowboy>

 

[Jill]

whatever type of collar you put on the donkey just remember never let the calf's nose go past the front shoulder of the donkey or even a timid donkey can kick them back there <cowboy>

I think you misworded that, it shouldn't go behind the front shoulder.  Ours are clipped fairly close at the halters so they can't kick the calf.

 

[JoeDirt]

.....A friend 3 properties down from us have 2 Donkeys or mini Donkeys?  Is there a differents? What size Donkey do you need? How tall is it?

whatever type of collar you put on the donkey just remember never let the calf's nose go past the front shoulder of the donkey or even a timid donkey can kick them back there <cowboy>

;D

 

[ROAD WARRIOR]

Yes there is a difference - there are basically three sizes - minis, standards and manmoth. I prefer the standard size donkey. I have used them to break calves from as small as 300# up to 2000#. Ideally I don't like to break many over the 14 -1500# range but never say never. RW

 

[jason]

I actually named this donkey after an ex boy friend. He was the biggest jack ass I had ever met. Fortunatly, he didn't stick around nearly as long as the donkey!RW

(lol)

 

[ROAD WARRIOR]

I actually named this donkey after an ex boy friend. He was the biggest jack ass I had ever met. Fortunatly, he didn't stick around nearly as long as the donkey!RW

(lol)

I should clarify that a little - he was my oldest daughters ex boy friend. Some times the fingers can't keep up with all of the voices in my head! ;-)      RW

 

[Doc]

I actually named this donkey after an ex boy friend. He was the biggest jack ass I had ever met. Fortunatly, he didn't stick around nearly as long as the donkey!RW

(lol)

I should clarify that a little - he was my oldest daughters ex boy friend. Some times the fingers can't keep up with all of the voices in my head! ;-)       RW

I was trying to keep an open mind there RW, but I was sure starting to get a little worried. ;D Glad you clarified that.