donkey

[cattle.girl]

Can anyone give me some advice on the best way to hook up a calf to a donkey?

 

[Hilltop]

Make sure halter is tied short, no more than a foot or so long so they can't get tangled in donkeys legs. Everyone may have a diffrent opinion but we would leave them together for 5 hrs or so a day for 4 to 5 days straight if possible. We were able to borrow a nice harness before to use but loaned out our donkey last spring and he does not even want to let us near with the harnes and he was like a pet before. If you have a good one do not loan him out. Our jack won't be leaving our place again. Good Luck!

 

[ROAD WARRIOR]

I use a large nylon collar on my donkey, a short rope with a swivel bull snap on both ends of it - total length of 12" to 14". A good donkey is worth its weight in gold, a bad donkey will cost you more than it's worth. RW

 

[olsun]

Over the years by trial and error, I have found that the best rig  to attach a donkey to a calf is as follows. The donkey can be fitted with a collar around it's neck, just like a dog collar. I like what is commonly called a tie out strap. These are at least 2 inches wide, better if wider, made of nylon, with a sewn in D ring. Can be purchased from any cattle supply place. Attach this to the calf's halter with a short chain, no more than 18 inches, with a swivel snap on both ends. I prefer chain over rope, because it does not tangle as easily, and you don't get rope burns on either animal. Tie together as often as needed, but not for long periods of time. Hope this helps. Earl

 

[DRB]

I use a large nylon collar on my donkey, a short rope with a swivel bull snap on both ends of it - total length of 12" to 14". A good donkey is worth its weight in gold, a bad donkey will cost you more than it's worth. RW

Anyone have a price range that a descent donkey would be worth?

Also, we tried using a donkey before, and felt the donkey just stood there and didn't move... any thoughts?  Standing around is fine, but I'd like her to pull the calf around a bit.

Thanks!

 

[Cowfarmer65]

In our area there are alot of hobbyist that get a donkey, get tired of it and just want to get rid of it.
When we turn the calf out on the donkey, we put hay in corner opposite to the water bowl. The donkey will trail the calf back and forth at will. Don't worry about the calf eating all the hay. The donkey won't let that happen. ;D

 

[ROAD WARRIOR]

You probably had a good donkey if he didn't move much. They will go to feed and water when they want to. I've had some that would literally drag a calf nonstop, and some that were just plain mean - biting, kicking, etc. neither were good. I have seen proven calf breaking donkeys bring as much as $2500 at auction, I usually buy the $150 donkeys and bring them home to try them out. I usually get about one good one out of 10 or 15. RW

 

[drl]

I bought one this last fall that the guy guaranteed and had used before himself for $800. She works good.

 

[DRB]

Thanks for the quick helpful replies!
I'm going to re-work my harness/collar and give it another try!  I take it everyone more or less starts with calves (3 months +)?  How big is too big? When the donkey doesn't look like it could easily win the pulling match?  (I would probably prefer less biting and kicking to keep the calf in line - mine donkeys are both quiet and use to cattle).
Thanks

 

[ROAD WARRIOR]

I have tied 1500 pound bulls to my donkey, but they were pretty quiet to begin with. RW

 

[rtmcc]

I gave $170 for a pair of donkeys at the sale barn one day.  One died but the jenny had a baby that fall that we were not expecting. That was quite a surprise checking cows that morning.  Both have turned into great breaking donkeys.  The jenny was a little rough at first but now she has gotten very good at it and seems to enjoy it.  I started using the gelding on smaller calves after he was about 18 months old.  The tougher, wilder calves go on the jenny and the quieter ones go on the gelding.  Its fun to watch how they handle each calf differently depending on their temperament.  I have heard of some places selling them for $200 a head.  Trying to find a good breeding Jack so we can have another baby.

Ron
<cowboy>

 

[ROAD WARRIOR]

If you were closer you could use my old jack - he is about as quiet as they come. RW

 

[steerpimp]

The best donkey collar is an old linesman belt. You can usually find one in a pawn-shop or on line. They are thick, strong, and have two big rings to tie the calf to.