Wednesday, October 23, 2013

Sicilian Donkeys, and Australian Sheep Farmers

Near us is a horse farm and their latest borders are two Sicilian Donkeys. This is my first opportunity to learn all about these special animals and pretend that I own them and have them on my mythical ranch.

They are two females from Texas, over ten years old, and are Sicilian Donkeys because of their black stripe over their withers and down their back.  The legend is, I learned from their owner, that a donkey followed Christ as he was carrying the cross and the shadow of the cross fell on the donkey and created the crossed black lines on the donkey's back.  And of course, like all legends, there are different versions.

The breed is very old and donkeys are pictured on ancient Egyptian wall paintings. Used to "break" trails for hikers as they seem to know the best trail and are used as the lead animal for camel treks in the near east and elsewhere.  Many ranches use them as companions for skittish horses and to guard sheep.  They will stomp a coyote to death if one crosses their path or gets into the paddock.  Sicilian Donkeys are affectionate and love attention.

In third world countries they are invaluable as a pack and work animal. Unfortunately, they mimic the life of their owners there and are often malnourished and poorly treated.

But here in the states, they are often just pets, as these two.  Besides carrots, we also learned that their special treats are peppermint candies, like those red and white ones one gets from restaurants.  We have so much fun giving those treats, not many at one time of course, to these donkeys.  And they love them, chew them slowly, and half close their eyes to enjoy the whoosh of the peppermint flavor.  At about 7 AM, one brays to get the attention of the barn hands to remind them that it is time for their morning hay.  Not too many brays, just a few, but we can hear them too.  It is very effective.

Next week:  Chickens




The Two Peppermint Eating Donkeys

File:Maler der Grabkammer des Panehsi 001.jpg
From Wikimedia Commons, Thank You!
Post Script from the Wall Street Journal, 10/25.   Australia is using donkeys to protect their sheep against wild Dingo Dogs.  The wild Dingo dog population is increasing in Australia and because of this, the sheep are increasingly at risk.  Enter the amazing donkey!  Feral donkeys were rounded up from Australia's Northern Territory and sold to farmers.  Donkeys attack wild dogs and scare them away and can be very effective once they bond with the sheep.  Apparently they hate canines.  Because Australia is the world's biggest producer of wool this is a huge problem economically.  The numbers tell the story:  42,000 stock, mostly sheep were killed by these wild dogs last year.  Western Australia also offers bounties for every dog killed.  

11 comments:

  1. What lovely neighbours. Thanks for the history as well. I have always had a soft spot for donkeys.

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    1. Me too, it's those ears, that face, very endearing.

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  2. Interesting markings! I hadn't heard that about using donkeys to break trails. It makes sense.

    Diana at About Myself By Myself

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  3. And now they are helping sheep ranchers in Australia -- who knew?

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  4. I love that these donkeys are treated so well. Not like the ones we see when we travel - definitely one of the (few) negative aspects of travelling. Would love to bring peppermints on our next trip!

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  5. Hi Tasha .. I didn't know donkeys were used for protection - how interesting ... I'd have thought we might have used them here .. we have sheep rustlers (humans) and I wonder if that's an option .. I shall keep my eyes and ears open ..

    Cheers Hilary

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    1. It might work. I understand that donkeys do not require as much upkeep as horses. They do make a racket when they bray!

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  6. It was great to learn about their history, It is good to see that they are enjoying their stay, with lots of treats! thanks for sharing

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  7. Amanda, notice I said on my mythical farm. I don't know what it would be like to have large animals that one is responsible for every day. Now it is just fun to go across the street, pat them, give them their treats and leave.

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