Many people don’t know that donkeys are vigilant and protective guard animals. Lulu is our primary guard donkey, I got her and Fanny in the first place to guard our flock of sheep from stray dogs and coyotes, both of which roamed the woods near the first Bedlam Farm.
Lulu is always vigilant, spotting animals in the woods that we can’t see, she will lock in on the intruders, ears up, and if they get too close to the fence, she and Fanny will move ahead, ears back and head down. In the evening, coyotes often come up onto the hills near the farm or in the woods near the fences, and watch the sheep, hoping for a stray ewe or lamb. Lulu stands in front or the sheep, and they crowd behind her, and if the animals come too close, and and Fanny will charge them, heads down.
Donkeys use their teeth and front hooves to fight, and can also fire off powerful kicks with their rear legs. Tonight, Lulu saw something she didn’t like and moved into position. We have never lost a sheep to a coyote or other predator.
Hi, I love your blog and especially your book “Saving Simon”. You speak of the other donkeys on your farm but not of Simon. I was wondering if Simon has died or gone to live on another farm. Maybe I missed that news from before I found your blog. I miss Simon…you are my hero for saving him. Take care. Thank you.
Simon died four years ago, Katy, thanks for the good words. If you wish to follow the animals here, I’d suggest you read the blog, I don’t generally update people, it gets too complex, and thanks for caring.