MOVING LINKS 4 YOU

We successfully relocated 5 mini-donkeys two years ago.  They became our built in fire brigade.

How’d that happen?  We had some friends who were 
moving to “the city” from our area and had these
5 adorable miniature donkeys who needed a home.  We have a few acres that need grazing so we said we’d be happy to take them.

Donkeys are tremendous at keeping everything grazed.  It is key, in California, to keep a defensible space around your property as wildfires are an occasional fact of life but there are things we can do to reduce the risk considerably.

Three of the donkeys were 10 years old and two of them 13 years old the summer of 2008.  Up until that point in time, they had always lived with the previous owners.  I wondered how quickly they would adjust.  They consisted of 3 jennys and 2 jacks…no foals included, nor will there be any from this lot. They can live 30-50 years!

I remember the day my husband and I helped load them into a horse trailer.  I was reminded of his ease around large animals having grown up on a sheep and cattle station in New Zealand.  He use to ride the high country on horseback checking on livestock.  He knows what to do!

These donkeys didn’t want to be corraled but Mark wooed them into the horse trailer and we were on our way the 13 miles back to our place.   They couldn’t get out of that trailer fast enough!

They have proven themselves to be good fun and have done a spectacular job of keeping our acreage manicured.  Very easy maintenance, about the only thing we really need to have done is file their hooves occasionally.

They are such characters each with a personality of their own.  There is even a very shy one that the others pick on and is slow in coming over for a pat as he knows they will nudge him out of the way.  THAT makes me want to pat him all the more!

Quite loving creatures, they are.  Like many animals, they love to run and play and kick up their heels when it’s dawn or dusk. Their braying welcomes us home.  Only sometimes are they a bit too noisy.  Typically it’s just a good sound.  I found they LOVE potatoes this week…and the occasional carrot or apple is right up their ally, too.  Otherwise, they mow down the grass on our acreage – it’s their job and they love it – and we supplement them with hay when the grass gets low before it starts growing again.

I’d love to hear about YOUR animals in comments below.
And know that I specialize in the relocation of PEOPLE, not just donkeys! 

CONTACT ME – Mary Lascelles | ReloMary with your questions regarding moving / relocating. As owner of Moving Links 4 You, I spend my time working with people in the real estate and moving industries. My professional connections grow daily one person at a time so that I can assuredly assist you when selling | buying | moving in the United States and beyond. Endorsements. relomary@movinglinks4you.com | 530.515.6299