Well, day three of trying to get my two pyrs, my 13 chickens, and my new 8
month old mini donkey together in one pasture in peace. How do I let the
Pyrs know the donkey is part of the group? We've been going on walks and
they did fine together in the pasture today, up until this evening.
But.. this evening, Snowman (the donkey), started to mildly chase my
chickens. He wouldn't have hurt them, as they scatter and get out of the
way. But.... of course Ski (female Pyr) has been guarding these
chickens. I hear a noise and look up to see Ski chasing Snowman across the
pasture -they loop back towards me and she has snowman hair in her mouth!
I grabbed her and said "No!". Snowman loops around facing us and then Toby
(the male - who is very mellow and "guards" , but only if Ski is busy), touches
noses w/ Ski (who I have by the collar) and then turns and walks directly
towards the donkey - obviously to continue Ski's message! I called him
back and shut them in for their dinner, away from the donkey.
So - I guess the good that may come of this is that the dogs will teach
Snowman not to chase chickens. BUT.... I wonder if they would team up on
him.. none of this involved any blood or any big agression and they all did well
together today. Have you had anything at all similar or any
thoughts? I guess the underlying question is also how to teach the
Pyr that the donkey is part of the "to be guarded" group?
Linda Anderson
Night Sky Farm |