Yesterday while driving into Bodie, we saw three separate herds of sheep along the way. In two of them, there was a donkey in the middle of the herd. I'm wondering if the donkeys were there to alert the sheepherders of coyotes? Does anybody know? There were several herding dogs also, and several sheepherders.
***UPDATE*** I found from a couple of friends that donkeys are used as herd lookouts. Apparently they will go after and KILL coyotes! They also alert the sheep herders to intruders and will chase away unwanted varmits. No wonder these herds each had a herd donkey. Also, llamas are used as lookouts. Interesting, eh? Donkeys and llamas don't require special food, either, and can eat whatever the sheep are eating, therefore keeping their costs of maintenance down.
That's a lot of wool! Never heard of a donkey in with the sheep so can't help you there.
ReplyDeleteFirst off, nice photos!
ReplyDeleteIt's weird that I know this, but I do...
Donkeys are herd animals, so most of them have no problem hanging around with sheep. Especially if they are introduced to the sheep when very young. Donkeys also HATE dogs and coyotes by instinct and LOVE to kick the snot out of them. Sheep (also by instinct) always put their protector, be it a dog, llama, or donkey, between them and a perceived threat. Another one of Mother Nature's wonderful things.