Hi, What is the going price for a standard jenny that has just been weaned? Would one that young be able to handle protecting herself and our goats or should we get one with experience? If so, how much for an experienced jenny?

Thanks for your help, Jo

-- Jo Lewter (jlewter@tnns.net), March 24, 2001

Answers

Depends on what part of the country; registered or not; show or pet quality. These factors can make a difference. And the prices of the trained guard donk would no doubt vary around the country.

A weanling has quite a bit of growing to do before they can defend themselves and a herd. At 6 months, they're still babies.

The American Donkey and Mule Society keeps a list of guard donkey breeders. Drop them a note:

adms@juno.com

-- ~Rogo (rogo2020@yahoo.com), March 24, 2001.

we bought a 4 year old bred jenny to put in with our goats for $300. she had been pastured with other donkeys and horses,so when we arrived home i pastured her next to the goats. although she had never been with goats she took right up with them, but i understand that it is best to get one that has previously been with sheep or goats. the best advice i can give is to look for a jenny 3 years old or more and preferably one that is bred. you will want to isolate her prior to the birth of her colt, and for a few days therafter. also if you bring home a new goat or two as i did, don't just put them in with the rest right away. give them a chance to adjust to each other. i learned this all too well!!,she chased the poor goat as if she were a dog and fortunately the goat made it back to me and out of that pasture, so introduce the animals slowly. we named our jenny NOODLES, and she produced a beautiful jenny colt we named her POKEY. they are wonderful animals and really become so much like family. they require little grain,lots of good bermuda hay, and lots af attention( they love to talk and be petted and brushed), and periodic hoof care by a good farrier. the problem with a jenny much younger than 3 is they get ,lets say, mischevious. jacks are used but the success is much less even with ones that have been cut. they are just too unpredictable, and they can get really mean too. once you have found a good source for selecting your jenny, be sure to get one that has a negative coggins before you make the deal. they are wonderful critters who know how to still your heart, and give you peace of mind knowing they can take care of predators who might try to take a goat or two. they bring much joy and laughs to the farm with their antics. teresa

-- teresa (t1noodles@aol.com), March 24, 2001.

== the best advice i can give is to look for a jenny 3 years old or more and preferably one that is bred. ==

When that jenny delivers, she is going to be more interested in, and protective of, her baby. This could put your stock in jeopardy. Sometimes when you get more than one donk, they bond to each other and ignore the stock. The guard critter does the job 24/7. Anything to distract from that defeats your purpose. A decision you'll have to make.

-- ~Rogo (rogo2020@yahoo.com), March 24, 2001.