Cheers for the long-ears

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Even though they're most frequently used in this country as pets, donkeys' ability as draft animals shouldn't be overlooked. Small as they are, donkeys can pull quite a load. Sally Boyd of Teel Cove Farm in Tenants Harbor, Maine, uses her two standard donkeys, Hershey and Babe, for wood- and hay-gathering as well as for plowing her gardens. She ordered special small-scale equipment from England (including a plow, a spring-tooth harrow and cultivating tines) so she could work her animals in the garden. With the voice of experience, Boyd says using animals for garden work isn't for everyone.

"I'd imagine you'd get very frustrated if you're used to using a rototiller, because it takes three times as long with donkeys," she says. "But if you enjoy working with animals, it's fun."

Sally and her husband Walter run a subsistence farm in an area with rough terrain, one of her reasons for employing the donkeys. The animals are especially appropriate for working in rocky soil. "But you have to have patience and compassion for them," she says.

The donkey is a practical choice for farm work. Sally notes that a donkey is stronger than a workhorse per pound of body weight and hers need nothing but hay to thrive. "They're very undemanding animals."

"And they're fuel efficient," Walter adds.

References

The Professional Handbook of the Donkey compiled by Dr. Elisabeth D. Svendsen
Gives professional and practical advice on various aspects of donkey care

The Mule by Lorraine Travis
Good primer on mule history and care

Looking After a Donkey by Dorothy Morris
Information on tack, feeding, shelter and general care

Donkey Driving by Vivian and Richard Ellis and Joy Claxton
If you want a donkey to pull a cart or equipment, this book will help.

The books listed above are available in the United States through:

Diamond Farm Book Publishers
Division Yesteryear Toys & Books PO. Box 537 Alexandria Bay, NY 13607
www.diamondfarm.com

Magazines

The Brayer: Journal of the American Donkey and Mule Society
PO. Box 1210
Lewisville, TX 75067
(972) 219-0781
adms@juno.com

Mules and More
PO. Box 460
Bland, MO 65014
(573) 646-3934
Excellent lists of where to buy mules

Small Farmer's Journal
192 W. Barclay Drive
Sisters, OR 97759
agrarian@smallfarmersjournal.com
Resource for using mules as draft animals

Rural Heritage
281 Dean Ridge Lane
Gainesboro, TN 38562-5039
www.ruralheritage.com
Supports farming and logging with mules

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