Donkey Days

I know it sounds corny, but as a child I always wanted a donkey and it has taken until now to achieve my ambition. I bought a painting of 2 donkeys when I was in my twenties and it is my favourite painting and my prized possession, my children would argue otherwise but I’m not so sure.

It happened by chance that Tom and Gerry (already named) came into our lives but we couldn’t be happier to give them a lovely, stable (sorry) and happy forever home.  These lovely young men were rescued by two amazing ladies and then they offered to let me have them after they have looked after them for about 6 months. They come as a pair and won’t be separated; I think they even both try to eat the same blades of grass they are so close together all the time.

They didn’t have the best start in life, but they have all the time in the world to get used to us, trust us and then enjoy life here on the farm.  They are booked in for a vet visit and after they have been gelded (please look it up if you’re not sure as I don’t wish to go into details here) they will be able to be in the field with the 3 retired mares we have who live here too. If they don’t all get on, then we will move the donkeys into the field with Wendy and Leanne, the cows, so they will have a choice of fields and companions, plus Chris is going to fence off a paddock exclusively for them so they can enjoy their own company too. At the minute they are in a lovely huge stable with outdoor pen so they can choose to be inside or outside depending upon the weather. They’re getting a few visitors, but I need them to get used to us all first and know that they are safe with us before they see more people.

We’ve never had donkeys here on the farm before, but I’m sure it will seem like they have been here forever soon. I’m amazed at the interest people have shown , it seems like you all have a soft spot for donkeys (perhaps Eeyore has a lot to do with that) or the fact that they had such a sad start in life but I will be keeping you all informed as to their progress and wellbeing.  Tom is the smaller one of the two and Gerry the larger white donkey but as they are only young (approximately a year old) I’m sure they will mature into lovely and loved boys.