Using a donkey

[fleming64]

I see people talking about using donkeys for halter braking can someone explain to me how this works i just do it the ol fashion way, thanks

 

[BTDT]

The procedure is basically using a collar on the donkey and hooking up the calf with a 3 foot rope to the collar via a strong rope.  Turn them loose and let the donkey boss the calf around.
I have never liked this method for the same reasons I have never liked using a tractor, atv or other vehicle.  The calf gets used to the donkey or vehicle but not a person, so while the calf may lead and behave with them, they will not necessarily lead and behave with a person.  So, in my opinion, the process is pretty much worthless.
That being said, I know a lot of people use donkeys to "take the fight" out of them.  And have success.  So I guess it is a matter of method and opinion.  I would just as soon work with the calf from day one and build a trusting relationship rather than start over at day 10 to build trust that was gained by a donkey!

 

[chappy6655]

The way I look at it is that I know what my kids can or can't handle. I could be like the tractor or donkey, but that doesn't help the kids either. If I have one that I don't think the kids can handle I put it on the donkey for a day or two and that is usually all it takes and the kids take it from there. The difference between a tractor and a donkey is that a donkey doesn't break ears and legs and is there 24 hrs a day. It would take me at least 2 weeks even with a tractor to get 24 hrs in on an animal. Note: We have only used the donkey on 2 animals out of the 18 that we have broke in the last 3 years.

 

[Davidsonranch]

So it's been a few years but we use to use a donkey for the "tough" ones. Our old AG teacher / FFA instructor actually owned her and loaned her out to us. I feel there is a difference between a tractor and a donkey.  A tractor or ATV is simply overpowering them physically.  A Donkey also can do this but it's more subtle and more importantly there is an attitude aspect to it.  Our old Jenny would tug on them, but also would lay her ears back, bit them and occasionally give them a kick.  It usually did not take long and the calves were walking behind them defeated.  Several occasions she would just look at them lay her ears back and the calves would bow their heads just like a kid when being scolded by their mom. But remember, IMO you have to have a tame people broke donkey.  Otherwise the donkey might be teaching the calf to lead, but also teaching it to run across the corral from people.
I do however totally agree with BTDT in that there also has to be a connection with the owner, kids whoever.  We only used a donkey on the stubborn ones.  Not the mean ones because nothing seemed to work on them.  And when we did it was for a day or two at a time.
So in short I would not go out and buy a donkey, but if you or a friend had one and you have a stubborn calf - why not.

 

[MCC]

We always use a donkey to halter break calves. Back in the day we had to many to halter break by hand and now I'm to old and crippled. We put the collar on the donkey and hook them about two foot apart. You don't want a donkey that is broke to lead because the calf will lead the donkey. Contrary to popular belief a donkey doesn't always break a calf to lead but they will stop when they hit the end of the rope. Good luck!

 

[diamonddls]

We always used the donkey when we were kids in 4h. A good donkey teaches them for pressure pull and give. It's still up to you to put in the work taking the calf down but the donkey teaches a ton of respect for the halter on very short fashion. When are good jenny passed we tried replacing her with a jack but unfortunately he was just no pun intended an ass. A miserable donkey can be way too hard and aggressive on a calf but a good ones worth a million.

 

[renegadelivestock]

I use the donkey for all of our calves. it is a lot easier on them then the tractor, I also use her for "discipline" as well as halter breaking, what I mean is that if I get one that is kicky or wants to bolt, every time they act out, instead of getting in a fight with the, I put them on the donkey, it doesn't take them long to learn that misbehavior is going to result in the donkey dragging them around

 

[dryfalls]

We use rubber innertubes hung over a fence post in our corrals.  Tie the lead rope to the innertube (3 to 4 feet)Calves and weaned foals learn quickly  to give to lead rope pressure.  After 1 day they go to water without much fight.  There is feed waiting for them when they go back to the innertube.  I think that helps them learn that they are rewarded when led.  I don't have to feed the tubes when I'm not using them. 

 

[Tallcool1]

We use rubber innertubes hung over a fence post in our corrals.  Tie the lead rope to the innertube (3 to 4 feet)Calves and weaned foals learn quickly  to give to lead rope pressure.  After 1 day they go to water without much fight.  There is feed waiting for them when they go back to the innertube.  I think that helps them learn that they are rewarded when led.  I don't have to feed the tubes when I'm not using them.

That's interesting.  I have never seen this done.  May need to give it a try.

Thanks

 

[GoWyo]

This guy has some videos showing the way I prefer to break calves.  Really doesn't take long if they are already fairly gentle.  I can usually get them to leading in a couple of 20-minute sessions.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=TRB7MNYAuIs

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fa6jSwbMh1w