[Rod]

The social dynamics here is fun to watch. First off Jenny suddenly took a renewed interest in the donkeys and would not let the new mule near them. This is in contrast to the past when she disdained the donkeys except of course when they were out of sight when she couldn’t wait to get back with them. The new mule spent the first day by herself and when she approached the others Jenny ran her off. Now this morning things are changing, Jenny although still standoffish seem more open to Bird and they were actual eating together this morning. When the donkeys approached the feeder to get in on breakfast it was Bird who chased them off with no protective resistance from Jenny. I think they are going to be fine and are going to make a nice looking pair. They have quite different personalities,with Jenny being the measured, sensitive one and Bird more outgoing and bold. Bird needs some work on things like yielding and allowing me to catch her but that’s nothing compared to what I had to do with Jenny when I got her and I enjoy that stuff anyway.

[Rod]

I Like it.

[Rod]

No longer looking at least I don’t think so. I brought in a new mule last night. She is the same size as Jenny and 9 years old, a Belgian mule for Amish background. She is just settling in and seems fine but I will need to get to know her and work with her a while before I say she stays. Bird is her name and she has a driving/working background but also rides. She chewed up two lead ropes on the way here so that is the first challenge I need to deal with, any suggestions?

[Rod]

Hi Mule rider
I am in Bellows Falls VT and also have a Percheron molly mule that looks a lot like yours. Today we did some sledding and trail braking with my forecart on skies. Just bought a Belgium mule to team up with Jenny. Glad you are on the site and if you ever come up I-91 in VT we are very close to exit 6 and would love to meet you and talk mules.

[Rod]

With that system our annual cost is about 10% of what we used to pay for power before we put this system in. Any extra power we produce above what we use ourselves is purchased by the Green Mountain Power Company and they also pay us for any the power we produce and use at the farm at about 1/2 the retail rate. The system rides on the Power Company grid so no need for backup batteries. That array is a 5 KW set of panels. Works great.

[Rod]

My housing consists of two box stalls and a run in shed. The box stalls are for when I have my mules harnessed but waiting for work. Otherwise they stay outside and have access to the run in shed or a covered area where they are fed their hay. Some photos below.

[Rod]

Carl, you and Lisa have done a great service to all us DAP adherents with your work and guidance on this site and the annual field days event. As has been said this forum is invaluable and I personally cherish the opportunity to participate and learn daily from all the great people who contribute to the body of knowledge and support that is here. Thanks you both and I wish you and your family the Merriest Christmas ever and the most fulfilling new year.

[Rod]

Does she like treats? I have used these to get a halter on my reluctant mule by aclimating her first to the treats, then the treats with my arm through the halter and finally slipping the halter over her nose when she takes the treat. Another thing that worked with her is to start with a lead rope and treat. I slip the rope over her neck when I give the treat and she thinks she is tied so lets me put the halter on.

[Rod]

Hi Donn

From what I have read Jacks do not make good guards for the little ones and especially young Donkeys. I understand a gilding or jennet should be at least 3 years old or more before putting them out with lambs or calves to guard. They play too hard with the little ones. And I second the thought that two are better than one. Our donkeys are social even more so than the mule.

[Rod]

Good luck with her, how big is she, any photos.

[Rod]

I like it, may even try it myself sometime.

[Rod]

I made some from 1″ black pipe same as on the Pioneer forecarts.

[Rod]

Thanks for the photos, that training board is a neat idea.

[Rod]

@blue80 22889 wrote:

We use chain, centered in the stall.
The stalls are 4’6 wide; I know some draft stalls are 5 ft… We cut pieces of chain 3 ft. long. We give them 2’6 of chain as a lead inside the stall. The chain goes through a hole in the front of the stall (2’6 up from the floor) and the remainder is tied with wire into a ball, creating a bit of weight on the end of the chain, which takes up slack, especially if the hole is drilled on a bit of an angle….
Basically the horses can touch noses and thats it, sidewalls are 4ft.
We feed off the floor, no manger.
Want pics? they aren’t pretty…..:o

Kevin

Hi Kevin

If it’s not too much trouble I would like to see a picture, especially of the ball weight setup. Thanks.

[Rod]

Hi Jean

I just did mine and although I do not have the Pioneer brakes it does not matter. Just put the runners on where the wheels were and it will be fine.

[Author]

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