Happy Monday and welcome to #animalphotography sponsored @juliank and #dailypetphotography sponsored by @kona.
While driving by, I saw this donkey standing under a tree trying to get a bit of shade from the heat.
Doesn’t the donkey look cute with the bangs?
There are sheep in the background and this donkey keeps his eye on them. Often a farmer will have a donkey among his livestock to protect the sheep from predators.
There could be coyotes in this area. I saw a fox cross the road not far from the farm.
Not all donkeys will bond with the sheep and some can be aggressive towards them. If you get a pet donkey, it is important to get a good-natured one.
On the upside, donkeys can live twenty years, are low maintenance and pretty well eat the same food as the sheep.
Once the donkey bonds with the sheep, he will confront and chase dogs or coyotes out of the pasture.
A donkey’s loud brays and fast pursuit will scare away predators and may alert the farmer.
If the predators do not retreat quickly the donkeys will attack them by rising up on hind legs and striking with both front feet. A solid blow can injure, kill or at the very least discourage the predator.
When I passed this farm, two hours later, the donkey and his buddy, the horse, were still standing in the shade of the trees.
The sheep are in their pen and chowing down, Their shade tree has broken off and the stump is still standing. They have the barn to go into.
Don’t underestimate a donkey, they know enough to get out of the heat and will save your ewes.
Location: Prince Edward Island, Canada
Camera: Canon EOS Rebel T6
Photos & Text @redheadpei
