Just wondering what purpose the horse-like creature serves....There is no such thing as donkey meat, eggs, milk...you can't really "ride" a donkey...and they aren't the cutest creatures...so why would you have say 40 donkeys of all different sizes, like my neighbor?
2007-04-23 06:55:06 · 10 answers · asked by brittanyjane05 1 in Pets ➔ Other - Pets
Donkey's were originally bred and used as cart animals. Their smaller stature and ability to pull great weights made them a compatible animal for farmers and people needing to cart things great distances without having the feed bill of a large draft bred horse. Their use's are actually quite similar to miniature horses.
They are great guardians to herds of cattle, goats, and sheep. And offer companionship to other animals. Because their loud brey warns and can be heard for miles, they are often left with herds of sheep in the mountains during the winter months when grass is dead and the sheep are fattening up for slaughter or for the use of their wool.
They are also considered nanny animals. A lot of ranches will have several nanny "donkeys" in the case that another animal is unable to nurse their young.
You may not think that donkey's are that cute- but a lot of people including myself do think they are. Educated people know that donkey's have a purpose and appreciate the kindness and loyalty that comes with owning a donkey.
2007-04-23 07:12:53 · answer #1 · answered by silvaspurranch 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
You can ride a donkey, and they can be used to pull carts. They are VERY strong
A good show mule can be worth a decent ammount of money, there are donkey and mule competitions just the same as there are horse competitons. Mule shows are more common (at least where I am from). Mules can also jump incredibly high fences (much higher than horses).
They also make amazing companion animals, I have found them to be more gentle and calm then most horses, they can be very thereputic for their owners.
Donkeys also are good for watching herds to protect agianst wild dogs, wolves, etc..
They are great gaurd animals. My donkey would brey loudly (could be heard from very far away) anytime a strange person entered our horse barn.
Donkeys get into neglectful homes and bad situations very frequently. Your neighbor may be running some sort of a donkey rehabilitation/rescue.
2007-04-23 08:29:41 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
This Site Might Help You.
RE:
What purpose do donkey's have? Why would someone want to own a herd of donkeys?
Just wondering what purpose the horse-like creature serves....There is no such thing as donkey meat, eggs, milk...you can't really "ride" a donkey...and they aren't the cutest creatures...so why would you have say 40 donkeys of all different sizes, like my neighbor?
2015-08-24 21:40:46 · answer #3 · answered by ? 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well we've used donkeys for.. Breaking a foal, you tie your foal to a donkey for a little while and after you take it off the donkey it'll most likely be very well halter broke. They make great companion animals, if you have an animal who doesn't like to be alone put a donkey with them. They will also protect them. Pulling things, they are great for driving.
2016-03-17 00:37:23 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Actually you can ride a donkey, and in rough mountian areas it is safer to ride then a horse. They do not trip or fall as easy as a horse. Also if you do go into the mountians alot say to camp. A donkey can carry alot more weight for its size then a horse. No, they are not the prettiest in the herd, but they all have their own attitude and some think they are dogs insted of donkeys.
2007-04-23 08:14:13 · answer #5 · answered by charlie_corral 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Many people do ride donkeys or use them to pull a cart.
Some people (like your neighbor I would guess)breed donkeys for people to use as guard animals. Donkeys are great for guarding herds of other animals like goats, cattle, sheep and some exotics. They have the instinct to protect the herd from things like wolves, cyotes, adn foxes.
Another reason to breed donkeys is to breed mules. Mules are used for driving, riding and guard. Mules even have thier own shows and compititions.
And FYI, some people do think they are cute.
2007-04-23 07:04:44 · answer #6 · answered by lilith 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
they are good for the same things horses are. they can be ridden and are really strong (can carry immense amounts of weight long distances), they can pull carts (again heavy carts) alot of times they are used with sheep and goat herds for protection from predators. they are really aggressive toward predators yet friendly and safe for families. they also can make a great horse/donkey cross = a mule that is strong, sturdy and just like a horse just baron (cant reproduce). Donkeys make great companion animals for other animals and pets. there are such things as donkey shows. they are also used as pack animals for long trail rides. i am assuming your neighbor breeds them and sells them around the country for all these different uses.
they are just one of those animals that either you like them or you dont.
2007-04-23 08:14:13 · answer #7 · answered by hick_chick 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Can't ride a donkey?? Tell that to Jesus! When we were kids we rode our neighbors donkey and he pulled a cart too. They are just like ponies for purposes. They are very cute! and they don't spook like horses do. theya re more useful than minature horses.
2007-04-23 07:02:31 · answer #8 · answered by Ktcyan 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
What? You mean donkeys don't lay eggs, my day is now ruined! I'm positive I've had them before
2016-03-05 13:10:28 · answer #9 · answered by crispy 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They are usually used as working animals. Farmers and ranchers use them for carrying loads or pulling carts or other tools.
2007-04-23 07:02:11 · answer #10 · answered by BigSlick 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋