Then... the weather changed. Today's high was at 6:00 a.m., and then it was 49 degrees. The low tonight is about 35 degrees!
I should have been tipped off when I came to the conclusion that my winter of lazy with the donkeys was over, and it was time to get back on Penny's training, instead just loving on her and her mama every day rather than really working with her. We haltered and groomed and fly-sprayed Lulu, and each of the goats. Then, it became Junior Rodeo with Penny. She wanted to play catch-me-if-you-can. Through much ado, we did catch her.
She was haltered with less fuss than I expected (thank goodness for the good long memory of donkeys, and laying it open in the small pan of oats - she pretty much haltered herself) after leading us a merry chase. Then she refused to budge. We did not want to risk her taking off with a lead rope snapped to her halter and hurting herself by tripping on it, so hubby ran the catch rope in a single loop through the ring and held on tight. Fortunately, she was right by the stanchion so he was able to use one of the posts for some leverage. I loved on her and told her how good she was doing, and what a good girl she really is.
Then I introduced the spray bottle. Normally, the spray bottle is the epitome of evil for Ms. Penny-whistle. This time, I give her credit - the worst thing she did was lock her legs and lean back a little bit, then she stayed stock still while I sprayed her for flies. All four legs. Chest. Neck. Back. Butt.
When it was over, and she was still in the halter and hubby still had control of her, she got a handful of oats as a reward for standing still. She remained standing still while hubby slipped the length of rope out of her halter and had another bite of oats before she realized she was not being held there. At that point, she took off like a shot.
About 30 feet away she realized the halter was still on her head and she shook her head in frustration. She tried running and that didn't work. So she gave up and ate. And she was fussy. And the weather was changing. And we added the donkey-halter-of-shame to her world.
Finally the lightbulb in my head got turned on and we realize she and her mama are both in heat. We'll wait a few days before we continue!
It is like watching one of those old newsreels to read your description of the farm and the animals and what you do. it sounds like donkey spraying is a two man job. I hope they appreciate it!
ReplyDeletewasn't just a few days ago you were complaining about it being cold....well now look what you've gone and done!!! 95 and humid enough to wring out the atmosphere!!
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