I have been wondering why the donkeys have been developing bald patches on their backs. I did have my suspicions and today they were confirmed.
To add insult to injury this jackdaw is probably one of the ones that is making nests in our chimneys. So the donkey hair, along with various sticks etc, will probably end up being dropped down the chimney into our fireplace.
I foster my donkeys from the donkey sanctuary and in the past they have been badly treated. The donkey in the picture is Joey Boy. He is a bit of ramshackle old soul who is estimated to be nearly 30 years old. In this picture you can see the scars on the backs of his front legs where it looks like he has probably been hobbled in the past. He is the gentlest donkey of them all.
Aww, poor old Joey Boy. Birds are supposed to help animals by removing insects, not helping themselves to nesting material! What on earth can you do about it?
@jlhopgood the donkeys genuinely don't seem to mind the jackdaws pulling their hair out. They will lose their winter coats soon and their summer ones will grow, the bald patches will disappear then.
We are their 'forever home.' The sanctuary keep 'ownership' of the donks so that they can keep track of them and make sure that they are being properly looked after. They come and inspect me every three months.
We are their 'forever home.' The sanctuary keep 'ownership' of the donks so that they can keep track of them and make sure that they are being properly looked after. They come and inspect me every three months.