A humble donkey in Eastern Cape has become the protector of “her” flock of sheep – and put a complete stop to predation.
In an area often plagued by jackals, many farmers keep Anatolian shepherd dogs to ward off predators. But Averil Kidson from Glenconnor took a chance on a donkey instead.
“I was researching the use of Anatolian shepherd dogs when I read about the introduction of donkeys into flocks of sheep as a deterrent to jackals and lynx.
“I bought a young jenny and introduced her to my flock of Dormers. Since then, I haven’t lost a single lamb to predators, where previously I was losing up to 50% of my lambs,” said Kidson. – Lindi van Rooyen
Image by TREVOR BUTLER.
