Group Cooperation

When working with "herd bound" animals, you are also working with their social structure. To simply walk in and work with an individual animal while all the others are around is absolutely impossible. Unless, of course, the animal you are working with is the dominant individual of the group. The one in charge, like Spartacus.

In the past, if I walked into the pasture with carrots and tried to feed all the animals, bossy Spartacus would walk on up and push everyone away. Nobody would get to be able to have carrots from my hand nor would they get any personal attention from me.

One of the most rewarding things I have the privilege of experiencing here at Windy Hill Ranch, is having an understanding of how these social structures work and creating a relationship within them. Now, when I walk into the pasture with my carrots, everyone has learned that I am the dominant one. If any of them don't "play nice", then I walk away and no one gets carrots.

It really is amazing to feed a group of donkeys and have Spartacus walk up nicely and wait for me to open up the group and allow him in. It's rewarding to no longer have him come charging in with bucking legs and ears pinned down.

Enjoy the following pictures of me feeding carrots out, one by one in a group.

Pictured below from front to back: Spartacus, Baby Buckley, Lady Buckley and Lovable.

Same group but now Pippi is joining us.

Giving Spartacus some extra, well deserved attention for being so well behaved.

Here's my view. Aren't they so cute looking up at me, waiting for that delicious carrot?
From left to right:
Baby Buckley, Pippi, Lovable

Lady Buckley has joined the group on the far left.

I try to leave, but they want more!

Such good little donkey girls! (even though Pippi is trying to sneak into my carrot bag!)

Camp Goes Ranch!

The theater summer camp came to visit the ranch a few weeks ago. Here are a few highlighted moments from their visit. What I like to call, "Snapshots in time."

Backstage, as the guests are approaching, Bella and I make our way out.

I leave Bella on stage as I greet the audience. She declares, "Let's get the show started!"

A brief introduction with Bella at my side.

Bella being absolutely cute as she awaits her cue.

Teaching Bella a dance step.

Winter introduces himself to the audience.

And shows off just how much fun a cow can be!

Ready to capture that shot!

Trying to get him to stick out his tongue.

There's that tongue! "Mmmm yummy carrots!"

Take a bow my friend.

Hello Lucas! Who's the world's best piggy?!?

Well, he is of course! Look at that perfect sit!

And he lies down too!

Pippi and her wonderful ears.

Hard to tell, but she's showing off her dance moves.

Take a bow girl!

Ah yes! The star, Spartacus. (I think he's sticking his tongue out at them. How rude!)

His newest behavior... Slam Dunk!

Watch him soar!

Throwing away his trash like a good gentleman should.

Weaving better than those agility dogs I'd say!

El Nino shows off the uniqueness of alpacas.

He lays down with such ease.

Chiva performs.

And clearly entertains.

Take a bow.

After the show, it's Tallulah's favorite time. She gets a chance to meet and greet and get fed lots and lots of carrots.

Surprise! It tickles doesn't it?

A quick stroll between pastures to meet everyone in and not in the show.

Lady Buckley being very friendly and beautiful.

Helen gets out of her mud hole to take advantage of a good back scratch!

*As always, clicking on the photos will enlarge them.*