Donkey and a cow as companions?

Lady89 · #1 08/19/14, 01:03 AM

So at some point I would like to get a dairy cow but I know from caring for offended calves that 1 cow alone is not a happy cow and will get into no end of trouble. But 2 cows would be way more milk them I could ever use, so I was wandering would a Donkey be a good companion for a cow? If it would that could be nice as a donkey could pull a small cart or fallen or tree branches and do other light farm work, so I could feel it was more than just a pet

aoconnor1 · #2 08/19/14, 10:53 AM

I answered on the equine forum... I wouldn't pair a donkey and cow. Maybe a steer would work better for you.

danniulrich05 · #3 08/19/14, 04:08 PM

The ponies we had were just as bad. I would never get another pony. Our llama however is great, he doesn't bother any of the other animals, keeps dogs off the property, and doesn't eat much.

aoconnor1 · #4 08/19/14, 04:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by danniulrich05

The ponies we had were just as bad. I would never get another pony. Our llama however is great, he doesn't bother any of the other animals, keeps dogs off the property, and doesn't eat much.

I hadn't thought about a Llama. I have a neighbor down the road who has Banded Galloways, and he keeps a Llama out with them for protection. There are usually only two or three weanlings out with the Llama at a time. One day I was driving past and saw the Llama and a young calf, probably a few months old, playing and head bumping each other. The Llama was being so gentle with the calf. It really impressed me, burned a good memory in my mind. I would consider a Llama as a companion for a lone cow.

G. Seddon · #5 08/19/14, 04:30 PM

If you get a steer, then you've got two of a kind. A donkey or pony requires separate care, hoof trims, etc. A llama does also.

FarmerIvan · #6 08/26/14, 12:27 AM

You could try a sheep? My Jersey cow had a sheep as a companion.

karenp · #7 08/27/14, 06:36 AM

I have no experience, but think steer aka oxen if you want something to do some work.

mrs whodunit · #8 08/27/14, 08:04 AM

I paired 2 donkeys and a cow. Worked great. The only thing was the cow needed much better food that the donkeys did, so I would separate for the night when I gave the cow her really good food. Anything she didn't eat then the donkeys did.