GP–Goat Patrol: The Bully Hierarchy Has Shifted

When we went to feed the goats on a lovely 50+ degree day with bright sunshine and receding icy snowbanks, we found Nanny, Bully Senior, and Bully Junior, as well as two new female donkeys and a donkey colt. (We had heard that Buddy had become a father recently and although we wondered if this was his offspring, the colt seemed to be too big for someone about a month old.

Buddy was MIA, as we pulled into the parking lot and saw the three goats and two donkeys nibbling on some tossed-out hay. The goats ambled over as soon as Bob began bleating. The donkeys were not far behind. The colt followed his mother to the fence.

New donkey colt in his winter coat

Bully Senior tried to stake out a spot on the fence, butting the hip of one of the donkeys. She did not kick her hind feet at him but gave him a “What do you want, little man” look. The other donkey nudged him out of the way. After a few more feeble attempts at head butting, he retreated to the second line with Nanny and Bully Junior.

Still sorting out the bully hierarchy: one donkey at the fence, colt and donkey, Bully Senior and Bully Junior

Because we were feeding five adult animals, rather than the usual four, the potatoes disappeared quicker than usual. We had to throw the potatoes past the donkeys to the goats in the second line. For two people who can not throw very well, we managed to hit the goats with soft slices of potato more than I would have thought possible.

Bob returned from the car with some raw carrots and Brussel sprouts. To his surprise, the hard raw vegetables disappeared as fast as the warm cooked potatoes. The female donkeys were not as aggressive at grabbing the vegetables as Buddy is. They used their lips more than their teeth to ensure that hands continued to provide more treats. In this regard, they eat like the goats.

Bully Senior felt compelled to boss around the other two goats since the donkeys were unimpressed. His horns got caught up under the collar of Bully Junior. Both goats stood quietly for a minute until Bully Senior figured out how to twist his head and free his horns.

After the vegetables were gone, Bob went into the store to get dessert. The goats knew the drill–as long as I was at the fence, more food would be forthcoming. And it was.

After dessert, we got back in the car. The goats knew that chow call was over for the day. The donkeys were still hopeful.