A New Paddock for My Donkeys

June 14, 2025

There's always lots to do here at my farm. Among my latest projects - creating a shadier paddock for my donkeys.

I have several large pastures - enclosed spaces where my Friesians, Fell pony, and donkeys are turned out to exercise and graze every day. For the summer, I decided to move my donkeys to another paddock under the shade of some tall pines, where they can view farm activities from a different location and be more comfortable during these hot summer months. Doing this meant we needed to build more fencing and a gate, move their hay mangers, and connect an automatic waterer.

Here are some photos, enjoy.

: Here in the Northeast, summers can be very hot and humid. Donkeys are able to regulate their body temperatures and do have sweat glands all over their bodies, but they also seek shelter during extreme heat. I decided it would be more comfortable for them if they were turned out in a shadier area during the day.

: This space under the shade of some tall white pines was perfect, but a proper paddock needed to be created.

: The area was already half fenced, so my outdoor grounds crew needed to put up two more sides of fencing. I instructed them where the fence would go and then all the necessary antique fencing rails were carefully delivered to the site.

: Stakes and landscape twine were secured to make sure the fence was perfectly in line with the adjacent pasture.

: Fernando begins the job of digging post holes using a post hole digger, a hand tool used to manually dig deep and narrow holes in order to install fence posts.

: Each hole is more than three feet deep. The new posts will be very secure here – and no cement is needed.

: Once the posts are in place, Pete and Fernando secure the horizontal railings.

: The nails used to secure the railings are quite long – four inches. These are long enough to go through the railings and into the corresponding posts.

: My pasture fencing is made from 100-year-old white spruce railings I purchased in Canada. I have lots of fencing here on the farm. This antique fencing surrounds all my horse paddocks and various trees. The railings are sandwiched between two cedar posts and attached to the inside of one of them. The other supports the railings from the other side.

: My five donkeys get turned out into a paddock every day, so it is important to ensure they are all in good condition. This new enclosure is near my chicken coops and a flower cutting garden.

: Next, the crew works on digging the area to connect the proper piping for a watering source.

: I have automatic waterers in every paddock and all my Friesians, Fell Pony, and donkeys know exactly where to find their fresh water.

: Next, the hay mangers are placed inside the enclosure – painted my signature “Bedford Gray” of course.

: The crew also inspected the area to make sure it was cleaned of any debris. This enclosure has some grass for grazing, but not too much.

: And then on a warm day, the donkeys are brought in to see their new yard – lots of shade as well as room to roam.

: … or roll, as donkeys love to do.

: Next to Clive is a bowl of salt blocks. Salt blocks provide essential minerals, but they are also important for donkeys in hot weather. They help them stay hydrated and encourage them to drink water.

: Here’s Truman “TJ” Junior testing his manger. I think he enjoys eating under the shade of the tall pines.

: Jude “JJ” Junior is also happy resting in the grass nearby. This area will definitely provide more comfort for my donkeys when it is hot and humid.