Blue Barn Farm started when I moved out to my farm west of Melbourne which is dry, flat, windy and dusty.  I just thought to myself  "I want a Donkey".

I soon found out that finding a donkey was not an easy task.  I did start out with two Australian Donkeys, but found their size and personality not what I wanted in a donkey.

So, I then found an Irish Jack (my beautiful Maximus) and then added to my stud two Jennies.  So this was the start of my love for the "Irish Donkey".

I now have another Jack (my gorgeous Ashington Park Clancy) and at the moment I have ten Jennies, 

People ask me all the time "Why would you want a Donkey?????"
Well, it's something i find hard to explain to people who ask such a question. I feel
like they are insulting me or the donkey in some way.
All i can tell people is dont make harsh judgement of the donkey until you have the experience of knowing a donkey, he is intelligent,gentle and trusting, he will be your best bud for life.
And well if you have not heard those hee haws, yes it is an unusual sound and will make you jump out of your chair the first time you hear it.
I had a girlfriend out to visit one day and in true donkey style one donk hee hawed and then like a chorus they all started to sing out. Her words were. "oh they are so musical!" i think that is a delightful way to put it.

It has being a learning process of trial and error, i have had to deal with heart break and being so devastated by these situations,feeling like i had let the donkey down and felt like throwing in the towel, but always in time my spirits are raised again by the delightful face of a new born foal, or i witness something beautiful amongst the herd a gentle gesture between mother and foal or best friends.  Then i think its all worth it,to have the pleasure of being a carer and a voice for these beautiful creatures.

 My favourite time of the day is when i get up early in the morning and i go out to my donkeys, and as i walk out to the big paddock i see my friends in the distant with the sun rising behind their big fluffy ears,as soon as they hear or see me they raise their heads and turn their ears toward me.
 i simply call out to them.
"come my darlings" and with that they all trot towards me. With a response like that it warms my heart and makes me smile,as i know they trust me,and cant wait to greet me. 
They all gather around, some like miss sadie who loves to greet me by pushing her face into my side and nuzzles me for a gentle pat and soft words, or others like miss willow who love to show me her little trick i taught her, she loves my response of praise and excited clap. 


**********************************************

The donkey's ability in decision making is unique. watch closely and you will find that the donkey will never walk in the path of danger.He will not go where there is quicksand, or tread a rattle-snake infested area.He will always test the bridge or ramp to check its safety before he crosses.If he feels that the ramp will be overloaded with his weight,he will stop,perhaps even sit down,and will not move.
tom constantino.

 
"Come My Way & Love A Donkey Today"!