What had happened to the docile burro I said goodnight to four hours earlier when I packed up my sleeping bag and went back in the house? As I watched George's behavior toward Lucy the rest of the day, all I could conclude was that he was just plain mad at her. It was as if he was thinking "who is she to think she can waltz in here and steal mom's attention away from me?"
As the day wore on, George's aggression decreased, but he still wasn't too thrilled with the new kid on the block.
Lucy knew she had to be on guard when George was close by.
But she wasn't going to stand there and be a pushover. No sirree.
She was ready to nip George's nose if necessary...
...but George realized she meant business and backed off. Look at those angry tails on both of them.
Once George backed off, Lucy went about her business. She had stood her ground and George got the message.
By Friday, George wasn't in such a snit. I made sure to give him more than his fair share of love, attention and butt scratches. Since there might be more drama in the days to come, for the time being, the boys will stay on their side of the fence and Lucy on hers. This arrangement gives Lucy and I more time to buddy up and plot our next move if those little rascals take things too far.
Who'd a thought, but then 'kids will be kids', and they must, in their own way, make peace. I'm glad that Lucy stood her ground .. she's quite the girl!
ReplyDeleteMy latest cat, Abby, and my other female Daisy, don't get along, but the other morning they were both perched on the back of my chair! Go figure! We also recently got our son's dog to add into the mix of our two, but everybody now gets along. I think it will just take some time.
ReplyDeleteI don't know about burro herd dynamics, but horses have to decide who is going to be the leader and who is not. Sometimes once the leader is established, that's it. Other times, that leadership is tested over and over by those wanting to take charge.
ReplyDeleteI bet he was jealous of her for taking your attention, and wanted to let her know he was a notch or two higher.
Just like siblings. Sigh. They love each other, but have to squabble until one gives in.
It's that pecking order thing. And George already knows Lucy's going to take him down a peg or 2. But he doesn't have to like it! Lucy will have those boys whipped into shape in no time...
ReplyDeleteI wonder if boxing gloves would fit over their hooves ;-)
ReplyDeletesigned
Theresa in Alberta
Sounds like Hank is confident of his #1 spot & Alan accepts his now #4 spot & the fight is now between who will be 2 & who will be 3. George seems to be trying to lay down the law that he is not giving up #2.
ReplyDeleteLucy and my john mule (Lickory) finally came to an agreement. Lickory would look at her a certain way and she'd GET OUT OF HIS WAY FAST..but I'd look out in the pasture and they would be some what closer together. The larger the area they were in the better it was. In Lickory's case he was down right jealous of her. Everybody else got along just fine..there is always one in the herd to make things interesting. By the way LOVED the reaction to seeing Wynonna...HOW DO YOU DO THAT???? being right there at that time to get the water coming from her mouth, or the tongue thing...amazing...YOU ARE GOOD Have a fun week end.
ReplyDeleteOoooh, look at those tails swishing!! I can practically hear them.
ReplyDeleteI just know George will come around - he just hadn't ever considered having a sister before, so it's taking him a bit to get used to the idea. There is probably also a level of jockeying for position, don't you think? Love that Lucy is standing her ground!!!
:-)
For what it is worth department: My advice would be to give ALL your attention to the boys -- and let Lucy just hang out for many days -- no matter how hard that is on you! That is your best chance to nip jealousy in the bud.
ReplyDeleteThat doesn't surprise me, I guess. You are a VERY attentive and affectionate mama, and I can imagine your "kids" don't all want to share. I think once you integrate her into the herd, they will work things out and peace will reign at MSN once again. Herd dynamics are so fascinating and sometimes we have to trust that they will just work it out. He might think she's being given special treatment on the other side of the fence, or he wants to play with her and can't.
ReplyDeleteJust catching up on all the excitement at the 7MSN - congratulations on your new family member - she's adorable! They will all work it out, but it's a good thing that you're keeping Lucy separated for now. I have a feeling that she's going to be Hank's new girlfriend. Isn't it interesting how jealousy is such a basic animal instinct? It's like kids who act out when the new baby comes home from the hospital. I have no doubt that Lucy is going to be the Queen in your pasture.
ReplyDeleteSorry to see George being a butt, but I'm not surprised. Among any group of animals, there's a pecking order. Once they get it all straightened out, peace will be restored. Looks like Lucy will be dominant over George since he backed down when she fought back.
ReplyDeleteThey'll work it out sooner or later. Animals always do.
ReplyDeleteWhat Rebecca2 said is the advice given to people who add a dog or a cat to their packs...
I'm glad you were there to protect her. A bit of jealousy I bet ... hopefully they will all get along fabulously soon.
ReplyDeleteTake back my comment 2 days ago about George being silly and SWEET. Stand your ground Lucy! Look at her ears pinned back against her head when George crossed the(fence)line.... Remember to share your affection with all even though she is new and adorable!
ReplyDeleteNot that I have burros but I agree with Rebecca2. I have used that tact with all of my Saint Bernards and the new one always feels loved by watching the "household" and how it works. The boys just need normality with a side order of the new sister is here to stay. The Olde Bagg, Linda
ReplyDeleteOh no, jealousy in paradise! George probably thinks you should take him and Alan for a walk, too.
ReplyDeleteI always get worried when that behavior is between equines of different genders after the experience I had lossing my mare.
ReplyDeleteTime will sort out the herd dynamics; I think if you treat them all equally it will help them balance out as a herd. They are going to go through the power struggle no matter what you do, and it will all sort out. Makes for some great photos though!
ReplyDeleteYea for girls sticking together.
ReplyDeleteOh, George! Reminds me of introducing a stray, pregnant cat to my old cat boy who had been king of the house for at least 12 years. It was interesting, but they became best of friends. You definitely know what you're doing!!!
ReplyDeleteNancy in Iowa
It's been almost a month, and we're still dealing with these same issues. Horse #1 is well established as herd leader. Our mini donk is next in line. Our next horse feels threatened by the new guy who is perfectly content with being bottom man. Some days are better than others. But we see things are getting better as time passes. They will work it out.
ReplyDeleteYour Little Rascals graphic cracked me up. I hope George simmers down after awhile, little stinker.
ReplyDeleteYikes! George! Egads. I'll be on pins and needles till the next episode! Er... blog post.
ReplyDeleteThat is normal for some donkeys. She the new kid and Mr. G laying out ground rules. Donkeys have pecking orders just like horses, so no matter how much time passes with a fence between and things seem okay. Once removed you'll have fits, kicking it.
ReplyDeleteWhat I have found is when that behavior happens while i am in the pen, i correct the offender. Pinning ears is okay..but nothing else is after that while in the pen. Your going to find your self in a mini battle field, just stick to what you want and things will work out!