“ The hobby farm life is relatively novel to me , ” say Michelle Aguilera . She left what she call a “ mentally exhausting ” lifestyle in Charleston , South Carolina , to found the Stone House Mini Donkeys farm in Oregon in 2015 .
“ I want a simpler life history for my family , ” Aguilera explain . “ One that include being out of doors more and working alongside one another . ”
Since espouse a farm - focussed room of animation , Aguilera has choose to make miniature Mediterranean donkeys an integral part of her homestead . And her charming drove have subsequently become hits on thesocial spiritualist circumference .
We spoke to Aguilera about becoming smitten with miniature donkey and their emotional needs . We also got into the benefit of a hardworking but slower - paced lifestyle .
Meeting Miniature Donkeys
A mail share by Michelle Aguilera ( @stonehouseminidonkeys )
Back in 2013 , Aguilera adventure across a couple of miniature donkey at a state fair . “ I fell in love with them instantly , ” she recalls . “ I was absorb to their soulful eyes . ”
After move to Oregon in 2015 , Aguilera correct about tote up miniature donkeys to her own land . She made the animate being a focus of her family ’s farm .
understand more : Goat Glamping and miniature donkeys wizard at Honey Blom Farms .
Building up Donkey Trust
“ Miniature Equus asinus will follow you everywhere and lust your affection but only after you have gained their cartel , ” say Aguilera when take about the temperament of the animals .
She sum up that to date she has have and rescue 17 donkey and notice that “ they have all required lovemaking , time and infinite in order of magnitude to trust and experience safe . ”
A Bray and a Cute Stare Down
When it do to the personality of her miniature donkey , Aguilera says that “ they easily let you know how they ’re feel and what they need . ” She add together that her Equus asinus are “ always excited to see you and will run to recognize you . ”
Just do n’t forget the dinner docket : “ donkey are very aware of feeding times and are quick to cue you with a bray or cute stare down if you are a few minutes late . ”
Read more : What do new owners take to know about donkey health ?
Craving Attention and Affection
On a twenty-four hours - to - mean solar day basis , Aguilera says that one of the challenges to raising miniature donkeys is “ finding the time to give them the attention and affection they take for thrive . ”
In Aguilera ’s experience , it ’s best to do this while cleaning the stalls , during feeding clock time or via a grooming sitting . Once you ’ve made clock time to lavish the donkeys with affection , they ’re probable to “ return it tenfold . ”
Slowing Down to Get Closer
“ Hobby farm biography has meant more to my family than we could have ever imagined , ” says Aguilera , ponder on the benefit her life style change has brought about .
“ Yes , it is a lot of hard study , but it has slowed down life for us and I believe we are closer for it . We work on with each other for the betterment of the donkey and enjoy see them thrive on our farm . We have a sensation of pride in what we have built and in giving them a base in which they can grow and be happy .
“ I trust that donkeys are fantastically soulful and to have a relationship with one is simply amazing ! ”
