Morning Bray Farm

It finally happened yesterday. We really touched Nigel for the first time.

Thanks to Sam’s mom, Linda, we ordered a DVD from Longhopes Donkey Shelter called Matching Wits with Donkeys. By following the techniques demonstrated in the video – all towards building trust and confidence – Don was able to touch and hug Nigel after working with him for several hours yesterday morning.

More or less, the technique involved putting Nigel into an enclosed area by himself, then approaching Nigel on his terms. Don walked with Nigel when Nigel walked, and stopped when Nigel stopped… getting a little closer each time… backing off when Nigel flinched. Finally, Don was able to touch him. Don discovered Nigel’s “safe spot” over by the shed (a.k.a. future chicken coop), where Nigel would allow Don to pet him… and when Nigel backed off, Don would let him go. Don spent all morning building Nigel’s trust, and in the end, every second was worth it.

For me, coming home from my riding lesson and being able to really touch Nigel for the first time was quite surreal.

And then, of course, I had to brush him.

There’s still a lot more work for us to do with Nigel, but we’re finally over the bump in the road. ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

We know that all of our critters thrive on routine. Each morning, the boys get two baby carrots each after they’ve touched their nose to my hand. While distributing their yummy treats, I’ve been sneaking soft touches on Nigel’s forehead. I think at first he may not have realized I was touching him… perhaps because he was so focused on the delicious, crunchy par-tay in his mouth.

Over the past week, I’ve become more assertive about touching Nigel… the touches have turned from gentle, barely touches to full on scritches that I give to the other boys. I think he’s been okay with that for two reasons: 1) there’s a fence between me and him; and 2) he’s in the midst of a crowd.

I’ve also noticed that as we stand around their feed tub, it used to be that Nigel was okay standing there with Don or me as long as there was another donkey between Nigel and me or Don. Lately, Nigel’s been okay without the donkey barrier… just as long as we don’t try to reach out for him. That’s progress too.

Each day at lunchtime, I cut up one granny smith apple to share between the goats, sheep and donkeys. I’ve been sneaking Nigel scritches then too. Yesterday, when I moved my hand from Nigel’s forehead to his cheek, he was okay with it!

And that’s progress too! Just look at how calm he is. Woot-woot! ♥

 You’re so close, sweet boy! We know you can do it. ♥