>>57467yeah, we have two donkeys. but too old to do any work.
I think it could work, they do not require much. ours are out in the pasture all year, ecxept for some heavy winter days (aka below 25, this is Texas after all).
They are stubborn though... I know its a stereotype but its still true.
If I would have to chose one draft animal it would probably chose an Ox. specifically an Ox team.
A Team are tow Oxen that have been training together since birth (or about 6 month of age). They are a team, though; you cannot use just one, or even just have them switch sides. If one dies and the other is still around you have to replace the dead one with another Ox that has been trained at the same side. They also require a lot of training in the first 2 years or so.
But, you get a lot of 'power' per lb of feed, they rarely get sick, need practically no training after the 4th year, and are strong as an ... well Ox.
But they do not beat a small tractor.
animal gets sick = it needs a vet NOW, not when you can best afford it,
tractor brakes down = get a mechanic when you can, or fix it yourself
animal does not work in winter = still needs feed, makes manure, and needs a warm place to stay.
tractor in winter = no use mean no costs, if you are sure you will not use it for a few months, drain the gas (o add stabilizer)
animal breaks a leg = most ofter means dead or useless animal, if it can be fixed, its out for a year or so and needs retraining
tire blows = buy new tires, back in the game in 1 hours if you have a spare one.
I could go on, but there is a reason why barely anyone is using draft animals anymore.
