In my opinion, a mule is not as effective a guard animal as a donkey. A donkey will bray at EVERYTHING, and stomp the life out of it if it's unfamiliar. That of course has it's drawbacks too, especially if you have neighbors. Mules tend to be more laid back in my experience, and quieter. No rat will live long where a donkey has free range though.
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Thanks Silverwolf! That's the sort of advice I was hoping for. Our neighbors are one of the reasons I'm looking at protection animals... they keep acquiring large poorly trained dogs and it's making me nervous. We also have coyotes to worry about.
You're familiar with the term The three S's ?
Shoot, Shovel & Shut-up! ( eliminate the problem at the source )
Yah, that would help with the neighbor situation but there's seemingly an unlimited supply of coyote.
Another question on Donkeys and Mules, since the subject was broached... which of the two are more likely to be receptive to extra-species "advances" ?
Thanks Caikgoch! I will probably go with a jenny donkey for lower potential aggression towards my flock, as well as the fact that I like the ladies.
I'll admit that I'm no expert, but I've heard that llamas are decent flock guardians. I do know for sure that they're NOT fond of dogs. Unwelcome neighbor dogs and probably coyotes would likely get kicked and/or stomped. I suspect llamas and their kin are rather expensive, though.