How to Care for Donkeys
Donkeys are a type of equine and are cousins to horses. They are affectionate and fairly easy to care for, although they can be quite strong-willed and stubborn. With proper health care and maintenance, they can live for 25 to 30 years. Because they're friendly and easy to maintain, donkeys are easy to keep and make good pets for families that have room for livestock.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Donkeys form close attachments to humans and other donkeys. If you're going to raise donkeys, do so in groups: Donkeys that are alone can become lonely and depressed.
-
2
Give your donkeys plenty of open space for exercise, and shelter from rain, wind and snow. The best setup is a barn enclosure attached to a large pasture.
-
-
3
Donkeys eat the same food as their larger equine cousins. Feed them alfalfa, bermuda, orchard grass, or timothy hay in flakes or pellets, and make sure they have a constant source of clean water available. Please note, horses and donkeys prone to colic should not eat alfalfa or bermuda hay. Always check with your vet in regard to feed questions.
-
4
Clean the donkeys' enclosure consistently, to keep the donkeys clean and healthy. This will also keep your barn area cleaner, smelling fresher, and freer of flies.
-
5
Deworm your donkeys regularly, using a standard equine dewormer (available at most feed stores).
-
6
Groom your donkeys at least a couple times a week, using brushes and combs. This will keep your donkeys clean and mentally stimulated--they will enjoy the human contact. Make sure you have contact with your donkeys every day, be it grooming, games or otherwise.
-
7
Have your donkeys' feet trimmed by a professional farrier every six weeks or so. If the donkeys' feet get too long, they will crack and might cause injury.
-
8
Donkeys require vaccinations just like all other equines. Have your donkeys vaccinated once a year, per your vet's instructions.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Donkeys make great pets for kids, elderly people and the handicapped. Donkeys can be ridden like horses.
Donkeys chew fences and vegetation. Protect any plants with metal fencing. Never feed donkeys cattle feed. It will harm their digestive systems.
References
More Like This
Comments
-
heykapo
Aug 05, 2010
Keeping a donkey exercised will wear down the hooves nicely. They really shouldn't carry more than 80 pounds. Alfalfa contains too much protein for donkeys. And they really shouldn't carry anything at all until they are over 4 years old, because their knees develop slowly. The author is correct in advising not to keep a donkey alone. A lonesome donkey is just pathetic.
