How to Make a Donkey Jack Gain Weight
Unlike horses, jack donkeys cannot tolerate a lot of protein or fat in their diets without becoming ill, therefore except in extreme cases; grain is not recommended. Donkeys are also at a much higher risk of founder then most horse breeds, making it imperative to make all feed changes slowly. If you use your jack donkey to breed, start increasing his feed before breeding season as jack donkeys tend to lose weight during the breeding season.
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Instructions
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Allow the jack donkey to have access to grass pasture. Gradually increase the donkey's time on the pasture by 15-20 minutes each day. Total time on pasture should be 6-7 hours a day.
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Increase the amount of hay the donkey is fed by gradual increments each week. For example: If the donkey is being fed 2 pounds of hay per day, increase it to 2 1/2 pounds for the first week and then 3 pounds the following week. Continue increasing the hay until you see the jack gain and maintain its weight.
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Free choice feed hay to the jack donkey once he has become accustomed to the increase in hay. Leave fresh piles of hay out 4 times per day so that he can graze continually.
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Schedule an equine dentist to do a dental examination on your donkey. If the jack donkey has not had his teeth floated recently, this can cause the donkey to chew his feed incorrectly and prevent him from gaining weight.
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Tips & Warnings
Try to purchase the freshest second and third cut hay available. First cut grass hay is not as nutritious as second and third cut hay.
All feed changes must be made slowly.
Fresh clean water should be made available to your donkey at all times.
Never feed a donkey moldy hay.
References
Resources
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