Donkey Care

****Shelter****
Donkeys need to have shelter from rain, wind and heat.  A nice shed, barn is perfect, if this is not possible a  paddock with hedge, trees is the next best thing. Donkeys who don’t have a barn, could do with a nice winter rug.  I think donkeys that have a choice of a barn don’t necessarily  need a coat, as a donkey is not a stupid creature, if he is cold  he will use his barn.  

****Teeth****
Donkeys need a annual teeth check by a equine dentist.  This can be done from the age of three years.

****Vaccination****
Donkeys need annual vaccination of  2 in1 tetanus and strangles.  Also  they need to be wormed every 6-8 weeks.

****Lovely Feet****
Donkeys need to have their feet cared for by a farrier.  It needs to be done around every 8 to12 weeks, donkeys with a larger foot may need a trim more often than a donkey with a  smaller foot, as they seem to grow faster.  Please have your donkey ready for the farrier with halter and lead,  make him a cup of tea, because believe me,  it is  hard to find  a farrier that doesn’t snort  at the thought of  doing donkeys feet!  So if you find a  good one don’t let him  go!  A good farrier will inform you of any problems and will  have good  advice to treat the problem.

****Water****
Donkeys will say "yuck,yuck,yuck" to smelly, slimy water  they would much rather dehydrate themselves then drink unclean water.

1/4 biscuit of hay
Large scoop oaten chaff
Large scoop  molasses chaff
1 teaspoon of  dolomite {calcium}
Small handful of  black sunflower 

This is what works for me, of course ingredients maybe added or taken out in different situations, sick, under weight, pregnant, over weight etc.  Its best to keep it simple, you must always keep an eye on your donkey to  see if he is happy and of a healthy weight.

****Treats****
My donkeys love to eat baby carrots with the green tops. Also  they love to lick sticky, gooey molasses from a bucket, or you can  pour it on some hay, it is quiet funny as it does have what i call the "Lamington affect" on their noses, as the hay will stick to the sticky molasses.