Donkeys are not horses with long ears. Donkeys evolved from the desert, meaning caring for a donkey can be more difficult than a horse or not. Depending on the part of the world you live in owning donkeys can be easy or difficult. Donkeys diet must be seriously low in sugar/protein. Clean water is a must. Shelter is a must too, and one more thing; make sure if you have more than one donkey you have a big enough shelter and enough of them. The leader or bully will kick all the other equine out. Donkeys will choose a safe shelter in time. Due to the donkeys thick fur staying wet can cause serious health issues.

Donkeys are like potato chips we humans can’t resist bringing home lots of donkeys. Donkeys live a healthier life physically and emotionally with their own species and it is easier to keep the weight off.

Donkeys require a hoof trim every six weeks in the spring and summer and seven weeks in the fall and winter. The hoof growth speeds up in warmer climates. If your donkey is walking and running on 100 acres of Arizona desert, the trim schedule may be longer.

Looking For Donkey Hay

Ask your hay vendor for laminitic hay for horses. This hay will be low in sugar and protein. Hay must be clean and not moldy. A slow feeder will help your donkey with boredom. Slow down the meal process and keep your donkey healthy. Do not feed your donkey free hay in a round bale as the donkey will eat all day and all night. Sadly, many people think this is safe for the donkey. The donkey will become obese and develop life threatening health issues. Donkeys need two meals a day.

Water

Donkeys are picky. Donkeys must have clean water. Donkeys prefer clean warm water in the winter. Remember to give free salt. Donkeys need salt. The color of your water bucket may or may not be an issue. If your donkey refuses to drink from a bucket try another color or texture. Seriously! Donkeys evolved from the desert. Donkeys are seriously into self-preservation.

Resource: Safergrass.org

Pasture

Make your dry paddock/pasture a full-time living arrangement. Let your donkeys out to graze and get exercise a few times a week in the morning. Before 10:00am the sugar content is lower. Help your donkey get exercise. Take your donkey for walks, train to pull a cart, donkey agility. Both you and your donkey can get fit together.

Donkeys Are Smart

If you would like to learn how to train your donkey take a look at Donkey 101 & 102 Video On Demand. Take Melody Johnson, Donkey Behaviorist to the farm with you. Learn how to lead your donkey. Forget trying to bribe your donkey or hurt your donkey. These techniques will never work long-term. Donkeys have unique heads. Take a look at the Donkey Whisperer Farm “DONKEY HALTER/LEAD LINES”. Each halter/lead line is made with quality soft yacht rope to stop mold and frail. Made to fit your donkey’s head not the horse. The Donkey Whisperer Farm Ships Internationally. Ask us for a quote to ship to your farm outside of the U.S.A. at INFO@DONKEYWHISPERER.COM enjoy your life! Enjoy your donkey!