Donkeys evolved from the desert. Their gift is to survive on low-sugar and protein forage and use every calorie. Donkeys are stronger than horses the same size. They have pointy hooves made to survive in dry climates with rocks. Donkeys’ long ears are made to hear their donkey buddy up to 60 miles away in the desert and to cool them down in the desert heat.
Donkeys living in the U.S.A. are being overfed and fed the wrong foods. Nothing can be done to repair the neck once the neck crest (fat) breaks over the neck. Insulin resistance, laminitis, hoof abscesses, white line disease, hyperlipidemia (fat in the blood), and soon death. The good news is that the donkey can live a healthy life with diet and exercise.
Do not starve a donkey trying to lose weight. Tested hay in a slow feeder with portion control works best @haypillowinc
What can I do to help my obese donkey? Just like humans, diet and exercise changes everything in most cases. Test your hay at equine analytical labs in the USA to ensure 10% or lower sugar and protein intake. No grain, no sweet feed, no oats, no vitamins give salt with minerals, no bread, beet pulp, or human snacks. Limit time grazing on pastures and brush. Diarrhea is a sign of too-rich foods along with stress. A safe treat is a bite of a carrot. If you can’t find low-sugar/protein hay, remember you can soak it to remove sugar.
Donkey halter made to fit a donkey, not a horse:
Order adjustable premium soft yacht rope halters with matching lead lines that fit a miniature, burro, or standard donkey. You can also build a halter to measure the hit for a custom fit for any equine.
Exercise & Diet:
Create a donkey track connected to the shelter and dry paddock for clean water, salt, and portion control with a slow feeder. Remember, portion control is important; no big round bales of hay eating full-time 24×7. Do not let your donkey graze on pasture and brush.
If you would like to learn how to set up your farm for desert equine, sign up in my store under Donkey Trainer for a consultation.
Melody Johnson
