Feeding and Care of Donkey and Mules

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Hello donkey lovers,

We have had donkeys in our life since 2007. All of them live in their forever homes along with two horses. Caring for the desert equine while living in the green Pacific Northwest takes a bit of research and planning.

What do we feed our donkeys?

All of our donkeys are fed tested low-sugar protein hay with portion control using the Hay Pillow. They are given loose salt with minerals and selenium, as we do not have selenium in our hay. They are not given vitamins, as vitamins make donkeys sick. Rocket Man, a miniature donkey, is thirty years old and a geriatric donkey. He has no working teeth, as most have been pulled. Rocket Man needs senior care. He eats Standlee Hay Pellets made into a mash twice a day.

Grazing is limited. Grazing and eating off a round bale, brush, or grass for unlimited amounts of time will cause hoof abscesses and obesity in donkeys. Five donkeys and two horses get to graze for two hours in the center of the track between 6:00am and 11:00am, as the sugar NCS is the lowest in the morning, except Rocket Man. He never gets to graze as he will choke, having no working teeth.

Please read Donkey Diet Consider A Track

This is a free online study program by Dr. Andy K. McLean that explains the anatomy of the donkey and includes some work on mules.

This is an excellent program explaining the differences between donkeys, mules, and horses. Dr. McLean, DVM, explains clearly why we must be so very careful with feeding our donkeys and mules to ensure they are not obese. We must ensure we do not cut feed back to fast, small meals. She explains the body temperature, vitals, and how to give pain medication compared to a horse. 

Most importantly, she explains how efficient the donkey and mule are with food. She also explains body scoring, physical anatomy differences, and much, much more. This is absolutely the best medical information I have found to date.

Enjoy!

Melody Johnson

Donkey Whisperer Farm ®

14 thoughts on “Feeding and Care of Donkey and Mules”

  1. Oh I LOVE your blog! We have two mules, Belgian draft that my husband broke to ride (lol, which I can only do if hubby lifts me up on mine). They are a matching set, brother and sister named Red & Minnie (respectively).

    1. Thank you for reading my blog and taking a moment to connect with me. I am going to check your blog out would love to share some photos of your mules and horse if you are willing send them to me and a short story on how they came into your life. Melody

      1. Sure! Unfortunately my horse, Jeb, passed away last winter (old age, he was 27!). He lived a good, sweet life. If you’ll give me your email I’ll gather some pics & send you something.

    1. Thank you so very much! I love all the animals in our world but the donkey and mule has captivated my heart so deeply. They are the most abused of all equine and mis-understood. I love horses too and own two at this time, horses dream to be trained the way donkeys demand to be trained. Nice to meet yo and thank you for reading my blog and taking a moment to comment. Melody

    1. I am not a vet. I can help you if you would like to work with me go to http://www.donkeywhisper.com first 1/2 hour is free for a consultation of a paying customer. Donkeys self mutilate this time of the year during the dark and wet times not surew why but they just do. Hope this helps. Lot’s of things you can do to help the itching. If you want my help let me know.

      Melody

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