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