Book for free. Donkeys love grass. There are more than 200 different species, and they can be found from Mexico to Southern Canada, and from the east coast of the United States as far west as New Mexico. See our factsheet on, Do not feed sugary treats. The donkeys heightened ability to digest low-quality forage has been likened to that of a goat. Read more of our frequently asked questions. Make up the remainder of their diet with hay or haylage, or restricted grazing. If you’ve kept to one or two a day it’s fine as a treat. The best way to clean donkeys is to brush … When feeding donkeys, consult your veterinarian or equine nutritionist. While pasture can supply all of your donkey's needs in warm weather, keep him off lush grass. Provide aid-lib barley straw. Most major feed companies have an equine nutritionist on … See. Feeding. Book for free. Make sure any supplementary feeds are high in fibre, low in calories, and suitable for laminitics. Me and one of my “aww” moments at Donkey… If your donkey has no dental problems, feed a diet of 75% straw in summer and 50% straw in winter. Do not restrict your donkey’s total food intake to encourage weight loss. The actual animal does not smell. Therefore, it may be necessary to remove all harnessing depending on individual donkey's preferences. Blister beetlescontain cantharidin, a toxic substance that is used as a defense mechanism against predators. Have extra funds set aside for health care. Thy have specific breeding for the food use. Donkeys Are the Philosophers of the Equine World. Onions, leeks, garlic, cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower), anything from the nightshade family (potatoes, tomatoes, peppers, aubergine), stoned fruit and chocolate are also to be avoided. Donkeys and mules that are not doing any work should be able to meet all of their nutrient requirements from good grass hay fed at a rate of 1.5% of BW and a low intake ration balancer pellet such as LMF Super Supplement G. If the donkey or mule is overweight then this amount should be decreased to 1.2% of BW. They have a very good digestive system that will turn their food into fat. During the rest period, the animals should be offered water and a little feed. Donkeys should be allowed to rest between long working hours. A donkey will tend to lie down more than usual or adopt subtle weight shifting as it stands. What you need to be prepared for if you rescue a donkey from a feedlot/meat pen situation: A quarantine area. Feeding Sick Donkeys Lack of appetite is one of the most common signs that a donkey is ill. Donkeys are naturally very stoic and do not show such overt signs of pain as other equines, often the first sign of a problem is For advice on the welfare and management of donkeys please contact The Donkey Sanctuary Tel: 01395 578222 Here’s our list of foods that can be harmful to your donkey. Donkeys do best on high fiber – low protein hay. Always ensure that donkeys have access to fresh clean water and an equine specific mineral lick if not being fed a vitamin and mineral supplement/balancer. We often get asked about feeding straw and other forages. The following is basic feeding advice for normal, healthy animals, if you require more specialist advice eg geriatric animals please contact us for further information. Planning a visit to Sidmouth between 19 Dec and 4 Jan? What to feed your donkeys. Most donkeys do not require this supplementation with the high fiber cubes. 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