Your Donkey
Donkeys at Donegal Sanctuary
A donkey needs
- Companionship - to be with other donkeys or ponies and people. They can be noisy when deprived of a companion
- A net inside a field shelter or stable containing a mix of hay and barley straw and occasionally an apple or a carrot to eat.
- A salt/mineral lick
- Concentrates (high energy food enriched with minerals and vitamins)
- A constant supply of fresh clean water
- A hectare of pasture, preferably divided
- Pasture that is well-managed and kept clear of poisonous plants (especially Ragwort)
- Grassland that has good secure boundaries
- A draughtproof shelter of stable with straw for bedding
- To be kept warm and dry
- Daily exercise
- Gentle regular grooming, particularly
- Its feet to be picked out each day (removal of grit and stones)
- Visits from the farrier for hoof trimming every four to eight weeks
- Worming several times a year
- Routine vaccinations and teeth trimming if required
- Careful and sensitive handling
- To be under the care of a veterinary surgeon
- Your time and interest for the rest of its life.
General Care
Lifespan
Up to 30 years (but may be longer)
Sexually mature
Jennies (females) - 18 months
Jacks (males) - 6 - 12 months
Every three weeks for 5 - 7 days
Gestation (Length of pregnancy)
10 - 14 months
Number of offspring
One
Handling
Donkeys need to be approached cautiously. Approach from the head and speak as you do. Donkeys enjoy being groomed and gentle handling. Sudden noises upset donkeys.
Companionship
Donkeys are friendly animals and will be unhappy if kept alone. A pony or goat may make a suitable friend. Human companionship is also needed.
Health problems
Lice
Infected donkeys will rub themselves vigorously on gates and fence posts. Seek advice from your veterinary surgeon.
Mud fever
Caused by constant exposure to wet weather. Occurs mostly on the ears, nose and lower forelegs. Seek advice from a veterinary surgeon.
Sweet itch
A kind of eczema. The symptoms are a badly rubbed mane and tail. Seek veterinary advice.
Intestinal worms
Almost all donkeys will pick up worms and need regular worming.
Scouring (diarrhoea)
Can be caused by dietary changes and worms. Seek advice from a veterinary surgeon.
Colic
Stomach pain often due to indigestion. A donkey will kick at its stomach. It can be fatal, so consult a veterinary surgeon.
Hyperlipaemia
The most common killer disease of donkeys, associated with stress and obesity. Consult your veterinary surgeon straightaway if the donkey is off its food, uncomfortable and standing over a water trough but not drinking.
Remember if your pet is showing unusual symptoms bring it to your local vet
Pet Care
