miniature donkeys

    Donkeys are easy to care for, especially compared to larger animals, but they should never be neglected. That's why we like to help new donkey owners get at least a basic understanding of donkey care. Donkeys may be used for a variety of tasks, or just as pets, but they ALWAYS need basic care. Here is an outline of the care program we encourage.

• Feed about 1/2 flake of good quality coastal hay morning and evening per animal when grass is not abundant.
• Feed pregnant and lactating moms from 2 to 4 lbs. per day (divide into 2 or 3 feedings) of a good quality balanced feed such as Omalene 200 or Strategy. Feed young donkeys about the same. Gelding and mature jacks usually don't need more than 2 lbs. per day (divide into 2 or 3 feedings). You must use your judgement according to the INDIVIDUAL weight of the animal. Please contact me for more discussion on this subject if you are not sure about the weight of your animal. We use a regular green bean can as a feed measurer, but some feed weighs more than other feeds. One green bean can of Strategy weighs about 1 lb.
• DO NOT OVERFEED! DO NOT UNDERFEED! This can be difficult at first, but don't give up. If you are not sure, please seek advice from a professional.
• A mineral supplement must be available at all times. Since miniature donkeys can easily be overfed, they often do not get enough minerals in their meager rations. Minerals can be provided in the form of a lick or loose minerals that can be offered free choice or used as a top dressing. I use both forms of minerals in order to make sure all my donkeys get some form of them.
• Fresh, clean water must be provided at all times. Donkeys don't like dirty or hot water. They also don't like freezing cold water!
• Trim hooves as needed, usually about every two months. You can learn to do this yourself, but it must not be neglected.
• De-worm every other month alternating between an ivermectin product such as Zimecterin and a fenbendazole product such as Safeguard or Panacur.
• Keep pastures, paddocks and stalls clean to control parasites.
• Vaccinate in the spring and fall for Influenza, Rhinopheumonitis, Eastern, Western, Venezualan and West Nile Encephalomalitis and Strangles. Rabies and Tetanus should be given once a year. This routine can vary according to exposure. Check with your veterinarian for professional advice on vaccinations.
• Lots of people ask me about flies. If a donkey has a full coat, flies don't usually bother them too much. We do have problems with flies on their legs in the spring. We use a salve called "Swat" and cover the areas where the flies are picking on them about twice a week. We also use equine fly spray on our clipped donkeys when it is necessary.

Some Frequently Asked Questions:

    Do donkeys need to be clipped? No, only if you show them or you just want  to.

    Can I bathe my donkey? Yes you can. Most donkeys learn to enjoy a bath every now and then. It helps to use warm water! It is not a necessary part of grooming but it will make their hair look nice. We bathe our show donkeys often. Donkeys do love to be brushed often.

    Can I keep my jack with my jennets? This depends on the jack. If you own a jack and you are not sure...you probably need to contact me and we can discuss this.

    Can't I just de-worm once a year? De-worming is one of the most important health care and prevention services you can supply to your donkeys. Do not let your guard down on this one. Don't just take my word for it.....talk to your veterinarian.

    When can donkey foals be weaned? We wean between 4 and 6 months depending on how well the foal is eating concentrates and the condition of the mother.

    Can I use pesticides such as ant poison in my donkey paddocks? We strongly suggest you do not do this. We keep our pastures as natural and clean as possible. If you do choose to use a product to control ants, please make sure it is safe for animals. There are products that work well, but will not poison your donkeys.

    Can't my donkeys just live on grass or grass and oats?  We feed high quality feed because grass and hay just does not contain enough nutrients for equine even if it is fertilized. We actually find our donkeys get too fat on grass and have to move them to smaller pastures, but this does not mean they are getting the nutrients they need,  just too many calories.

    Caring for you donkeys doesn't take a lot of time or money, but it will really pay off in the long run with health benefits and overall well being. Please call or e-mail us with any questions you may have about donkey care. If we don't know the answers, we will help you find them!

for more information please contact:

Ken and Jeannie Richards

2768 CR 106, Columbus, TX  78934

(979)732-7097

heavenlydonkeys@aol.com