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