Donkeys! A quick question!

[Knock Kneed Hen]

I really enjoyed reading your posts nok13. I'll add, because your donkeys are not living in the dry desert, you'll need to have a farrier come out and trim their feet every 8 weeks. I have a vet come out once a year to do vaccines, give them an exam and float their teeth it necessary. You also want to have at least a mineral salt block available for them. Some recommend loose salt, but mine use the lick just fine. If they're out on pasture you definitely want to put them on a regular deworming schedule. I feed mine Bermuda grass and give them a low starch pellet that has minerals and vitamins. I also give mine a hoof supplement.

Donkeys are very gentle, want to please, and enjoy your company. They will rest their head on your back while you're cleaning their feet or grooming them. This is what they do with each other in the herd. They accept you. It may take a while to earn your trust enough to mess with their ears. I check my donkeys ears regularly. Flies and gnats like to bite the inside of them so in the spring and summer I use Farnum's wipe in their ears and front legs especially. For some reason, flies really like the front legs of donkeys.

Donkeys don't like dogs and can kill them by stomping on them. Same for chickens. Be careful especially if you have small dogs or young dogs. The dogs will eventually learn to stay clear of the donkeys. An exception is my Basset Hound that gets so intent on a scent that she doesn't pay attention to what's going on around her. She is now on a leash out on the property.

Donkeys are very much like big puppy dogs. They enjoy your attention and will seek you out. They have a lot of personality and generally aren't mean. You can't make them do anything, but if you forge a good relationship based on trust your donkeys will want to do anything you ask of them. Enjoy them, and share some pictures!

 

[StelleKitten]

i haven't figured out what causes the head tossing. she does it even when I'm not near get but in her sight. i have a mineral block out there for them and i have about 3 acres for just the two of them. i supplement what they feed on. the pasture used to be an old riding . so it is divided up and they can go to different areas. w have a three walled shelter for them. there is an old concrete foundation that rises up for then to stand on. it is in really good shape. i have started a hide the carrot game. i hide a carrot while I'm walking around and they get to find it. i started of really obvious so they could figure out the game.