My 7 yr old's B Day present...............

[helmstead]

With foals, I do milk pellets until about 3 months, then start adding in a pelleted ration and gradually wean them off the milk pellets by 6 months. Foal ration should be 16% protein, high in fat and made specifically for growing foals/broodmares. I do that for the first year, plus good alfalfa hay. Also, perhaps get him on Grow Foal or a similar foal supplement.

You are going to have a pocket donkey! Congrats again.

 

[texaschickmama]

I have read that donkies are not supposed to be on a high protein feed. Also, never to feed alfalfa hay-- grass hays are the best for them. I will make sure with my vet. Thanks again for giving me a great idea. He already is a pocket donkey. But I also know the "jack" reputation so I don't want that. He will be handled daily and has been for a couple hours a day. He seems to love it. He has tried to go "jackass" on my son once, he was testing him. He is a really smart little thing. Great fun.

 

[helmstead]

Yeah my vet warned me away from high protein too - but for an adult donkey. I would think growing requirements would be similar for babies of both species, but it is wise to ask...

My jack is a love. He's great with our kids, too. He was handled, like yours will be, with kids from day one by his original owners and I think it made all the difference. He knows if someone (like my DH LOL) is a pushover...but he's very nonchalant about it all.

 

[horsejody]

That is too young. The person that sold him to you should know better, or he should get out of the donkey business. Make sure he has a pasture mate. Pasture mates are not just for companionship. They teach young equines important lessons on behaviour. They teach them about herd hierarchy, respecting space, discipline, etc. I have some experience in rehabbing horses that were taken from their mothers too soon and raised by humans. They easily become spoiled and dangerous. Just as a mother dog teaches a puppy things like bite restraint, an equine mother teaches her babies to not be too pushy. They become large animals that will walk right into and over a human without this basic lesson. Your donkey might not get very big, so it may not be as much of an issue. I would highly recommend that he have an older, gentle pasture companion to teach him. Donkeys can be obstinate. The little baby might be cute now if he comes up and leans on you. However, an obstinate bratty adult that literally pushes you and your kids out of the way can be dangerous.

 

[texaschickmama]

I went to the feed store and got him some calf manna pellets. I sprinkled half a coffe cup full on top of his sweet feed, boy did he eat it up. It made me feel a little better.

The only pasture mates he has is a charlois steer (that goes in the freezer late Spring) and a Jersey heifer that we will breed in a month or so.

I am teaching him manners right now. I want him to know that I am the boss. Thanks for all the advice. I know how dangerous a donkey can be if not properly trained and socialized and CUT.

 

[Florida chick]

This is a huge reason people buying any kind of Equine should do their homework. I fear your going to have MAJOR issues with him. I can't believe he doesn't have the runs already. Equines need other equines, he is not going to know how to act at all without adult equines around. He was weaned at least 4 months too early. I feel very badly for the lil guy. You need Milk replacer pellets and you need to not mix them with the sweet feed until he gets used to it. You will also need to soften the grains with Hot water and let it get luke warm before serving. He can end up with an impaction colic or choke. He is NOT ready to be on hard grains as a primary feed source. I would also offer free choice grass hay 24/7 He will also need a "free Balance" type salt/mineral lick or mixed in his feed. I would be watching him like a hawk you can lose him in a heartbeat. goodluck and please email me if I can help/.

 

[helmstead]

Easy there, guys. She's trying to do the right thing, no need to throw every complication at her.

I think he will be ok. I've had to wean horse foals as early as 3 months due to abusive mares and they were fine. I would bet the sweet feed was started at his 'breeder's' farm, so it is probably something he's been nibbling at already.

Yes, shame on the breeder...but not on the buyer. I'm sure all of us at one time or another have jumped into something feet first, trusted the advice of someone who knew more than we did and been burned a little.

 

[EllyMae]

Quote:
That was very nicely said. Hang in there texaschickmama!

give your donkey baby a hug from me!

 

[antiquebuff]

Enjoy him, but watch him closely. We have two young donkeys and they were with their Moms for 5 months. You know what to look for and that is good!

 

[andehens]

well said Helmsted!
Texaschickmama, hes a doll baby! You will learn as you go, for what ever reason over the years I have been blessed (or not) with young foals, my now 10 year old mule is one of them. Good luck and read and listen, not all "experts" really are, but you knew that! I would have had to take him home too!!!!!!!
I hope we'll see you at Bishop Mule Days some year!!