Donkey Care

Buying and Keeping a Donkey

Buying a donkey is a long term commitment as they can live up to 40 years.  Here are some tips to help you decide wether a donkey is suitable for you and your family or not.  

Choosing the Right Donkey

You will need to think about what type of donkey you want, what size and which gender. Jennies (females) and geldings (castrated males) - make equally good pets, with geldings being rather more outgoing and willing if you wish to ride or drive. Uncastrated males – stallions (jacks) and colts - are not suitable as domestic pets and should be handled by breeders only as they are extremely strong and can be unpredictable around jennies.  

Housing

Half an acre per animal is preferred and electric fencing is the most effective means of keeping your donkey where he should be. Donkeys are quite happy in the dry hot weather of summer and autumn, but require shelter against the cold and the rain. Most donkeys do not require a rug like horses, unless they are old or unwell.

Feeding 

It is important to know that a donkey is NOT a horse and their diet differs from their equine  cousins.  Donkeys should be allowed to graze on good pasture.  However donkeys sometimes require supplementary feeding.  They enjoy Bran, wheaten or oaten chaff, crushed barley, lucerne chaff and straw.  Grains should be avoided in large quantities, and high protein foods such as processed equine pellets, which can cause colic. As with all animals, donkeys require a constant supply of clean, fresh water clean troughs or containers.

Companionship
Ideally your donkey should have company of its own kind but where this is not possible, a horse, goat or alpaca will soon become your donkey’s best friend.

Health Care

You will need to enlist the services of a farrier and veterinary surgeon willing and able to look after your donkey.  Donkeys need regular hoof trimming and annual vaccinations against both Strangles and Tetanus. Donkeys also require regular drenching to protect against parasites.

And Finally........

Remember a donkey is a lifetime commitment, so when choosing your donkey take the time to get to know these affectionate, amazing animals.  Your Irish donkey only needs the above points and lots and lots of cuddles, and he will love you unconditionally in  return.  You are always welcome to visit us and see just how rewarding  owning one of these endearing equines  is.