Patrons: Barbara & Bill McGillivray
Caring for Donkeys
This is only a very basic fact sheet on caring for your donkeys. Remember before you purchase your donkey's that you will have to buy them for the job that you require them to do i.e.: Riding, working, showing or just for a pet.
The Donkeys origin is from North Africa and the Indian continents and that their long woolly coats are not waterproof. These guidance pages are for people intending to acquire a donkey or who already own a donkey .The fact sheet is based on our own experiences.
Please give a great deal of thought before you acquire your donkeys, they are not lawn mowers to keep the grass down in the orchard like some people might think, but they need extra care and attention, even more than a horse or a pony and are a commitment for 365 days of the year including Christmas and Easter. Also remember before you commit yourself that if you go away on holiday then you will have to make arrangements for someone to look after your donkeys, someone who will have the knowledge and the time. If you go out to work full time then you will have to see to your donkeys before you go to work and also again when you come home in the evening. Donkeys are strong willed and misunderstood for many reasons, be it neglect, abuse or ignorance. They are in fact very affectionate, and highly intelligent and sensitive animals, and can give much happiness and reward given the proper care and attention. Donkeys are herd animals and enjoy their own company and form strong bonds with each other, they also enjoy human company. We strongly urge you to keep two donkeys for this reason.
The Basic Needs Of A Donkey Are:
Grazing and Fencing
1) Donkeys need at least half an acre of grazing each, preferably with another acre so that you can rest your winter grazing area in the summer months. Your paddock should be well fenced as donkeys are great escape artists, they will squeeze through or limbo dance under the smallest of gaps. We recommend that you use wooden posts and rail fencing preferable with 4 rails, but 3 rails will suffice. We suggest that you do not use barbed wire, rolled wire or sheep netting as your donkeys could injure themselves.