Donkeys are gentle, intelligent creatures that can be cautious, friendly, playful, a touch mischievous, and often, quite eager to learn. They are members of the equine family, but it’s important to understand that donkeys have unique care requirements that differ from other equids like horses. As we like to say at the DSC, donkeys “are not just horses with long ears”.
If you’re new to donkey care, this basic guide provides a few of the essentials to keep your donkey healthy and contented.
Understanding donkey behaviour and social needs
Donkeys are social animals that thrive on companionship. We cannot overstate how important it is to provide them with a companion, whether that’s another donkey, a horse, or a suitable animal friend. Donkeys form strong bonds and can become lonely and stressed if isolated. Understanding their behaviour, such as their natural caution and preference for routine, can help to create a comfortable environment for them.
Appropriate feeding
In their native arid and semi-arid climates, donkeys spend more than half of each day foraging and feeding, often on poor quality scrub. As a result, the donkey is well-adapted and accustomed to sparse, fibrous diets. Their long heritage of making the most of scrubby fare has provided them with a digestive system that’s efficient at extracting nutrients from low-quality forage—making them prone to obesity when overfed rich foods. The ideal diet for a donkey consists primarily of good-quality hay or controlled grazing. Access to fresh water is of course essential, and provide a salt block to ensure they receive essential minerals.
Avoid feeding donkeys sugary treats or allowing them access to lush pasture, as this can lead to health issues like laminitis.
Shelter and housing
Donkeys need a dry, draft-free shelter to protect them from extreme weather. While donkeys are indeed hardy animals, they dislike getting wet and require a covered area to stay dry. In a pasture, a three-sided shelter with a roof can be sufficient to provide protection from rain, wind, and the sun. At the DSC, our Donkey House provides year-round shelter for our donkeys (and that includes the use of heat lamps for warmth during cold Ontario winters).
The flooring of shelters should be non-slip and easy to clean. Provide a soft, dry bedding area, such as straw or wood shavings, to keep donkeys comfortable.
Grooming and hoof care
Regular grooming is essential and serves a dual purpose—it will keep your donkey’s coat in good condition and provide the opportunity to check for signs of skin issues or injuries. Use a soft brush to remove dirt and loose hair, and while you’re grooming don’t forget to run a hand or brush gently down your donkeys’ legs, too.
Hoof care: Donkey hooves are different from horse hooves and require specialized care. It’s important to find a farrier who is knowledgeable about donkey hooves, as improper trimming can lead to discomfort or long-term issues. Donkey hooves grow more slowly than horse hooves, but they still need regular trimming, typically every 6-10 weeks, depending on the individual donkey and the terrain they walk on. Regular inspections can help detect problems early, such as cracks, thrush, or signs of laminitis.
Health monitoring
When you’re aware of your donkey’s day-to-day health, you’ll know when something’s “off” in their aspect—such as changes in appetite, behaviour, or physical condition. A healthy donkey will have bright eyes, a shiny coat, and steady weight. Because donkeys are naturally stoic animals, signs of distress or illness can be subtle and hard to spot.
Signs of distress: Watch for reduced interest in food, changes in droppings, unusual postures, reluctance to move, or changes in behaviour, such as increased aggression or withdrawal. These can be early indicators of discomfort or illness. Act promptly if you notice these signs, as donkeys may not display obvious symptoms until a condition becomes severe.
Establish a routine for deworming, vaccinations, and dental care. Consult with a veterinarian who specializes in equines and has knowledge of donkey care. Regular check-ups will help catch health issues early and keep your donkey in good condition.
