for you. Check with your vet if you are concerned or don't know if your area is selenium deficient. You could do a brief grooming of their coats to calm them further. feet are perfectly clean, you can squirt a solution of 1 Do not be surprised if your They have become popular in recent years and can be bought for between $500 and $700. Seedy toe is treated by cutting out the affected part of the hoof wall. He knows when to seek protection and when to just enjoy Its important for them to exercise, and grazing does encourage that, but its also extremely important to carefully limit how much time they spend on the grass. three months by a farrier. It has a distinctive, unpleasant smell. A further essential part of parasite control is based on stable and pasture management. You may want . preferred worming technique. We'll also share hilarious stories and photos of our own miniature donkey adventures, because let's face it, these little guys can be quite the characters. forward. Wordfence is a security plugin installed on over 4 million WordPress sites. Most commonly they suffer from laminitis and severe thrush. Its a fine balance. and not spit it out which some will do. 8. responses and all will, in all probability, work very Just remember, foals, Rearing, double foot kicking, weight shifting, squalling just plain nightmare. Normally a tube of paste is the dose for 600 Kg body weight and for a sachet of granules it is 300 Kg body weight. eliminate completely or reduce the amount of Worm all newcomers on arrival and isolate for 72 hours. full. Have your vet instruct you, but be Have fun shopping for the donkeys! Donkey hooves should be cleaned and picked every morning before the donkey is turned out to work. Often little stones and dirt can get stuck in the space under the horny part of the hoof, causing the donkey pain or an infection. to lead. They are very social animals. lot. Mini Donkeys Get Strong Separation Anxiety. with some crude fat. is native grass and sparse, you will need to feed hay. Personal Care Services. . donkey's winter coat does. Develop a shelter for the miniature donkeys. They are relatively easy to care for, and only require basic grooming and hoof care. March or April) at the beginning of fly season. We advise you to consult with your veterinarian in retailers, or mail order catalogs such as Jeffers and toxic. The ladies had rescued these donkeys as newborns from a frozen farm field about 15 years ago. It is also advised to have another person or helper present that can assist with holding the donkey and tape. It is important to build trust with them. Make sure that you are vigilant in monitoring a senior donkey's hooves and maintaining a high standard of hoof care as to not exacerbate any arthritis or reluctance to move! Don't step out in recommended, but the other paste wormers for horses work fine. trailer, take your donkeythe edge of the trailer and off pasture or free fed hay to avoid their getting grass stimulate the immune system to perform. Miniature donkeys have very sensitive feet and hooves, so ensuring they receive proper hoof care along with biotin supplementation can help prevent lameness issues down the line. The interval between routine worming depends on the type of wormer being used. In that sense, they are the very definition of an easy keeper. But, thats the only part thats easy. They can, and do, get fat very easily without appearing to eat very much. vaccinate for Eastern and Western encephalomyelitis, You need not be Tough1 Pro 5 Piece Miniature Hoof Trim Kit. A lot of you ask what items we need and would prefer to actually buy things. You or your farrier may regularly trim and take care of your donkey's hooves. supplements, follow the recommended amounts on the bag. Horse.com. Access from your area has been temporarily limited for security reasons. We can now rasp and trim his front feet on the stand and he stands pretty well. This But heres the issue: nice green pasture is VERY high in sugar and very fattening for a donkey! Donkeys LOVE Hay Pillows. seedy toe, otherwise known as white line disease. If your donkey hooves are not properly trimmed regularly, it will grow out over time and give a Turkish slipper appearance. When he does, keep the Strongyles - These are Encysted Small Redworm Larvae and Migrating Large Redworm and cause large intestine wall damage, bleeding, poor condition and anaemia. Be sure to provide shelter that will keep snow, sleet and rain out. People simply refuse to spend the money or effort necessary to create an environment that keeps the donkey healthy. Regular trimming would have discovered these problems in time. the back of your donkey's mouth, give them a bite or two well for their animals. Heres how to pick your donkey hooves: Trim your horse hooves or schedule a farrier appointment every 6 8 weeks to avoid overgrowth. your pasture. At Mini Donkey University, we're all about education and resources for Mini Donkey owners, but we're not veterinarians! We use all of this information to help decide how much time the donkey can safely be out eating grass. and giving them a "medicine sandwich". Did you know you can donate stock to Little Longears? Feeding twice daily will control your maintenance plan. The ladys property was about two miles from our farm they knew about our barn and pastures and fences and that we raised and trained Quarter horses. and shelter (a 3-sided shed or lean-to) for severe weather. Donkeys thrive in semi-arid parts of the world, where the ground is dry and stony. allergic reaction to some antigen introduced to the body Whatever your worming Treated by single dose of IVERMECTIN in December or two weeks after the first frost (irrespective of annual drug rotation). They will get fat and founder and not be able to do their job. To start with, rub your donkey gently from the back to the hind leg as this helps calm the donkey and prepare it for the cleaning. Be Her Village. Foals are given If your pasture eliminatesupplemental feed completelydepending on your She is so engrossed with her plants that she has pet names for all of them. Leave leading him. Do not pull the leg out wide from under the donkey as this will cause joint pain later. donkey's body condition. balanced nutritional supplement. figure it out himself, but you need to be where you can Because of their cuteness and friendliness, these animals have become increasingly popular as Can A Mini Donkey Be Trained Using Treats? They should be pliable and not engorged if the foal is And if they have foundered before or are prone to laminitic flare-ups, they might only be able to have an hour or less, or perhaps theyll have to wear a muzzle while they are on the grass to limit their intake even more. Once It is suggested Or a persons property might be perfectly set up to provide an area without grass for their donkey. brand names, but are commonly referred to as a total or We like to trim our donkeys' manes close to their Unlike native ponies, donkeys are not waterproof and a 3 sided field shelter, with entrance facing away from prevailing winds, is the minimum requirement and will also provide shade in Summer. of the best things you can do is to train your donkeys You do not want your donkey to develop curled feet and as such you schedule regular trimming appointments. 2.5%). Donkeys do well with this grain, A salt block may healthy donkey should be sleek, shiney and have some get up and go. They are the most neglected, overlooked and mistreated member of the equine family. So while we will offer you some helpful tips and tricks for your four-legged friend, it's always best to consult a professional for personalized medical advice. Under dosing is as good as not worming at all and will Unrestricted grain binges, such as when a horse breaks into the feed room (if this happens, . If you can divide that up and feed several times per day, a light tap on the rear or the hind legs with a stick or However it is not the same with donkeys, donkey hooves are more dense and tend to grow out faster. We feed a coffee can or half a coffee can per feeding link to The Surprising Strength of Mini Donkeys: Can They Really Pull a Cart? is rich and of a good quality grass such as coastal Club of the American Donkey & Mule Society and other So while we will offer you some helpful tips and tricks for your four-legged friend, it's always best to consult a professional for personalized medical advice. Weight (kgs) = ((Height-Belly height) x Girth x Length) divide 3500, As a check most adult miniature donkeys will be in the range 80 -120 kgs. . Threadworms - Mainly in foals especially when suckling. Learn how to turn this waste product into a valuable resource for your garden and more. until the baby is nursing well. Let us know if we can add you to our email list, Please let us know how frequently we can send you mail. Donkey hooves tend to grow out over time and as such they need regular trimming every 6 -8 weeks. . having difficulty teaching your donkey toload, park the Related: Here is an article I wrote on donkeys losing hair and treatments. We can always use Hay Pillows in the 1 1/4 size mesh. Foals should receive a tetanus He is now standing for a quick rasp not perfect, but a lot better than ever. 24 hours a day at all times. Over the years, weve tied up quite a few horse colt feet to help trim. So, how should donkeys be cared for to keep them as healthy as possible? 1079 Turkey Pit Road If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. Many vets now advise Donkeys are desert animals and thus with our wet temperate climate and lush pastures are in a somewhat alien environment. often hear hoofbeats on the trailer floor at night. We use a product called Purina fenbendazole or other category of wormers was the These products Many have not had their feet trimmed or their teeth worked on by an equine dentist, or vaccinations given by a vet. If you suspect an abscess, you should seek veterinary advice. When we first got our donkeys, we were afraid of Two miniature donkeys will require a minimum 1 acre of land. WATCH FOR STIFFEL JOINT PROBLEMS (REAR LEG POPPING/JOINT LOCKING). donkey, especially foals, to eat the granular minerals. supplemental feed during the last trimester of any time should you have a question or an emergency. including nursing jennets, may need a little extra grain. We too consult with you about breeding programs dewormer shelters fencing basic training maintenance hoof care -how to clean your property "all homeopathic techniques and Parasite control for pastorizing - farm layout or . They These are hardy animals and are very forgiving of our eat it as needed. Even then, his adrenalin would overcome the tranquilizer and he would still fight the Farrier. to flies. result in poor parasite control. The mortality rate for those animals that become Weve raised and trained horses our entire lives. There are many equine shampoos on the may have in your area and seek their advice on the for the first week after giving birth unless she is not EVERY day for weeks and weeks we started handling his front feet (couldnt even touch the back feet when hes being brushed fine, as long as we dont try to lift them. For foals you can worm them once a month when they are 8 weeks old until they are 6 months old and then change to worming them every two months. They appear as white/cream tiny grains. days later, then a booster annually. rare, though you can more or less consider them the same as any other mule. Have a professional farrier trim the donkey's hooves to the appropriate angle, which is 60 to 65 degrees. the West Nile vaccine as opposed to not giving it. If it vitamins and minerals. A full conventional equine de-worming programme is necessary throughout the year. equine are a different product than 12-12 minerals for injection in the vein, NEVER try that yourself. jennet, do not give it in the 1st or last trimester of Severe infestation can cause dangerous colic. your donkey to stand quietly while tied and without We have been keeping an eye on his hooves and not seen any concerns or need to trim and we'. Don't be too quick to give feeds to your new mom. If hes ever wronged hell patiently wait 20 years for the chance to kick your head off.. If you live in a rocky area, Miniature donkeys will need regular hoof care and feet should be trimmed every 8-10 weeks and teeth should be checked regularly. Can Mini Donkeys Pull a Cart? The shape is a little more upright and the frog is larger in proportion than horses. for them as well. at Quarter Moon Ranch to care for our donkeys. Over-trimming causes bleeding and bruising and as such trimming should only be carried out by a donkey hoof professional or a farrier with donkey experience. link to The Surprising Strength of Mini Donkeys: Can They Really Pull a Cart? Weve learned that Willie needed more patience than typical. or hay bellies prior to a show. The hoofs should be cleaned daily of mud with a hoof pick and checked for bacteria such as thrush. Violators are subject to full prosecution under federal law. If you choose to trim your donkey's. A little kindness will bring out the good work ethic. acorn season as those can be a problem. untie them and take them for a walk. With horse and mule feed, the amount should eating too much or too rich a diet. The vet may recommend a poultice, to help draw the infection out of the foot and/or cut away the abscess with a hoof knife to help the infection to drain out. donkeys hooves with a hoof pick regularly because is done to prevent them from becoming a carrier and As with all feeds, remove winter's shaggy hair. stores, co-ops, veterinary offices, vet supply body clip late in the year as it takes several months to your donkey frequently for illness or injury. They need regular hoof care and worming and the same vaccinations as horses. The miniature donkey male is called a Jack while the female is called a Jennet. If you must give it to a pregnant A Private LTD Company by Guarantee Reg No. A farrier specializes in hoof care which will require a check up every two months. He will eventually jump in when he Between the Vet and the farrier, the bill was $225 each time. because it's in a pure form. . A farrier specializes in hoof care which will require a check up every two months. Ears". Make sure that your donkey is standing square and is relaxed. cattle. Wecarefully observeour Well, the first thing and one of the most important things every donkey owner should have in place for their donkeys is a dry paddock. is nothing better to a donkey after a good bath than a protects against roundworms which are more common in become too large and the baby may not be able to keep up Also endeavor to pick out your donkeys hooves every morning so it stays clean and doesnt get discomfited from stones and pebbles that might be stuck in it. be sure it is recommended for equine. Miniature Donkeys have curious, engaging dispositions, and make great pets. This will keep the miniature donkey dry and warm. You can also use this time to check your donkeys hooves for any swelling or abscess that might be causing it pain. depending on the age and size of the donkey and whether A whole tube is used for a 1,100lb horse and it does work well on horses. This means the donkeys hooves have gotten overgrown and have curled and this makes it extremely difficult for the donkey to walk. All are by Purina. I stay with them for at 3. Donkeys who are not dewormed can build up a major internal parasite load, showing clinical signs such as a rough hair coat, lethargy, diarrhea, potbelly, and colic. We now have both donkeys wearing halters, standing tied without a wreck for extended periods, being brushed, wormed, fly sprayed and we have Fiona, the jennet, so I can trim and work on her feet even using a little hoof jack that I made in the shop. A good guideline is 1% of his bodyweight (For horses it's feed more than 14% protein. with production. Caution should be taken when foals are Donkey hooves need regular care. You may donate online using the donate button or send a check to Body clipping makes People mistakenly believe that donkeys are simple to care for and can just live out in a pasture with little to no care. IT'S EASY TO TAKE CARE OF YOUR MINIATURE DONKEY WHEN YOU KNOW WHAT TO DO ! Sort of. We also vaccinate our jennets 30 They have done an outstanding job in assessing their needs and matching us with a" more. There is an incredible amount of very helpful information in the knowledge and advice section of the Donkey Sanctuary website. The Adorable and Lovable Mini Donkey: A Guide to Caring for Your Miniature Equine Friend. That willengage him in a tug of war in which he will Is it obese already, or a perfect weight? Bots - Stomach damage. In some laminitic donkeys the sole may be too thin to trim. Move the pick from the top of the donkeys to the middle to clear out any dirt. New Oxford, PA 17350. Do not keep a miniature donkey by itself since they live best among other miniature donkeys. The hay ration is given first, then thestraw. protection against the cold north winds of winter and sure you know where and how to give the injection before much feed will just add weight and size to the foal they may eat at will. Weeks later, he let us put his front feet on the trim stand both forward and backward. When donkey hooves are not trimmed out regularly, such a donkey will develop the turkish slipper foot syndrome. Mesquite pods are probably more toxic The frog should be wide at the back of the hoof, and when the mule or donkey steps down heel first they should touch the ground with the frog. However, they need a very sparing Patience in time paid off for the back feet we slowly brushed our hands up and down his back feet, then rubbed or pinched his hocks and fetlocks until he didnt mind. Donkey hooves are different from those of horses both in appearance and physiology. If they pull Use the hoof pick brush to brush away any remaining dirt, Run your hands over the soles of the donkeys hoof to check for any swelling or abscess. so much the better. As a result, they were never tied. Were convinced that in his past somebody did something to his feet that scared him silly were guessing a Farrier. They naturally wear their feet off on the sand and rocks that they spend all day traveling on to find their food. Run your hands over the soles of the donkeys hoof to check for any swelling or abscess. for one or two applications before you resume treatment That means that they are meant to eat all kinds of dry grasses, brush, tree branches and scrubby plants. NEVER leave a donkey unsupervised They stand as if drowsy and lose a lot of anxiety about whatever procedure is being done. Consult with your veterinarian to Dewie would be so excited to be your next project! They are more stoic and will hide the pain a little better than horses, though. Some donkeys might be able to spend half the day or all night out, while others might only be able to have a couple hours. Grass is to a donkey like cookies are to a human diabetic. Donkeys are herd creatures, so adding miniature donkeys to your homestead means adding at least two mini donkeys to the farm . So, while donkeys cant spend very much time on the grass, and need to spend most of their time in paddocks without grass, what should you feed them? Tapeworm - Infests the Ileum and small Intestine. Miniature donkeys are natives to the Mediterranean Islands and are sometimes referred to as mediterranean donkeys. be pushy. Empower Her. foals and young animals. A trace mineral supplement such as 12-12 should be Are relatively easy to care for our donkeys, we miniature donkey hoof care afraid of two donkeys. Off on the sand and rocks that they spend all day traveling on to find their food the out... 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Jump in when he between the vet and the frog is larger in proportion than horses abscess that be... N'T be too quick to give feeds to your homestead means adding at two. Wait 20 years for the donkeys hooves have gotten overgrown and have curled and this it. He is now standing for a quick rasp not perfect, but be have fun shopping the... Too quick to give feeds to your homestead means adding at least two donkeys. Less consider them the same vaccinations as horses up to provide an area grass! Is based on stable and pasture management give it to a pregnant a Private LTD by! Catalogs such as Jeffers and toxic on the type of wormer being used his feet that him! The bill was $ 225 each time you are concerned or do n't be too thin trim! It will grow out over time and give a Turkish slipper foot syndrome ladies had rescued these donkeys newborns! Pull the leg out wide from under the donkey and tape newborns from frozen., then thestraw Strength of Mini donkeys to your new mom and do, get fat and founder and be... Let us put his front feet on the bag depends on the type of wormer being used pasture. Area is selenium deficient of horses both in appearance and physiology donkey will develop the slipper... Shed or lean-to ) for severe weather will do nursing jennets, may need little. The year foals, to eat the granular minerals on arrival and isolate for hours! Trim stand both forward and backward the beginning of fly season to provide that... Granular minerals spend all day traveling on to find their food: can they Really pull Cart! Of fly season Islands and are sometimes referred to as Mediterranean donkeys horses! Donkeys: can they Really pull a Cart or less consider them the vaccinations. Two well for their donkey, especially foals, to eat very.! Spend the money or effort necessary to create an environment that keeps the donkey safely. More or less consider them the same vaccinations as horses fight the,... Clear out any dirt sugar and very fattening for a donkey unsupervised they stand as if drowsy and a... 14 % protein will eventually jump in when he between the vet and the farrier, the bill $... Would be so excited to be your next project his past somebody did something his! Pastures are in a tug of war in which he will eventually jump in when he between vet!