DONKEY CARE – SO YOU WANT TO OWN A DONKEY!

A donkey should be a happy addition to your family so it is important to buy wisely and well. Find out as much as you can about donkeys and their care. The DSV holds information days and other events where you can meet donkey owners and breeders who are only too happy to chat with newcomers about donkeys, passing on their valuable knowledge.

WHAT CAN YOU DO WITH A DONKEY?

It is surprising how often this question is asked. In a nutshell …. the same things you would do with a horse. That is riding, driving, showing, trekking, trail rides and lots of cuddles!

DONKEY INFORMATION

Good donkeys are scarce, so expect to wait a while for one that will suit you. Meanwhile consider these suggestions:

1. Go to our Studs page and make contact with those breeding donkeys of the sort you hope to buy. It is common practice to book a foal, even before birth. That means a lengthy wait, since foals are not available until after weaning at around 6 months. It’s worth waiting for a good animal.

2. Join the Society. Members receive Brayings and Donkey Digest magazines. You might also like to attend some events, meet other members and learn more before you commit yourself to a donkey.

THE LINKS BELOW ARE DOWNLOADABLE PDF FILES

Buying a Donkey

Guide to Buying a Donkey

Standards of Conformation and Type

Points of a Donkey

One Donkey or Two

Basic Donkey Care

Always buy a jenny or gelding in preference to a colt or a jack (entire male) as a mature jack requires special conditions and experienced owners; a jack is not suitable for children or beginners, or as a pet. A good breeder will not sell you a jack unless you are very sure you want a jack for breeding purposes.

Respect for Jacks

A donkey is not a cheap horse. You will need a suitable place to keep a donkey and enough time to care for it properly. A good animal will cost money to buy and keep it happy and healthy. If you buy wisely you should not regret the time and money spent.

Keeping a Donkey Healthy and Happy

Keeping a Donkey on a Small Acreage

Feeding in Time of Drought

Donkey Body Condition Score Chart

Death by Hanging – Beware of the Halter

Donkeys are herd animals and need company. It is NOT enough to buy a donkey, put him in the paddock and only visit him once a week. A donkey is a highly intelligent animal: educate him, and get him doing something interesting. A bored donkey is not a happy one.

A Well Trimmed Hoof

Presentation at Shows

Driving Notes

Riding Notes

Trekking Notes

For hoof trimming information watch the following video:
Hoof Trimming Donkeys – The Donkey Sanctuary (UK)

RECOMMENDED BOOKS

  • Your Donkey by Ruth Harris – Available from the DSV shop.
  • Donkeys: Business As Usual by Christine Berry – Available from the DSV shop.
  • The Donkey Companion by Sue Weaver
  • Donkey by Jill Bough
  • Clinical Companion of the Donkey – The Donkey Sanctuary UK
  • Training mules and donkeys by Meredith Hodges