tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4251085862530498602.comments2024-01-12T23:54:57.832-08:00A Donkey Diaryrrlgrlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13781033911202952172noreply@blogger.comBlogger465125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4251085862530498602.post-76292160962777509452023-11-23T17:48:20.777-08:002023-11-23T17:48:20.777-08:00Hello, thanks for getting in touch! It's a won...Hello, thanks for getting in touch! It's a wonderful idea to get another donkey as they do best in each other's company but in my opinion, 5 months old is too young for a donkey to leave their mother. They should stay together for longer - and I do know that some breeders will let them go young but at that age they haven't been well socialized, shouldn't even be weaned completely! So that's the first thing! <br /><br />In terms of your gelding nipping, are you working with positive reinforcement training? Teach him to station on a mat, to back up, to drop his head to the ground - behaviours that make it impossible for him to nip you. Reinforce those behaviours and always feed away from your body by extending your arm and hand towards his chest. Focus on what you want him TO do and teach that. Let me know if I can help further with anything! Cynthiahttps://donkeydame.blogspot.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4251085862530498602.post-44895680512153209592023-11-23T12:37:44.203-08:002023-11-23T12:37:44.203-08:00I have a 1 Year old mini gelded donkey and 2 senio...I have a 1 Year old mini gelded donkey and 2 senior paint mares. They all get along quite well. The mini gelding likes to nip at me. I’m working with him but a slow process. I’m thinking of purchasing his baby sister (Jenny) in the spring. She would be 5 months old at that time. Do you think they will all get along? Or should I not get her? I want my mini gelding to have a playmate for years to come and thought this would be a good idea but I’m new to mini donkey ownership and I’m not sure…. Opinions would be appreciated. Thanks!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4251085862530498602.post-41820038164311358052022-10-26T10:58:24.109-07:002022-10-26T10:58:24.109-07:00Hi, thanks for the question! I don't use miner...Hi, thanks for the question! I don't use mineral blocks as donkeys can't get sufficient nutrients from them and may or may not use them so you can't really know how much they are getting. I prefer a powdered or pelleted vitamin/ mineral supplement and the one I use is Onmeity from Mad Barn. It has balanced supplements + selenium. Of course there are others on the market just be sure to avoid any of the ingredients that are not good for donkeys: molasses, cereals grain etc. rrlgrlhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13781033911202952172noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4251085862530498602.post-87252607818673628652022-10-26T09:51:52.412-07:002022-10-26T09:51:52.412-07:00What is the best mineral block with selenium to fe...What is the best mineral block with selenium to feed donkeys? Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4251085862530498602.post-65037988799150483722022-05-07T15:34:17.912-07:002022-05-07T15:34:17.912-07:00Hi, sorry for the late response! Toxicity can take...Hi, sorry for the late response! Toxicity can take many forms from drooling to colic so I can't really tell you specifically about mushrooms. We get them in the Fall and I try to remove them as I have had donkeys sample all types of things they shouldn't. I've had donkeys sample daffodil leaves and red elderberry and in both those cases, the donkeys had copious amounts of saliva and drool. Scary to see! If you suspect any type of poisoning, I'd call a vet immediately. I hope everything is well now.rrlgrlhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13781033911202952172noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4251085862530498602.post-36435400628180595442022-02-26T23:09:55.808-08:002022-02-26T23:09:55.808-08:00Do you know what mushroom toxicity would look like...Do you know what mushroom toxicity would look like in my donkey?Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06309948848725570124noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4251085862530498602.post-80162086105380169102021-12-15T11:26:57.907-08:002021-12-15T11:26:57.907-08:00Hi Shannon, I don't end to measure (I should!)...Hi Shannon, I don't end to measure (I should!) but 1/2 cup dry, then soaked should be enough. My 24 year old donkey has now lost quite a few teeth, so she gets a mash 3 or 4 times per day. SO great that she loves them as I can add just about anything. I just keep an eye on her body weight, but the straight Timothy pellets don't have anything bad for donkeys in them and are 7% protein, which is a good number.Cynthiahttp://www.donkeydame.blogspot.canoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4251085862530498602.post-11349683641955205312021-12-15T10:20:11.699-08:002021-12-15T10:20:11.699-08:00So what amount of Timothy pellets would you give a...So what amount of Timothy pellets would you give a 20 year old donkey? :)Shannon H.https://www.blogger.com/profile/04518897917112361543noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4251085862530498602.post-39972907187196110762021-04-26T14:41:34.947-07:002021-04-26T14:41:34.947-07:00Hey we have a older jenny pregnant but we just got...Hey we have a older jenny pregnant but we just got another jenny with a foe on her how long should we wait to put them together<br />Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03266948765966137671noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4251085862530498602.post-77724086716125127652020-07-01T16:47:28.230-07:002020-07-01T16:47:28.230-07:00Thank you, received so much informationThank you, received so much informationAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15761682291670315589noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4251085862530498602.post-55973615609248803962020-05-10T20:13:46.163-07:002020-05-10T20:13:46.163-07:00Hi, thanks for getting in touch. Yes, absolutely g...Hi, thanks for getting in touch. Yes, absolutely get a donkey companion for Yak - they really do best with their own kind and you can't (shouldn't) keep him alone. He would be a threat to the new calves too so just as well for him to be separated from the pregnant Moms.<br /><br />I have found that an older, experienced donkey is a good fit for younger or single animals. And in Yak's case he may need to be socialized by an experienced donkey since he has been on his own. The older ones tend to be very supportive and grounding, (but of course that depends on the individual.) If you can offer a home to a 12+ year old, that could be a good fit. Yak might be aggressive to a youngster if he hasn't had donkey company.<br /><br />He will be missing his large cattle buddies and donkeys get very depressed on their own so if you can find a donkey buddy soon that would be lovely! Also, please don't feed grain- I know that people do feed grain but actually all cereal grain is too rich for donkeys.<br /><br />IF you go the the UK Donkey Sanctuary web site, you can download their Donkey Care Handbook for free (or a small donation) It is a wonderful resource and has a wealth of information!<br /><br />Please let me know what you decide and all the best to you and Yak!Cynthiahttp://www.donkeydame.blogspot.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4251085862530498602.post-37467643339662079092020-05-10T19:12:23.785-07:002020-05-10T19:12:23.785-07:00Hi Cynthia,
We live in Florida and have a 9 year o...Hi Cynthia,<br />We live in Florida and have a 9 year old gelded mini donkey "Yak" that we were given about 4 years ago. We knew nothing about donkeys or equine for that matter, but put him in our 3 1/2 acre pasture with our 3 cows. He adapted well and has been a happy little guy. We recently sold the 3 large cattle and brought in 3 smaller breed cattle (who happen to all be female and pregnant). Our little donkey Yak is being somewhat aggressive with these cows that are about his size. He keeps them from the feed and water, and will run them around and get on the smaller one and bite her ear. We have put little Yak, in the smaller pasture by himself so we can separate him from the cows. I have been spending everyday with him, trying to be social and give him treats (crimped oats). I bring him out each day on a lead and let him nibble, but I think he misses his big cow buddies. We are scared to put him back with the new cows since they are newly pregnant and don't want to stress them out. We are considering getting another mini donkey for him to have a companion. From what I am now learning we should look for one about his same age, but should it be a male or female? I don't think he will be happy alone, but I am worried about introducing him to another animal and going through this again. It's been a stressful couple of weeks while trying to figure it all out. Any help you can advise would be so much appreciated.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09728152012058020456noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4251085862530498602.post-37664775213517208802020-05-04T08:30:35.718-07:002020-05-04T08:30:35.718-07:00Hi Elaine, well age-wise probably okay but is the ...Hi Elaine, well age-wise probably okay but is the jenny leaving a herd or another donkey that she is bonded to? If so, that will be hard for her.Also since your gelding is 11 years older, she will also find herself alone at some point. Would it be possible to take the jenny with another donkey who is perhaps 20 yrs old - just a thought ...Cynthianoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4251085862530498602.post-25763161702337724252020-05-04T07:47:29.499-07:002020-05-04T07:47:29.499-07:00Hi, we lost our 34 year old Jenny a week ago and t...Hi, we lost our 34 year old Jenny a week ago and that left her 26 year old son on his own...im looking to find him a companion, iv come across a 15year old Jenny that has lived with other donkeys...do you think this is a good match age wise? .Thankyou ElaineElainenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4251085862530498602.post-77813318158953100502019-09-29T21:19:20.055-07:002019-09-29T21:19:20.055-07:00No you're not - many people don't have acc...No you're not - many people don't have access to barley straw. Sounds like your donkeys are doing very well on what you are feeding. Have you ever had the meadow hay tested to see the sugar levels, protein and calories etc.? The only comment I would like to make is that donkeys generally don't get the required minerals from licking a block. <br /><br />You might want to try a loose mineral such as CA Trace as well as loose plain white salt in a pan free choice. You can sprinkle the mineral supplement on top of their hay is you are not feeding a mash. Cynthiahttp://www.donkeydame.blogspot.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4251085862530498602.post-46096645203372722542019-09-28T10:52:22.084-07:002019-09-28T10:52:22.084-07:00Am I the only person who lives where Barley straw ...Am I the only person who lives where Barley straw is totally NOT available? Any kind of straw is in short supply, since this (middle Tennessee) is not grain country. <br />I have had good luck feeding coarse meadow hay combined with rough native (unimproved) pasture. My boys are lean and sound, although their hooves grow faster than most according to my farrier.`The only supplement they get is a mineral block and in the summer occasional treats of Sweet Potato vine (not the potatoes)Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17375289165052037240noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4251085862530498602.post-1282111718926511772019-09-26T13:36:39.251-07:002019-09-26T13:36:39.251-07:00Hi Nicola, Feeding twice a day is now considered t...Hi Nicola, Feeding twice a day is now considered to be "old" thinking because we know that equine stomachs create hydrochloric acid and that the buffer to protect the stomach from ulcers is saliva and forage. <br /><br />We also know that donkeys are trickle feeders, meaning they eat small amounts of feed frequently. That's why slow feeders are helpful! <br /><br />Barley straw is a great feed for donkeys as it offers fiber without a lot of calories and sugar. I've not seen it sold a "food" only bedding or mulch. That being said, make sure it is clean and fresh not musty or moldy. Watch out for any intact seed heads (remove them!) and not too much chaff as this can lead to impaction. <br /><br />The UK Donkey Sanctuary recommends 75% of a donkey's diet be barley straw and 25% low sugar hay, with an increase in hay during winter. My donkeys ration is closer to 60% straw to about 40% hay I'd say. <br /><br />I put out a loose flake of barley straw in troughs a couple times during the day and for overnight and feed a hay/ straw mix in slow feeder hay bags 4 times per day!Cynthiahttp://www.donkeydame.blogspot.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4251085862530498602.post-68863061666464255682019-09-26T12:31:24.863-07:002019-09-26T12:31:24.863-07:00I have just rescued 3 mini donkeys, 6months, 2 yea...I have just rescued 3 mini donkeys, 6months, 2 year old and 7 year old.<br />My hay pillows for slow feeding will arrive anyway. I was told when I got they to feed only twice a day 1 flake of Bermuda divided between them all. Now I know they can be should be slow fed.<br />My feed store sells Barley Straw but they said its only for bedding. But I have been reading that to be un true. Should I give them free access to Barley Straw but still give them there Bermuda or Timothy too?<br />Nicolahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15283915270961184515noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4251085862530498602.post-42001207820008721822019-05-07T19:37:02.119-07:002019-05-07T19:37:02.119-07:00Hi, thanks for getting in touch! There's so mu...Hi, thanks for getting in touch! There's so much to say about this - first of all, does he have a companion? Donkeys and mules (and horses!) should never be confined to a stall and should never be left alone - they need company. Six months is very young to be separated for Mom too so possible issues there. Idon't know what "friendly game and porcupine game are ... but I do know that donkeys don't respond well to pressure. They are so smart and it's better to motivate them to move than to try to coerce them. It's so wonderful that you are committed to helping him learn! Can you email me? mixedmedia@cynthiaminden.comCynthiahttp://www.cynthiaminden.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4251085862530498602.post-91572602188089127732019-05-07T14:12:16.438-07:002019-05-07T14:12:16.438-07:00Hi Cynthia,
I am so happy to have found your page...Hi Cynthia, <br />I am so happy to have found your page! I have been working with and caring for animals for years, mostly exotics in sanctuary settings. When I moved away from Los Angeles 3 yrs ago, I found myself in state where there had been a moratorium on issuing exotic animal permits for several years and sanctuaries for exotics are few and far between. So, I decided to try horses and found that I love to be around them. I had ALWAYS been a fan of donkeys and mules, but never had the opportunity to be around any. I am now working at a local horse rescue and a couple of months ago, we got the cutest mule you could imagine. He is a shetland/donkey cross and only 6 yrs old. That I can discern, he has not been trained ever, and I have no idea whether or not he has ever been around other donkeys or horses. He has been kept in a stall now for 2 months because he cannot be lead and has bolted on the great escape both times the attempt was made to take him to a pasture on the property. I have formed a bond with the little guy and have been consistently allowed to hang out in his stall with him and even have gotten him used to grooming and being brushed. Now I have been charged with teaching him to lead and I am so lost! I love the tone of your approach and take on things. Thank you! sbradysfvhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01173574339588334701noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4251085862530498602.post-85321297367627446212019-05-07T13:36:08.979-07:002019-05-07T13:36:08.979-07:00I have formed a bond with a new rescue hinny named...I have formed a bond with a new rescue hinny named (aptly) Buck. Buck is 6 yrs old and has never been handled, he came to the rescue with very little background info as well, so no clue what trauma if any, he may have. I am trying to teach him to lead and have also been using friendly game and porcupine game.I am very green my self when it comes to working with equines. He has been responding pretty well to friendly game and the use of the stick, BUT we have started working on his into pressure thing and the more the pressure increases, the more he moves into it and starts getting to be what I call a “space invader” sometimes he is crowding me so much I leave his stall and let him calm down before going back in and trying again. He will also bite (little pinchy bites, not full on, thank goodness!) and when agitated he kicks with both front and back feet and rears. I am trying to come up with ways to back him off when he starts getting pushy, but everything I have tried seems to encourage him to push harder. I leave his stall and go away for few minutes when he gets worked up, and when I come back, he does better, but it never lasts. Do you have any suggestions that may help with any of this? I love your article and will definitely try the things you are suggesting. I just want to help this little (adorable) guy prepare for adoption, which he already has lined up! Thank you ahead of time for any guidance you can offer.sbradysfvhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01173574339588334701noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4251085862530498602.post-68237552172206313722018-08-30T04:08:48.968-07:002018-08-30T04:08:48.968-07:00This is really awesome and beautiful.
Thank for th...This is really awesome and beautiful.<br />Thank for this sharing.<br /><a href="http://www.facecool.com/profiles/blogs/plan-your-year-and-achieve-your-goals-with-diaries" rel="nofollow"> New Year 2019 diaries </a><br />Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10378154367688752160noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4251085862530498602.post-83511512144506574102018-08-18T11:02:19.501-07:002018-08-18T11:02:19.501-07:00Cynthia,
I've had a 6yr old jenny for about 4...Cynthia, <br />I've had a 6yr old jenny for about 4 months now. She came from a home that felt she wasn't getting enough attention as they had to split up and remove the jack, as he was being too aggressive and with lack of time thought they weren't giving her the attention she needed. I'm a bit fearful of her and when I go out in the pasture we have, she nips and bits at me. When have been hot and cold. The previous owners said she's just looking for food, but I don't give treats with my knees...... I have been looking at getting what is described as a 3 year old jack who is like a pet, very loving, gentle and sweet. The current owner says she thinks this Jack will calm my jenny down, but I fear it might be just the opposite. The previous owners of my jenny say she is very nurturing so I don't know what to do. I feel the jenny could be upset and lonely because she doesn't have a mate but I don't want this to turn into a disaster. Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14171888473642919058noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4251085862530498602.post-53107551926432002062018-06-07T20:45:12.422-07:002018-06-07T20:45:12.422-07:00Hello. I hope Deenah is healthy and happy in 2018....Hello. I hope Deenah is healthy and happy in 2018. Your story is the closest I've found to mine. And I'm looking for any ideas at all to help my Finn, a 3 year old Bethlehem gelded donkey. Finn got hurt really bad- vet thinks he got caught up in a fence... Months later, Finn's right front shoulder and condition is progressively deteriorating. Vet believes it's scar tissue on/at shoulder, but exam was done on a farm call. Hoping it was going to be an easy problem, I didn't want to load him up for a long trailer ride. Vet tech thinks Finn steps like her dog who had a nerve injury. I'm recovering from surgery-- as soon as I'm released Finn will get x-rayed. None of the prescription meds (pain, inflammation) seem to help. ANY ideas would be appreciated. Thank you.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03562549571053066532noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4251085862530498602.post-67792043795509343322018-05-30T14:58:17.514-07:002018-05-30T14:58:17.514-07:00Hi Cynthia, I've appreciated reading through a...Hi Cynthia, I've appreciated reading through all the comments and your responses. As a new donkey owner, much of it is so helpful. We recently adopted a 9 month old jack and just had him gelded. We have a couple mares that he hangs out with and even plays a little bit with the younger one. But I did see you recommend getting another donkey and an older one. Does size matter? Ours is a standard and I'm interested in getting a mini?Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04585003983249047250noreply@blogger.com