Does anyone own a donkey?

Unlike horses their coats arn't water proof so they will need adequate rugging/shelter. They form very strong bonds. And they are absolutly gorgeous so good luck if you get one
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I've been thinking about getting my horse a companion too, probably a shettie as they don't need rugs, food etc. I'll probably get one from the IPLH if I do, I saw some very sweet ones on there the other day. I'm just a bit worried incase she is horrible to the little pony
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I know a couple of miniature ones and they're lovely. I'm not sure how great they are as companions for one on one though, as they don't play the same way. They aren't necessarily about better about separation than horses, either. One jumper I knew had Standard one as a "pet" and it was a nightmare - when separated they both freaked out completely and the donkey was LOUD! So loud in fact that the neighbours complained because it started to bray for its breakfast almost as soon as the sun came up. They were not amused. It actually became such a big problem they donkey had to go.

They are super protectors of territory - people have them in with foals in many parts of the US and Canada to guard against coyotes and wild dogs. This can be a problem if there are dogs or strangers regularly going into the fields.
 
Hi, my dad has two a mare and a stallion first baby due this year! (can't wait). They are fab but he keeps them seperate to his horses, they aren't water proof, his stay in if raining. Don't need rich food, not much grass and late cut hay keeps most in tip top form, if they need a bit of condition Alfa-a is good. If they look poorly get the vet, they have a high pain level and don't nomally show any signs till quite bad. Probably wouldn't recommend one as friend prob best off with a pony
 
I have four plus a welsh mountain pony and a shire X. The cob initially ran away, but soon became great friends with them. the pony lives with and has bonded so well with one in particular.
They must have shelter summer and winter,need less grazing than even a shetland and rarely need any feeding, although they do like to have regular access to straw to eat - but it's not necessary. they do get bored easily and love to get out and about. They require regular worming with normal horse wormers and need regular hoof trimming about every 6 - 8 weeks.
Any questions, please feel free to PM me
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No but if anyone know where to get a pair of oldies then let me know
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I used to have some when I was little and they were great - very gentle and friendly. We used to have them in a field with a big stable as a shelter.
 
I'm owned by a donkey! As others have said they definitely need shelter all year round, and some horses are freaked out by them. Our boy would rather eat hedges than grass, and is lethal with dogs. He chases them and tries to stamp on them
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. The ILPH are desperately looking for homes for companions at the moment to free up space for the Amersham horses. Why don't you contact them, they do occasionally have donkeys, or alternatively might have a suitable companion pony .
Zalacca, why don't you try the Donkey Sanctuary, they used to only rehome in pairs.
 
As a brand-new donkey owner, all I can say is they're surprisingly difficult to get hold of - but if you find the right one, as I think I have, they're well worth the effort. My 2 Arabs took to him straight away - it probably helped that he's a youngster (18 months) so no real threat to them.

Mine doesn't like dogs either.... And I do feed him because I would otherwise feel sorry for him when the horses get fed - but only a handful of chaff and carrots.
 
We got a donkey years ago as he was a companion of a Blue Cross horse we took on. He was the sweetest, friendliest animal ever. He had been a beach donkey in his time so god knows how old he was. The horses sort of worshipped him and he was v v intelligent - more like a big dog, he'd even accompany us out for walks! He played games with my welsh pony I had at the time, the pony would get on his knees to play with him!

I would strongly recommend one as a companion although as mentioned some horses can freak out - i think it's cos they have no clue what they are and probably sense their higher intelligence! ha ha

We had ours for 14 years until sadly he had to be PTS following what appeared to be several strokes. His horse friend died shortly after (aged 36).

They are very hard to get hold of now i find and quite expensive bizarrely. I insure horses and we insure some donkeys worth around £3000!
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I got a donkey 6 months ago as a companion to my boy and they get on great, even though my horse used to be terrified of donkeys. Yes he does bray when I hack out my horse but only a couple of times and then he goes back to eating. He also brays when we get back because he is so excited to see his best friend!

They are hard to get hold of, I ended up going to a dealer in Shropshire and we are based in Cornwall so that will tell you something. They are lovely creatures and apart from not being waterproof are very easy to care for. Good luck in your search.
 
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