Donkey's as companions

Bay_Beasty

Bay_Beasty

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Hey all,

This is just a quick question. As some may now I am looking for a companion pony. Got a few pointers from people the other day and now have found lots to ring up about etc. Any way was my mummy's 60th yesterday and she is moaning and moaning about getting a donkey. Don't think it helps that they have 3 where I work and they are rather charming.

Now I know if you have donkey's you have to worm for lung worm, but are they actually good companions? Do they socialise with the horse or is it like keeping horses with sheep?

It doesn't help at the mo that Dougal is the pick of the boys with the mares at his new home and has been flirted at all day (the chestnut mare in the field next to him even let him lift her bottom up by the tail
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, I think he was playing as observers said he was not 'excited' just enjoying the attention), but this makes me slightly worried about getting a mare, and he is in love with the little Shetland too (also chestnut mare). So anyone had any experience with Donkey's, shall I get one for mummy or just humour her and get a little pony for D???
 
Donkeys all the way!! They rock!! and within a very short time they will be in charge in a very quiet way - and you must keep a stash of ginger nuts in at all times!! The best person to ask would be Little Donkey - my donkey keeping tips (except ginger nuts and cuddles) are at least 10 years out of date!!
 
There's many a racehorse etc that has a donkey as a compagion(By the way don't you worm horses for lungworm?)
 
Jiggy joys I worm my horse the horsey wormers that the shop tells me to do when I tell them what I last wormed
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(get v confused with wormers and months) so I probs do worm for lung worm. Slinky unicorn will PM her.
 
They make fantastic companions for horses of all ages. Wouldn't be without mine.
Old wives tale about lungworm ..... if they are on a good worming programme like the rest of your horses and not neglected just because they 'are only a donkey' you will have no problems.
 
Donkeys are fab! Ours was totally in charge of our 'herd' (up to 8 one year!!). Can be stubborn ol' gets, and have been grass skiing a few times, but thats only because they are mroe intelligent than their horsey cousins.

Beware though, its very much a marmite relationship for horses, they either love 'em or hate 'em. Although probably once they realise they are not as bright as the donkey, most will give in.
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Well bay-beasty, your mum has taste. There are a lot of false myths about donkeys, but they are really charming and not stubborn, they like to think about a situation before acting. Self preservation.
Most horses get on extremely well with donkeys, and lungworm is very much another old wives tale, plus many horse wormers deal with them anyhow. Be aware though, that few wormers are licensed for use in donkeys, but the same wormers are used by donkeys owners, we just don't mention donkey when buying!

I have answered your PM, please feel free to ask any questions, and I hope you soon join the ranks of us happy people
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Donkeys are great! And if being stubborn just end up looking really cute. Ive got a few on my rounds and they are definitely quick with their feet, this i think is more the owners faults as some people just have them as companions and i dont think they make much fuss of them so hense when the farrier comes he gets booted in the bottom quite frequently.
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My horse has donkeys in the next paddock and having been scared witless of them until she summoned up the courage to touch one over the fence, she is now totally obsessed with them and would give anything to be in with them. We love the donks, they are so comical and well-behaved. Be warned though, they see a bucket and wind up for a bray like an air-raid siren. They don't seem to damage the ground like horses and aren't given to running about for no good reason. Bear in mind though that they MUST have proper shelter as they cannot get seriously wet, and they will get laminitis like any other equine.
 
Another vote for donkeys. We have had one for 23 years, and he is hardly any bother. Ditto what has been said above about shelter, they just are not waterproof. Ours gets on great with the horses, in fact Murph who is a real bully plays for hours through the fence with the donkey. I don't put them together cos donk is a bit arthritic now and don't want him hurt if Murph has a grump on .
 
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