Donkeys

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Guinness

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Anyone got one? I was thinking of getting one as a companion for my horse, but had a look on the donkey sanctuary website and it says although they make good companions, they can get quite attached so its better to get two donkeys so they dont get stressed when the horse goes out? I would love one, but cant afford two
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Anyone got any experiences?
 
You either have to have 2 donkeys of companion them with a pony that will not leave them...they can get VERY distressed and can die withing 24 hours if they get badly stressed out.

Also they need different care as they are not waterproof like horses and their feet are VERY different.

Research them fully before you get a donkey!
 
My horse has a donkey companion and it works just fine. He brays a bit when we go out but soon settles down back to eating. As they are not waterproof you need a shelter or a rug to keep them dry. Your farrier will be able to trim your donkey's feet when he or she comes to do your horse. If you need any more info about having a donkey companion, feel free to PM me.
 
Can they really die?! And how are their feet different? Im assuming a normal equine farrier would be able to trim them? Do they need doing more often? Also, what about worming and vaccinations? My horse is stabled over night too so Im hoping the donkey would be able to come in with him (obviously with a separate stable!!).
 
We had a donkey for years (he came 'free' with a Blue Cross horse we got as they were bosom buddies) He did get upset the first time we left him on his own and ran braying to my dad for comfort. However, he soon got used to it. I think once they settle they are fine. Horses can be just as clingy in my opinion but some are worse than others and I would think donkeys are the same. They are v intelligent so i am sure they work out they're not going to be left eventually!

However, I think donkey sancturies may not let you just take one so you may have to buy one privately if you cannot afford to keep 2
 
Donks have very boxy upright feet and are trimmed as normal.As everyone has said, they dont have waterproof coats so will need shelter. My donk , Doodles, wombles about in the pouring rain and doesnt give a hoot, she does have a fieldshelter if she wants to keep dry. Donks are very prone to laminitis and tying up so have to be kept as nature intended-no hard feed and no lush grass. Mine lives on hay only and restricted turn out-she's still fat
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. She is wormed when everyone else is wormed and is flu/tet just like the rest. She doesnt mind if Paolino is taken away but then she can always see another equine and has my hens for company. Donks are wonderful beasties, intelligent and very loyal and loving. I adore them! This is Doodles in her winter woolies at the end of the winter (last year). Mairi.
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Donkeys,mules and horses all have different hooves. This refers to the construction and the angle. Many farriers will not trim donkeys so you must check first. They need trimming every 6 - 8 weeks. Your vet must also be familiar as ven their TPR is different to horses.
They will stay in the rain for a certain amount of time but it is imperative they have shelter available at all times as they do not have waterpoof coats.
They are better doers than even the hardiest M&M so their diet must be carefully watched. They do bond closely, be it w ith a horse, pony or donkey.
The donkey sanctuary are currently not loaning out donkeys due to the long waiting list. they will ONLY let them go in pairs and your house MUST be adjacent to your grazing.
Donkeys are very intelligent and adorable.
If you have any questions please feel free to PM me.
I currently have 4 and am Admin of the DBS Forum Board.

Mairi, love your donk
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Ive just inherited two! They have come with the sale of our new house and its perfect for us as i only have one horse atm so they'll be keeping him company.

I think the problem with companions goes for horse, donkies or ponies. We got a shetland pony as a companion for a very grumpy mare i had in my teens. Naturally they became attached and taking her out for rides would leave the pony distressed. In the end, we have to get a second pony to keep the first company when left alone
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So i think whether you went for donkies or ponies, you'd really need two to stop the companion getting stressed when you take your horse away
 
Sorry, should have said, there is no problem with just having one with a horse, they don't get overly stressed when seperated for short times, they may bray once or twice but that is normally it. My first donkey I kept with a pony. They bonded extremely well but I could take pony out for an hous without too much trouble
 
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