Donkeys?

[ClaraJones3421]

Hi there! I have about 3 acres of property and I will hopefully be able to have some donkeys within the next year or two. I’m particularly looking for something on the smaller side, as I already have two horses so I don’t want any more giants ? I have plenty of experience with horses and livestock in general

my question is, for those of you that have donkeys, what are they like as pets? I’ve spent some time around them already and I absolutely adore them. I already have two very cuddly cobs who I keep at a yard
I have years of experience with horses, but all I’ve heard from the donkey sanctuary is “it’s very different keeping donkeys and they aren’t like horses at all” but surely it’s a similar routine? I know their diets differ, and so does their transportation/ housing requirements. How do you guys find it differs? And what is the going rate for a donkey? How much would you say it reasonably costs you a year for two?

I would obviously buy a pair and would *consider* adoption but I’ve already adopted one of my horses, but I’ve found the rescue centre’s constant reminder that he’s not really mine upsetting. I don’t really want to go through that again as it made it difficult to bond with him with the worry that they’d find his old owner and they’d take him away have any of you adopted a donkey from the sanctuary and found it okay?

Thank you!

 

[ILuvCowparsely]

Hi there! I have about 3 acres of property and I will hopefully be able to have some donkeys within the next year or two. I’m particularly looking for something on the smaller side, as I already have two horses so I don’t want any more giants ? I have plenty of experience with horses and livestock in general

my question is, for those of you that have donkeys, what are they like as pets? I’ve spent some time around them already and I absolutely adore them. I already have two very cuddly cobs who I keep at a yard
I have years of experience with horses, but all I’ve heard from the donkey sanctuary is “it’s very different keeping donkeys and they aren’t like horses at all” but surely it’s a similar routine? I know their diets differ, and so does their transportation/ housing requirements. How do you guys find it differs? And what is the going rate for a donkey? How much would you say it reasonably costs you a year for two?

I would obviously buy a pair and would *consider* adoption but I’ve already adopted one of my horses, but I’ve found the rescue centre’s constant reminder that he’s not really mine upsetting. I don’t really want to go through that again as it made it difficult to bond with him with the worry that they’d find his old owner and they’d take him away have any of you adopted a donkey from the sanctuary and found it okay?

Thank you!

Depends on the individual. My first donkey was a dream donkey, Melody perfect in ever way, gentle kind and cuddly, and I bought her from Jamie gray the horrid Amersham Horse dealer.

I bought her Donkey chaff which gives them a complete balanced diet and she had hay and rugs, and worm counted and wormed long with horses. She did get seedy toe so farrier kept that in check.

Second donkey was young, did not really want humans, more bargy and squashed me into the wall, she was unbroken and preferred just living fancy free which is what she got when we sold her due to her not like living in stable like Melody did.

Melody was a x beach donkeys she was my only donkey but lived with my welsh A, Brownie also was the only donkey.


Melody I paid about £ 200 for and Brownie £ 400 from Mikes Donkeys https://www.mikesdonkeys.co.uk/


He sells donkeys just check his website, he also transported her from Wales to my yard.

 

[rabatsa]

I have donkeys. You have to treat them all as if they are laminitic when feeding, even if not. Mine have 24/7 access to barley straw and get nets of hay. If a donkey goes off its food then they are at risk of hyperlipidemia and if a donkey gets ill it does not show as easily as if it was a horse.

Cost wise then farrier trims and vaccinations will be the same costs as with other equines. Worming ditto, depending on FEC results.

They are lovable beasties and usually happy little souls.

Expect to pay between £400 - 800 each for them. I too prefer to buy rather than loan. If you have horses then the Donkey Sancturary will not consider you as a loan home anyway.

 

[Jenko109]

Not waterproof.

Can be very territorial so would be extra mindful about dogs loose in the field with them etc.

 

[MurphysMinder]

I had a donkey for 26 years, so must have been doing something right. They do need different things to horses, access to shelter at all times and poor quality grazing. They can be very stoic, so when you notice they are a bit off colour they can be really quite ill. As Jenko says they can be naughty with dogs, mine also used to chase our cats. I loved my donkey and when I lost him I tried to get another to keep his pony friend company, would have happily taken a pair but as has been said the Donkey Sanctuary won't rehome to live with horses, which is crazy in my view. Good luck in your search for a donkey, you won't regret it they are real characters

 

[Nudibranch]

Does anyone know why the DS refuse to rehome to horse owners? We have plenty of space, nice cosy stables, dry sloping land. I'd happily take a pair of donkeys but they won't have it. I know loads of people who have both and there don't seem to be any issues!

 

[ILuvCowparsely]

Does anyone know why the DS refuse to rehome to horse owners? We have plenty of space, nice cosy stables, dry sloping land. I'd happily take a pair of donkeys but they won't have it. I know loads of people who have both and there don't seem to be any issues!

The issue is the DS


IMO They are too hard, I would not get one from them, they don't make it easy to rehome from.

Agree though they are not waterproof, both of mine came in when horses came in and were on restricted diet and muzzle and many rugs each.

 

[ILuvCowparsely]

if a donkey gets ill it does not show as easily as if it was a horse.

[/QUOTE

So true when My Melody had colic, she just lay down that is all, till Vet said RVC NOW!!!!! sadly even with a bit of surgery to loosen the blockage she did not make it.

 

[MurphysMinder]

Does anyone know why the DS refuse to rehome to horse owners? We have plenty of space, nice cosy stables, dry sloping land. I'd happily take a pair of donkeys but they won't have it. I know loads of people who have both and there don't seem to be any issues!

I've no idea , but they must lose a lot of wonderful homes.

 

[Poingsettia]

Be careful with wormer, as not all are safe / approved for donkeys.

 

[cauda equina]

Donkeys for sale often pop up on Dragon Driving
https://www.dragondriving.co.uk/donkey.php

 

[ClaraJones3421]

Depends on the individual. My first donkey was a dream donkey, Melody perfect in ever way, gentle kind and cuddly, and I bought her from Jamie gray the horrid Amersham Horse dealer.

I bought her Donkey chaff which gives them a complete balanced diet and she had hay and rugs, and worm counted and wormed long with horses. She did get seedy toe so farrier kept that in check.

Second donkey was young, did not really want humans, more bargy and squashed me into the wall, she was unbroken and preferred just living fancy free which is what she got when we sold her due to her not like living in stable like Melody did.

Melody was a x beach donkeys she was my only donkey but lived with my welsh A, Brownie also was the only donkey.


Melody I paid about £ 200 for and Brownie £ 400 from Mikes Donkeys https://www.mikesdonkeys.co.uk/


He sells donkeys just check his website, he also transported her from Wales to my yard.

I was actually looking into him- would you say he was a reliable seller? Knowledgeable etc?

 

[ClaraJones3421]

I have donkeys. You have to treat them all as if they are laminitic when feeding, even if not. Mine have 24/7 access to barley straw and get nets of hay. If a donkey goes off its food then they are at risk of hyperlipidemia and if a donkey gets ill it does not show as easily as if it was a horse.

Cost wise then farrier trims and vaccinations will be the same costs as with other equines. Worming ditto, depending on FEC results.

They are lovable beasties and usually happy little souls.

Expect to pay between £400 - 800 each for them. I too prefer to buy rather than loan. If you have horses then the Donkey Sancturary will not consider you as a loan home anyway.

the horses are at a different location altogether, so they will not mix whatsoever, so I hope they wouldn’t decline? I thankfully already feed my two as if they are laminitic as they gain weight super easily and are high risk, so I’m used to the routine!

 

[ClaraJones3421]

Not waterproof.

Can be very territorial so would be extra mindful about dogs loose in the field with them etc.

Noted I heard that thy had no waterproof coat so I figure that

I had a donkey for 26 years, so must have been doing something right. They do need different things to horses, access to shelter at all times and poor quality grazing. They can be very stoic, so when you notice they are a bit off colour they can be really quite ill. As Jenko says they can be naughty with dogs, mine also used to chase our cats. I loved my donkey and when I lost him I tried to get another to keep his pony friend company, would have happily taken a pair but as has been said the Donkey Sanctuary won't rehome to live with horses, which is crazy in my view. Good luck in your search for a donkey, you won't regret it they are real characters

noted I’ll make sure we pop a decent fence up. Thank you for the kind wishes

 

[SEL]

Got donkeys next door to us. Live on nothing which means the owner has a sign on the footpath otherwise the RSPCA get called because walkers think there isn't enough food out.

Noisy at feed time!!

 

[Kaylum]

Donkeys are very intelligent and play alot. Ours love tug of war and playing with ropes and wellies.They do agility and like to smash things up. They live in a herd but pair up they are also live with smaller ponies. They have a couple of large field shelters and in bad weather come in at night.. They enjoy cuddles and fuss.

 

[canteron]

Mine are delightful - have done carriage driving, show jumping (!) disabled riding and taught all the kids to ride.
But you get back what you deserve, when I first got them (still do) I would often have a coffee in their field and wait for them to come to me - they are super inquisitive and playful.
Over the years we have built very strong bonds - but only because of the time I have put in.

 

[littleshetland]

I want a donkey now....

 

[nagblagger]

I am slightly concerned that 2 horses and 2 donkeys on 3 acres is enough grazing for all year round.
However, donkeys are sociable animals and should be homed with another donkey, they should be seen as a specialist animal in their own right. Must have access to field shelter as they are not waterproof and detest the rain. As one donkey expert told me 'you tell a horse to do something and they will do it, you have to ask a donkey to do something and they will do it if they want to' ! So true!! They are noisy, but great guard animals if something is wrong. I have donkeys but also a mule, the mule owners on here will probably agree the stubbornness (intelligence!) of a donkey and speed of a pony is an interesting combination...mentally challenging at times, but wouldn't be without any of them.

 

[laura_nash]

I am slightly concerned that 2 horses and 2 donkeys on 3 acres is enough grazing for all year round.

The OP said the horses are kept at livery, not on the three acres she has at home.

I'm surrounded by donkeys here, but a lot of them are kept in less than ideal conditions. There seems to be a thing here with having a donkey or two for no particular reason and doing very little with them, including sadly some very inadequate hoof care. They mostly seem sweet and friendly, if a little noisy. Some share a field with Connemara ponies, apparently happily enough. You can pick a pair up easily off Done Deal around here for between €50 - €200 each depending on age, gender and level of handling. No idea of the UK prices though.

 

[Poingsettia]

I took on a small donkey recently, and she is the sweetest thing, but you will soon know if she is not happy! She is quite talkative, especially at feeding time.
She is trained to drive, so I’m looking forward to getting her out once the weather improves.

 

[ClaraJones3421]

I took on a small donkey recently, and she is the sweetest thing, but you will soon know if she is not happy! She is quite talkative, especially at feeding time.
She is trained to drive, so I’m looking forward to getting her out once the weather improves.

Oh my goodness she’s gorgeous! Might have to start prepping the land for a donkey or ten ? what kind of set up do you have? Hard standing, shelter etc something else?

 

[ClaraJones3421]

The OP said the horses are kept at livery, not on the three acres she has at home.

I'm surrounded by donkeys here, but a lot of them are kept in less than ideal conditions. There seems to be a thing here with having a donkey or two for no particular reason and doing very little with them, including sadly some very inadequate hoof care. They mostly seem sweet and friendly, if a little noisy. Some share a field with Connemara ponies, apparently happily enough. You can pick a pair up easily off Done Deal around here for between €50 - €200 each depending on age, gender and level of handling. No idea of the UK prices though.

Where abouts are you? I might have to pop over and buy one there!

 

[Poingsettia]

Oh my goodness she’s gorgeous! Might have to start prepping the land for a donkey or ten ? what kind of set up do you have? Hard standing, shelter etc something else?

Still in development as not my own land, but gravel area 5 x 3 m by the water trough to minimise mud, which she hates. Also bought mudcontrol mats which I’ve used to make a path and sun patio around her little shelter. It’s just pallets, but the farmer put a cracking roof on it, as he secretly loves little mollydonk.

 

[ClaraJones3421]

I am slightly concerned that 2 horses and 2 donkeys on 3 acres is enough grazing for all year round.
However, donkeys are sociable animals and should be homed with another donkey, they should be seen as a specialist animal in their own right. Must have access to field shelter as they are not waterproof and detest the rain. As one donkey expert told me 'you tell a horse to do something and they will do it, you have to ask a donkey to do something and they will do it if they want to' ! So true!! They are noisy, but great guard animals if something is wrong. I have donkeys but also a mule, the mule owners on here will probably agree the stubbornness (intelligence!) of a donkey and speed of a pony is an interesting combination...mentally challenging at times, but wouldn't be without any of them.

no worries about the land thing- I have 3 at home and my pair of horses are on a yard in the next village one of my horses is also horribly stubborn. In my instructors words “opinionated and strong” defines him ? not to mention my mastiff who died last year… hence why I’m wanting donkeys now! I always said that once he wandered on to the next life I’d get some donkeys! thanks to them I have some tricks up my sleeve!
I’m planning to set up a pair of XL stables permanently on my own land (one for storage, one as a permanent shelter for them) on a bit of fenced in hard standing.

the guard thing is also part of the appeal if I’m honest.

 

[laura_nash]

Where abouts are you? I might have to pop over and buy one there!

NW Ireland (county Mayo in the Irish Lake District, nearish to Connemara). Nipping over and buying one would be easy, not sure on getting it back, that might be more complex and costly now with Brexit.

 

[Tarragon]

We had a great riding donkey as a child; She would happily jump if there was no way round it, and I even went cubbing on her! She could also be used in draught, but just sledges in the snow, or bringing in hay from the field. We didn't have a cart.
Bought originally as companion to a pony, but had to be separated due to Lung worm (OK for donkeys but not for ponies - or the other way around, I can't remember!) so then had donkey foals and bought a second pony.

 

[Gamebird]

Check whether your farrier will take them on. We have a real problem locally as a lot of farriers won't touch donkeys, and a few clients cannot find a farrier at all. At least you will already have a relationship with a farrier so hopefully he'll take your donkeys on.

 

[rabatsa]

Lungworm should be a thing of the past. Once ivermectin was developed as a wormer no donkey should be a carrier anymore.

 

[Birker2020]

You can keep them at a yard with horses but they have to be kept housed separately and managed separately for some reason.