Miniature donkey

Pennyhp

Pennyhp

Well-Known Member
Joined
1 September 2007
Messages
118
Location
NB Canada
Visit site
I have just been given a miniature donkey. She is adorable and I am very exited to have her. But I know very little about donkeys in general and miniatures in particular.
I think she is a little overweight but doesn't look excessivly so, but what worries me is that she has a few lumpy bits on her. Either side of her neck she looks cresty, but not all the way from poll to withers, just a 6 inch section which is bigger than the rest and also on her flanks she has similar lumps.
I don't know if this is somewhat normal or if it is fatty deposits that I should be worried about as a possible sign that she is too overweight and whether I should be worried about laminitis.

Any suggestions about this or tips for miniature donkey care in general will be much appreciated.
 
Pennyhp said:
I have just been given a miniature donkey. She is adorable and I am very exited to have her. But I know very little about donkeys in general and miniatures in particular.
I think she is a little overweight but doesn't look excessivly so, but what worries me is that she has a few lumpy bits on her. Either side of her neck she looks cresty, but not all the way from poll to withers, just a 6 inch section which is bigger than the rest and also on her flanks she has similar lumps.
I don't know if this is somewhat normal or if it is fatty deposits that I should be worried about as a possible sign that she is too overweight and whether I should be worried about laminitis.

Any suggestions about this or tips for miniature donkey care in general will be much appreciated.
Click to expand...

Hi,
Get in touch with The Donkey Sanctuary, based in Sidmouth, Devon. You can get free advice on how to care for your donkey and there are courses on donkey management you can book. Donkeys are very different to horses - for a start their coats are not waterproof so you must provide stabling for them at all times. It sounds as if you need to learn about condition scoring re donkeys, they do have fat bits and thin bits and are generally good doers.
http://www.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk/trainingcentre
Good luck - donkeys are fantastic!!
 
Thank you both for your replies.
I would love to take advantage of the donkey Sanctuary classes but I don't live in the UK anymore. I am now in Canada.

I have read up on some of the general care such as the donkeys inability to keep warm in wet weather and that they need always to have shelter.....mind you everything does in this country!

We have had it exeptionally warm for December this year and we have no snow on the ground at the moment, but when the temperature drops and the snow comes down in earnest my little donk will be staying in the barn. It has plenty of indoor space so I will close the doors and she can roam around the place while I get on with chores.
 
I have no experience with Donkeys but I have mini horses. They are really quite complicated as they need everything that a "big" horse needs plus some more. First thing you need to do is weigh her this way you can make sure that she is getting the correct amount of food. As suggested please feel free to contact the donkey sanctuary as they are great. lastly do as much research on line as possible. Good luck and welcome to the wonderful world of mini's
 
You are quite right, those are fat deposits. When a donkey gets overweight it shows in those areas rather than a more uniform layer as you would expect on a horse.

It sounds like a diet is in order! - Lots of fibre, preferably in hay form and not too good quality either, or even straw, and no hard feed.

Donkeys are just as prone to laminitis as ponies so as she already has the fat deposits you are going to have to be vigilant.
 
Sorry no constructive advice re: donkeys as I have never owned one but I would LOVE to see some pics as I just love donkeys, they are so cool! :D

Good luck with her!

Sadiemay
 
Hi, that could be me. I don't come here often now. Why don't you join the Donkey Forum where lots of lovely people can help you with all your donkey questions, great bunch of people.:D
It does sound like fat deposits, and donkeys are very susceptible to laminitis, they need less feed than the best-doer native.

www.donkeyforum.co.uk
 
Oh thank you all for your help. And thank you donkeymad for the link to the donkey forum. I have signed up already.

I put a pic of Muffin as my avatar. Cute isn't she?
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top