Rescuing beach donkeys?

[Nudibranch]

The Mablethorpe post prompted me to wonder about where beach donkeys go when they can't work any more. I've always wanted a donkey but never kept one. I know they need more wet-weather protection than horses, which is probably why! Eventually my little oldie won't be around any more and I'll need a companion pony. Would an ex-beach donkey or two be a good call? I assume they can be rehomed from various charities for example....?

 

[somethingillremember]

I think there is a big Donkey place in Devon ? Worth speaking to them to see whats involved in donkey ownership ... do they get lung worm ...or is that sheep ?!!!

 

[jinglejoys]

Beach donkeys don't need rescueing but sometimes they might want rehoming.The Donkey Sanctuary have masses of mainly healthy donkeys but only let them go in pairs
They do get Lungworm like all equines if you don't worm them but presumedly you worm your animals?

 

[smellsofhorse]

A lot go to charities and the donkey sanctuary in devon.
They do need different care from horses.
The donkey sanctuary is particularly fussy, they have to go in pairs, need hard standing areas and shelters.
Plus from your point if view, not to be turned out with horses!
I looked in to it but as much as I wanted to help a charity it wasn't possible.

 

[stencilface]

We had a donkey for years that we adopted as an additional freebie when we adopted a 15.2 horse from the Blue Cross, horse was 22 and they had been best buddies for years and inseparable. He was such a tiny old donkey but integrated so well into our herd going from a 12.2 pony to a 15.2 welsh D. Donkey was definitely the boss!

I think much of the rehoming guidelines are absolute tosh tbh, having had a donkey. Ours never had a rug, but always had access to shelter, used to get clipped out in summer too. We owned him for 15 years, god only knows how old he was at the end. Can you adopt one from a local sanctuary? They don't have to go in pairs with another donkey, and are more than capable of making friends with other equines. Beware though, they are cunning little blighters, and can really freak some horses out