Top Ten Things New Donkey Owners need to know
1. Donkeys are not horses with long ears, Their diet is very different then a horse (they get fat on air. So no high sugar pasture, no alfalfa, and no grains. Unless it is recommended for a donkey that needs calaries from your vet. Donkeys think differently then a horse (highly intelligent, they take their time to figure out new situations) and their hoof care is also different (much more upright hooves, must be trimmed differently)
2. Donkeys are not stubborn, This is a myth. Donkeys tend to balk (stop in their tracks) if something is worrisome or different. Building trust is what is needed to get over fears of new things. It takes time and consistancy. Using Preasure and release (with good timing) will help donkeys learn to do what you ask.
3. Donkeys naturally tend to defend themselves against smaller animals. THis includes dogs (they do not know your pup isn't a coyote). Small animals life cats sheep, goats, calves or even their own babies to first time donkey moms can be preceived at a threat to a donkey. I have even seen small children be preceived as a preditor to a donkey untl they have met them. Most donkeys do not make good livestock guards, as they are prey animals themselves. Some donkeys do like dogs and get along just fine. That doesn't mean yours will. Many will kill dogs in given the chance.
4. Donkeys need hooves trimmed regularly. They need vaccines and deworming in the same schedule as horeses. Vaccines are the same dosage as horeses. Dewormer is based on the donkeys weight. Donkeys need their teeth checked annaully.
5. Donkeys can be trained to do all sorts of things. Packing, driving, hiking, riding, coon jumping, showing, and trail courses. Donkey enjoy having a job.
6. Donkeys do not have a double layered coat like horses. They are desert animals and do not do well in the wet. A shelter is very important for your donkey to help him stay out of rain or wet snow, as it will not slick off and will stick to thier skin, causing rain rot and a freezing donkey.
7, The most common issue in donkeys in developed countries are: Obesity, neglect of hooves, abscesses in hooves when it gets wet out, fly bites on legs. skin issues - usually fungal and lack of training. There are many more.
8. Donkeys naturally are browsers. They love to eat wood, and can actually gain nutrition from it. So no, your wooden barn is not safe, and neither are your trees.
9. Donkeys are excellent escape artists. They can coon jump over fences, unlock latches on gates, and pull apart fence to climb through and some can scooch under gates. Make sure you have excellent latches and chains, high sturdy fence and gates not to high off the ground. Make sure your feed room doors are closed in case they escape, eating a bunch of high energy feed can be deadly for a donkey.
10. Donkeys are amazing animals, highly intelligent (they outsmart me frequently) and are also affectionate towards the people they trust. They are very socal animal and should always have an equine friend. They shed out much later then a horse, They love to be brushed and scratched and often have a favorte spot.
Donkeys live a long time plan accordingly!