What about me? It isn’t fair,
I’m an equine, does anyone care?
All I need is is some time each day,
Please love me and give me hay.
Donkeys are sociable, inquisitive animals who bring great joy to their owners. Possessing unique charm donkeys are ideal pets and companions for humans and non-human animal species. Donkeys are bred for show, or work on small acreages. And large donkeys make comfortable mounts or for draught in harness.
They are in demand as guard animals for sheep, goat or cattle farms, chasing dingos or wild dogs away and the saving lives of their paddock companions.
The humble donkey is placid and his decision not to be pushed into danger or unsafe situations shows his high intelligence and sense of self preservation. He has a gentle temperament and demands only love and care.
Donkeys handled and trained from birth trust humans and are eager to please and socialize with them. The donkey loves to be groomed and stroked and greets his owner with a hearty bray. His powerful voice may alert the owner of distress or danger too. Owners are treated as part of the donkey family and receive reciprocal affection and trust.
They are bred in miniature, small, standard and large size and in many colours including, black, grey, fawn and even skewbald. A male is a jack; and he must be gelded by a veterinarian as a foal, after which he is known as a gelding. A female is known as a Jenny. The purchase price starts at $500 and this is the beginning of the responsibility to provide and pay for health care routines.
Donkey keeping requires 5acres or more for sufficient grazing and room to roam, with plain wire fence boundary. Ideally grazing should be fenced into portions with electric tape to allow spelling and rotation of pasture.
A shelter with a northerly aspect is necessary with a holding yard attached. Straw or wood shavings are suitable bedding materials, and the donkey will nibble unspoiled bedding. Along with nutritious grass, hay supplementation is needed in times of drought, flood, fire, snow or cold weather. Salt and mineral licks are ideal for adlib use. A dam or fresh water supply in a clean tub is essential. Deworming is necessary every 6-8 weeks as is hoof trimming by a farrier who understands the angle of the donkey’s hooves. Dental attention is ideal every 18 months or as required by the individual. Annual tetanus booster is ideal after an initial course. Simple needs include a halter and lead, fly mask, hoof pick, brush, and time to spend administering to the routine needs.
Donkeys possess great strength and live and behave like donkeys. An owner must understand the psychology and physiology of the species to do him justice. Donkeys become part of the family and accept their owner likewise. Most donkeys are fond of children and under adult supervision a loving bond develops in a very short time.
A couple of donkeys enhance their owner’s world – just ask anyone enamored with the breed.
Sometimes donkeys do not have their needs met and suffer atrocious afflictions and lameness in silence. DONKEY WELFARE WITH HEART INC is a self funded, registered charity run by volunteers, that speaks and acts for neglected donkeys. Their expertise is recognized world wide and is second to none in the southern hemisphere.
For advice and information on buying, keeping and maintaining donkeys contact DONKEY WELFARE WITH HEART INC. www.donkeywelfare.com.au
Happiness has long ears!
Christine Berry.
