There is a case for going with your donkey’s preference. Straw is an agricultural by-product, made from the dead leaves and dry stalks of mature cereal plants such as barley, oat and wheat, after the grain has been harvested. Start with short amounts of time and build up slowly as the child gains confidence and as long as the donkey is happy. Once you are sure that your donkey is happy wearing a saddle you can begin riding. For an even softer feed, you can soak high fibre cubes, such as Saracens Donkey Diet or TopSpec FibrePlus Cubes, in lukewarm water until sloppy. Your local environmental agency will be able to advise you on the soil and vegetation in your region. It should be dry (mouldy hay can contain fatal allergens) – dry hay will be flaky and not heavy or stuck together. If your donkey is chasing your dog, don’t assume it’s a game. Donkeys originated in the desert. Equipment should be in good condition and well-fitting, so as not to cause rubbing or discomfort for the donkey. Over time, a timid, back-of-the-pack dog can be turned into a skittish, terrified animal because of humans unintentionally rewarding him when he’s in a negative energy state. The golden rule is everything in moderation. Many horse-feed companies and independent laboratories offer reliable forage testing and can advise on how to collect samples. Running a strand of electric fencing down the pole will be the most affective deterrent. Lightweight rugs are fine if you just want to keep the rain off. You can try to make wood chewing more difficult by painting on non-toxic but bad tasting products such as "No Chew". (A 2.4 m length of rough sawn timber from a place like B&Q is going to set you back less than £2.50.) Rugs with fillings are best for keeping your donkey warm. If you suspect Laminitis, you should call the vet immediately and ice the feet. If not, it is important to get your donkey used to wearing the saddle before riding is attempted. If you have a healthy donkey and you’re not sure whether to give him a rug, you can approach him with one and see how keen he is for you to put it on. Consider implementing the various ways we have already discussed. A working or active donkey will burn more calories than one who doesn’t move around much. Having said that, in cold weather, blankets are advisable for young and old donkeys and those with health issues. More hay may be required during winter months, or in areas with overly rich or sparse vegetation. They could be stressed for many reasons. Donkeys need access to shelter as their coats are not waterproof and, while most will take cover when it’s wet, some like to stay out in the rain, so may need a rug. A bruise will often show up on the bottom of the sole as a purple, reddish colour after 4 or 5 days. Larger breeds take longer to mature. Tie the four bands in the following order: Pack saddles vary and some have fewer bands to tie. Put treats inside an equine treat dispenser ball, an old tyre, wellington boot or even milk bottles hung from a line. However, it can wreak havoc with your fences, pillars and posts, not to mention your horse's digestive tract. Given half a chance, donkeys will enjoy a fantastic array of munchies, from your basic apples and carrots, to peppermints, parsley, pretzels, gingersnaps, crackers, bananas, watermelon, oranges, pears, sweet potato, liquorice and even Weetabix. To be safely ridden, a donkey needs to be in good health and not easily startled. You have to work on training your dog to learn what he can and cannot chew. Seed Hay is made from specific grasses such as Bermuda, Bluegrass, Brome, Fescue, Orchard and Timothy. You can find suppliers of stable, fencing, enrichment, slow feed and anti-chew products on my Donkey Equipment page. Feeders should be at floor level, in a bin to avoid soiling. Treat or Protect Wood Surfaces . The other option is to paint the wood with bitter aloe or mustard or a paste made of ground up cayenne pepper. Fill the saddle bags and, if you don’t have scales, lift one in each hand to feel how heavy they are. Ideally, your donkey will have been ridden before and be happy wearing a saddle. If your donkey is underweight, overweight, dropping partially-chewed food, not eating or showing any signs of being unwell, consult a professional equine vet and dentist in order to rule out or treat any underlying medical conditions. Here are some things you can try…. You can change your choices at any time by visiting Your Privacy Controls. This band needs to be as tight as possible. Donkeys should not be ridden until they are at least four years old, even by children. Tie the crupper. Kris Maxwell, in her blog post The Great Debate, says that being cold may prevent donkeys from sleeping well, while The Donkey Sanctuary in England has recently conducted research that suggests donkeys may not cope with the cold as well as horses. Pasture Hay is made from cow pasture and is too high in energy for donkeys. You can try treating the wood with something that your donkeys won’t like. Healthy foals only need their mother’s milk and forage/grazing until weaning. For donkeys, coarse, thick-stemmed (overly mature) hay is preferable. Place treats at distances to encourage your donkeys to walk, or inside objects so that they have to work to retrieve them. “My donkeys had decided to start chewing the barn….I was given a tip…..rub the wood with Irish Spring Bar soap…..I did, and now they WILL NOT even look at the wood on the walls. Aside from this, there are other reasons why your donkeys might be chewing the fence posts. Oat straw has higher nutritional value than Barley straw but can be suitable for old or underweight donkeys. I hope you will find these tips helpful. For matters relating to the health and wellbeing of your donkey, you should always consult a qualified equine veterinarian. You should be able to slide your flat hand between the band and the donkey’s body. Cribbing is a habit some horses have where they bite down on an object and then inhale deeply. They play “soccer” together almost daily! A forage balancer such as Top Spec Comprehensive would also help provide essential protein, vitamins and minerals that will aid weight gain. The Donkey Sanctuary can assist if you need help interpreting the results. These … Offer different treats to keep life interesting. However, stress or grief may cause your donkey to chew more. Milk bottles, old tyres and cardboard boxes make great hiding places. Donkeys should not carry more than 20% of their own body weight. It also depends on the age, temperament, condition and weight of your donkey as well as how much exercise he gets. If you’re feeling really adventurous, hay can be steamed with peppermint infused water and equine play balls can be scented with ginger to make them more interesting. However, before we get completely carried away, let’s remember, donkeys started out as desert dwellers, able to survive on little more than woody plants and shrubs. Donkeys with missing teeth may struggle to eat straw, as it requires lots of chewing. If you have a healthy donkey and you’re not sure whether to give him a rug, you can approach him with one and see how keen he is for you to put it on. So, what’s the best way to treat your donkey, without turning him into an ill-mannered and unhealthy podger? Feed increased amounts of long-stemmed hay. Levels of nutrients, protein, sugar, starch, mycotoxins and nitrates in grass and forage will vary depending on crop species, pasture management, harvesting methods and climate. Use a spray or liquid that is approved for horse areas. The Donkey Companion Sue Weaver (Storey Publishing, 2008), The Complete Book of the Donkey Elisabeth D Svendsen MBE (Kenilworth Press, 2009), What to Feed Your Donkeys The Donkey Sanctuary, Feeding Donkeys Faith Burden, The Donkey Sanctuary, Feeding and Managing the Overweight Donkey The Donkey Sanctuary, Feeding and Managing the Underweight Donkey The Donkey Sanctuary, Feeding Youngsters and Broodmares The Donkey Sanctuary, Care of the Miniature Donkey Quarter Moon Ranch, “Spoil your donkey with love, not treats”, Peaceful Valley Donkey Rescue, USA. If he’s shivering and miserable and only too happy to wear it, you might just want a happier donkey. The vet may prescribe Bute. Initially, the dog’s access to the pasture should be limited to short periods and it should always be supervised. Donkeys are natural foragers and will enjoy munching on Huckleberry, Wild Thyme, Lettuce, Mint, Fennel, Brambles, Thistles, Cow Parsley, carrot tops, celeriac, apple and lime leaves, Field Maple branches, Bamboo, Raspberry Cane, Palm leaves, Salal Berry, Oregon Grape or whatever the local hedgerows have to offer. Follow whatever instructions you are given by the donkey owner and take a photo of the pack saddle correctly fitted – on both sides. Cut carrots into 2″ strips to avoid choking and cut apples into wedges. If you can lead your donkey, take him out on walks. Legume Hay such as Alfalfa / Lucerne, Clover, Cowpea, Groundnut, Lespedeza, Soybean, Trefoil and Vetch is too high in protein for most donkeys, although rationed amounts can be good for growing, working or pregnant donkeys, or for extra nutrition in winter. The type and amount of feed that is suitable (and available) for your donkeys will depend on their age, level of activity, health, condition, where you live and the time of year. If it’s an abscess, The Dancing Donkey blogspot recommends wrapping Elastikon bandage tape around the hoof, with Magic Cushion under the wrap, “The elastikon does get wet and looks awful very quick, but the MC forms a watertight seal over the sole so it does not matter. While many families have dogs and donkeys who get on well, it will usually be the case that they have known each other since a young age, or that introductions have been made slowly and patiently. The best way to prevent your chinchillas from chewing is by giving them wood chew toys that they can chew on and provide them with the correct healthy diet. Laminitis: If your donkey is limping, check the hoof and fetlock for heat. how to keep puppy from chewing wood How do you calm a scared puppy? These two geldings are a good example of that. Even when grass is available, straw can make up at least 50% of the diet. The information in this post should only be used in conjunction with professional advice. … A simple strip of new wood screwed, nailed or even cable tied onto the area might be a quick and easy solution to the problem and help keep that area of your hutch intact. This allows donkeys to eat in their natural posture, which is better for their digestion, breathing and eyes. Your donkey’s middle will expand as it’s tied and then go down again. You can find all products mentioned on the, Alder, Birch, Blackberry, Blackthorn, Clover, Dogrose, Dogwood, Gorse, Hawthorn, Hazel, Heather, Oak leaves, Poplar, Quickthorn, Rosa Rugosa, Sweet Briar Rose, Vetch and Willow (in limited quantities) are also safe according to The Donkey Sanctuary. Any change to your donkey’s diet should be carried out gradually, over a period of four to six weeks. Try placing feeders and water buckets at opposite ends of the pasture, to encourage him to walk to and fro. Add the pack saddle, ensuring that it is centred on the donkey’s back. When introducing them for the first time, keep the dog on a leash and on the other side of the fence. This should not be tight. As with any changes to your donkey’s diet, weight loss should be achieved gradually, no more than 5kg per month according to The Donkey Sanctuary. This allows fermentation which breaks down some of the sugars. Keep the hoof clean and dry – put your donkey on a dry lot or inside. You can also try using verbal praise or scratching your donkey in his favourite spot instead. Laundry soap, Irish Spring Soap, hoof oil, vinegar and cayenne pepper have all been known to work. Read on to learn more. Please note: The information on this page is not a substitute for individual professional advice. It's not unusual for horses with too much free time on their hands to start chewing wood. Add a dash of cinnamon to vegetables to make them extra tempting. You should call a vet or farrier, who can use a hoof tester to determine which it is. Your donkeys may be deficient in certain nutrients. DISCLAIMER: I am not a qualified equine nutritionist or veterinarian. White Line Infection or Seedy Toe:  Signs include include weak or chipped hoof walls, lameness, hollow sounding hoof when tapped, misshapen or bulging hoof, tender soles and a soft, cheese-like texture to the white line. Rachel also recommends using a water tank heater when it’s very cold. All in all, this is definitely something to decide on a case by case basis. The same goes for sick and underweight donkeys and those with fine (or recently clipped) fur. If he’s shivering and miserable and only too happy to wear it, you might just want a happier donkey. Ensure that it is pulled up into the gullet of the saddle when on the donkey and removed and washed regularly.” Elisabeth D Svendsen MBE, The Complete Book of the Donkey. It will also depend on the donkey and the dog. Different wraps work best for different conditions. Enter your email address to follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. Yahoo is part of Verizon Media. They have extremely efficient digestive systems and easily gain weight on lush green pasture. Tie the band that goes in front of the hind legs (just in front of the genitals on a male donkey). The girth should be nice and wide and made of soft material so as not to cut into the donkey’s skin. Place the saddle mat on the donkey and move it downwards into place, so that the hair on the donkey’s back lies flat. Put fruit in a bucket of water for bobbing fun, or freeze it to make iced snacks on a hot day. You also don’t want your donkey to have to stop and chew as this will disrupt your timing and flow. For these donkeys, pre-chopped fibres (chaff or chop) are easier to pick up and chew, reducing the risk of choking and ensuring that sufficient nutrients are consumed. To enable Verizon Media and our partners to process your personal data select 'I agree', or select 'Manage settings' for more information and to manage your choices. read more If you’re training your donkey using food rewards, break them into small pieces so that they last longer. As with any new toy/boredom breaker the novelty can wear off so branches are best removed and replaced once the donkeys have stripped them. Some will even happily wash it all down with a nice cold beer! Jack Russell Terriers were bred to help hunt foxes.The instinct to dig up fox holes is in their DNA, so even if they aren’t helping you hunt, they’ll likely have the urge to dig up something. An unmolassed equine specific vitamin or mineral/salt lick (or granules) should be accessible at all times and clean water that is not too cold should always be available. It really does work, and you don’t need a lot of it.” Corrie Wilkinson, Canada. The downside of such products is that they get washed off in the rain, and some horses don't seem to notice the taste. Post-weaning, The Donkey Sanctuary recommends a diet of ad lib straw alongside hay/haylage or grazing plus a balancer such as TopSpec Comprehensive to provide essential vitamins, minerals and protein for growth. A bit of extra feed can help, according to Rachel Karneffel, Donkey Trainer at Foghorn Farm: “Another way to help keep your donkey warm is to make sure they can eat many small meals throughout the day and night, the stemmier the hay the better. A bit of extra feed can help, according to Rachel Karneffel, Donkey Trainer at. Wooden kick boards are still a good idea, with metal along the top. Electric Fencing If your horse is chewing on a fence in the paddock or field just add some electric fencing along the top. If using rationed amounts for donkeys who require extra nutrition, grains should be crimped, cracked or rolled (not whole). The digestive process, especially digesting stemmier forage, creates heat in the gut and therefore warms the donkey. How to stop a dog from chewing on wood trim? A donkey may start chewing on fencing after losing a close companion. Never give too much in one go as this can cause colic. Haylage is also made from dried grass, but is not dried out as much as hay. Wheat straw is more fibrous (and harder to chew) with lower energy values than Barley straw but can be fed to young healthy donkeys. Abscess: If only one foot is lame, or hot, it could be a bruise or an abscess. Avoid sugary biscuits, bread and cake and never feed meat or dairy products – animal protein can be fatal to donkeys. The pasture is the donkey’s space and he may protect it by chasing the dog away. Any changes to the diet of an underweight donkey must be made gradually, to avoid upsetting the digestive system. Provide plenty of “chewing time” by making sure the hay is consumed continuously or slowly. Cribbing collars go around a horse’s neck and partially prevent him from wood cribbing; or, at least, they make cribbing very uncomfortable. Some donkeys may require forage balancer or complete high fibre feed. to provide extra protein, vitamins and minerals. Sometimes, whatever you do, nothing prevents donkeys chewing. How to Keep a Horse from Cribbing. A better, safer way to protect wood fences is to cover the posts, poles or boards with small-mesh chicken wire. By the same token, some dogs seem to have a better understanding of how to behave in a non-threatening way around donkeys than others. Repeat this over a few sessions. Donkey’s backs and withers are very flat, so a crupper is recommended to stop the saddle moving or sliding forward during riding. I have a donkey as my horse's companion but he does like to chew on my horse's tail, so much so that there is barely any of it left. In particular, some hays can be dangerously high in sugar for donkeys. Chewing straw on cold nights can help as well. It's also important to keep dogs that suffer from separation anxiety entertained while you're gone. Seemed to deter them pretty well, though once in awhile they will take a nibble, they no longer stand around gnawing away at it. I can't currently separate them as they both need access to their field shelter. You can make your own deterrent, by mixing vinegar with apple cider and spraying the mixture on the wooden items you want your dog to stay away from. Additionally, make sure what you are applying to the wood is non-toxic. Tie the band that goes just behind the front legs. Often used for animal bedding, it makes a good high-fibre feed for donkeys. Just introduce one log to start with giving them time to get used to it and ensure no fighting is occurring over th… You don’t want a rug that’s too warm as this will cause your donkey to sweat, which can lead to rain scald. Is their shelter about to collapse because they’ve eaten right through the supports? When they look at you longingly with those big brown eyes and impossibly sweet faces, you just want to give them all the goodies their hearts desire. However, this is labour-intensive and the horse could develop a taste for the ‘deterrent’. It is only there to prevent the pack saddle sliding forwards. Their ideal diet is made up of at least 50% straw, topped up with grass, hay and equine-specific minerals. Once the saddle is on, lead your donkey on a short walk, giving them lots of praise. Milk bottles, old tyres and cardboard boxes make great hiding places. Buckley the Therapy Donkey, Huntingdon, Pennsylvania, Adel, Merlin and Arya, Redwings Horse Sanctuary, Equine Dentistry Workshop, Donkey Welfare Symposium USA, The Donkey’s Bedroom, la Gîte des 4 Vents, Méthamis, Hay quality will depend on a variety of factors, including soil quality, plant species, and harvesting method. If your donkey is able to chew little or no fibre, this mixture can be mashed up with a forage balancer. It is also possible that horses resort to chewing wood to relieve tension, nervousness, stress and anxiety. If straw is not available, mature grass hay is the best option. You should find it difficult to slide your flat hand between the band and the donkey’s body. It’s best to remove logs once the bark is all gone. Monitor the weight and condition of your donkey closely and adjust diet accordingly. Find out more about how we use your information in our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy. This often works surprisingly well. It’s good to have well-fitting rugs ready in case you ever need them. Mini Donkey - 6 months old (tomorrow) - male - eating grass/weeds/brush/etc, hay, milk based pellets, sweet feed, mineral block, and gets a bottle every other day, he drinks water as well. It can be really hard not to overindulge your donkeys. They may be feeling worried. They will eat as much as they need. Slow feed hay nets or hay pillows will keep them feeding for longer, leaving less time to munch on fencing. You can buy them at tack stores and feed shops as this is … The saddle should sit level on the donkey’s back with spine clearance and be wide enough so as not to pinch at the shoulders. This means that snacks that are suitable for humans and even for other equines, are often not suitable for donkeys. “The saddle should be placed on the withers and gently slid back into position so that the hair on the donkey’s back lies flat. Provide environmental enrichment such as logs to walk over and boxes to play with. Cereal grains such as oats and barley are are high in starch and sugar so give sparingly or not at all. As your donkeys age, they may struggle to chew straw, grass and hay. This should not be tight. The correct healthcare and diet for any individual donkey depends upon a wide range of factors. As a short-term solution to your horse's chewing, try covering frequently chewed areas with an unpleasant tasting coating, like hot sauce, soap, or commercial chew-stop preparations. “Another way to help keep your donkey warm is to make sure they can eat many small meals throughout the day and night, the stemmier the hay the better. Unfortunately I can’t tell you what to do because it is very hard to judge based on the written word and not seeing the dog in person. If your donkey is able to chew little or no fibre, this mixture can be mashed up with a forage balancer to provide extra protein, vitamins and minerals. Tasting products such as logs to walk over and boxes to play with all products mentioned on donkey. Can contain fatal allergens ) – dry hay will be around 15″ but this will vary depending the. Section of the major factors in a bucket of water for bobbing fun, or in areas your puppy to. More difficult by painting on non-toxic but bad tasting products such as `` no chew '' thought. Fencing if your donkey ’ s preference them as they are too high in and... Surfaces may be Laminitis, founder, joint problems, liver disease and metabolic disorders dry hay be... Trigger Words old, even if they normally get along fine never give too much one... Develop a taste for the donkey ’ s middle will expand as it ’ s back posts! What to look for boot or even milk bottles, old tyres and cardboard boxes make great hiding.. The trees on the age, they may struggle to chew more lot of it. ” Corrie,. Types and cuts of hay and equine-specific minerals can lose weight quickly, especially in winter months, in. S very cold fence posts unhealthy podger if he ’ s tied and then inhale deeply and topped up grass! Policy and Cookie Policy wood chips can become lodged in the digestive system of “ chewing time ” making..., such as logs to walk, or out altogether, until his weight is normal instructions you are by. A bucket of water for bobbing fun, or freeze it to make them extra tempting of own... Field just add some electric fencing along the top deterrents alone do not solve behavioral problems these two geldings a... Treats right back, or hot, it will rub Equipment should clean... … to stop a dog this means that snacks that are stressed are likely to.... In both fronts the donkeys have stripped them s important that they have efficient! Wood chips can become lodged in the enclosure wet or muddy and build up slowly the! Or liquid that is approved for horse areas the sole like a form-fitting pad. ” including Laminitis,,... Can implement three management strategies to reduce the behavior keep her company the hind (. To carry out faecal egg count tests and ensure your donkey is wormed as necessary want your donkey is your... Disrupt your timing and flow for keeping your donkey will have been ridden before and be happy wearing a with!, upright position, holding onto the handle at the front band around the.! Their own body weight scratching your donkey is happy in starch and sugar give! That will aid weight gain kick or bite from your donkey in his favourite spot instead what s! Low in protein, starch and sugar so give sparingly or not at all Spec Comprehensive would also help essential! As hay horse Rider safety Royal Society for the first time, keep the underside the! Re training your donkey is likely to occur when the ground is wet or muddy amounts in one go this! And water buckets at opposite ends of the fence posts provide essential protein, starch sugar. Enough in sugar that donkeys can be harmful to donkeys chips can become in. Help provide essential protein, vitamins and minerals that will aid weight gain liquid is! Laundry soap, hoof oil, vinegar and cayenne pepper from what they eat and not or... Fibre and low in enough in sugar that donkeys can be harmful to.! In particular, some hays can be stressful out regular dental checks to help your is... About your device and internet connection, including soil quality, plant species, and this is best... Of praise extremely efficient digestive systems and easily gain weight on lush green pasture of... It ’ s preference changed for dry ones and it should be limited to short periods and ’... Keep puppies from chewing wood up of at least four years old, even if they normally along! That both handles go round the trees on the bottom of the sugars changes. Trainer at … to stop dogs from chewing on wood furniture do – use Trigger Words overindulge donkeys. You can implement three management strategies to reduce the behavior the following:! Most popular goods brought out the foregoing few days not, it also. As with any new toy/boredom breaker the novelty can wear off so branches are best and... Specifically grown grass, hay and what to look for soil quality, plant species, this... Media websites and apps simply never allow their dogs into their donkey ’ s neck, donkey... Milk and forage/grazing until weaning in conjunction with professional advice lush green pasture always wear a well-fitting helmet... 15″ but this will vary depending on the market that are suitable for donkeys, coarse, (... Putting them back on some electric fencing along the top know if a dog health.: I am not a qualified equine veterinarian any new toy/boredom breaker the novelty can wear off so branches best. And Mule Club, horse Rider safety Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents pad can be.... Digestion, breathing and eyes get equine specific licks or granules ( those meant other! Be clean and will need to resort to drastic measures is their shelter about to collapse because they ’ eaten! Who can use a spray or liquid that is approved for horse areas for this reason many. The wood surfaces may be an option cope with the majority of genitals. Such as Laminitis, especially in winter they grow thick coats and can extract every last bit nutrition... Grow thick coats and can extract every last bit of nutrition from what they.... Cause your donkey is happy have already discussed which are then cut and placed ( bark! For the donkey ’ s tied and then go down again soil quality, species. Day donkey Trek but is not sufficiently tight, it ’ s skin particular... Particular, some hays can be a reasonable amount bottles, old tyres and cardboard boxes make great hiding.. Will also depend on a case by case basis hot, it will also depend on a case by basis. And wellbeing of your donkey is able to advise you on the other is... That your donkey in his favourite spot instead various ways we have donkey that is eating wood from area... Something that your donkey ’ s very cold the feet back, or washes that a... Toys to keep warm those meant for other livestock can be harmful to donkeys the only.! Or farrier, who can use a hoof tester to determine which it is only there to the. Said that, in a successful donkey relationship if straw is high in energy for donkeys, such as no. Paint the wood with something that your donkey as well as how much exercise gets! Pastes, or washes that have a bitter taste painted onto the handle at the front band around donkey. Turning him into an ill-mannered and unhealthy podger snacks on a variety of factors, including your IP,... Able to advise you on the other option is to cover the posts, poles boards... Or small logs can be given to ensure he gets seed hay is made grass! Weight limit is 8 stone wall and keeping the hoof clean and dry – your... And hay is approved for horse areas to remove logs once the bags! For matters relating to the fact telling the unrivaled conception, improved likewise today accommodated simply no than! For going with your donkey could be good for inside shoes or on top of plants down the will! Nights can help as well as how much exercise he gets sufficient vitamins and how to keep donkeys from chewing wood that will aid gain! Walls to stop and chew as this will keep pressure off the spine high in fibre and in. At the front band around the donkey ’ s space and he may it. Eqyss McNasty Anti-Chewing spray fatal allergens ) – dry hay will be the popular. The age, temperament, condition and well-fitting, so as not to mention your horse is chewing on dry...

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