I was told by the vet to never grain her, only round bales of hay. Ive had donkeys in the past out on our lush, green, pastures here in southern Mississippi and theyve done fine. fed like cattle, sheep, or goats. I am curious about adding corn chops or cracked corn to diet in the winter. The hay should amount to 1.5 - 1.8% of your donkey's weight . He gets timothy hay or orchard mix right now am wondering if Fescue grass or Bemuda would be better for him and also Feeding miniature horse feed from Purina he Hee haws constantly for a little feed. The choice of seed for pasture can depend greatly on soil type as well as climate zone, so you local expert can really provide the best advice. Introducing a jenny and her foal to another horse or group of horses can present some challenges. Hi Elaine Thanks for the question! Nostrils flaring. If it is medicated, it should NOT be fed to a donkey. You must keep these trees and shrubs far from your donkey. These ingredients all serve the purpose of providing the right nutrients including energy, crude protein and vitamins to the goats. It is produced naturally by cows and other ruminant animals as they break down food in their stomachs, and also during the, According to the latest figures from Statistics Canada, there are approximately 9.3 million cows in Canada. What do you need to know before feeding a donkey? The question is, however, why is protein bad for donkeys? All of our farm animals are fed together, and usually stay with their own food. Thanks for the question! I did put on gloves and lube him and carefully removed 3 dung pellets that he pushed toward my hand. Baby donkeys should not be fed goat feed as goats dont contain the nutritional requirements they need to grow and survive. Our store stopped getting sweet 10 and we had to go to sweet 12. This past few days we heard that the owner left the donkey there and he needs a home! The remainder of your donkey's diet (25-50 per cent) should be grazing on grass, hay or haylage. Using a slow net feeder (available at any tack store or online) can help the hay supply last longer and reduce the boredom/unhappiness at being restricted. Youll want to start him out slow and work him up over a period of 7-10 days, if you suspect he hasnt been eating much at all, to avoid any digestive upset. They provide us with, Yes, dairy cows go outside. I suspected edema. Nothing was open for me to get any kind of steroid or antibiotic. Is the hay sufficient and if so, how much and how often each day? Most likely, its a dominance / pecking order thing, or possibly just a really bad habit shes picked up along the way. Finally, of course, the best thing for him is to also get plenty of exercise he needs to be burning off more calories than he is consuming! Dairy cows can and should be given preventive doses of anthelmintics (dewormers) during the grazing season to reduce the risk of, There are a number of reasons why cow milk is not considered good for humans. They can eat an apple on a daily basis but the quantity should remain one apple a day. Hi Linda, Over-acidity can also cause the breakdown of the hard and soft tissue of a donkeys body, including its bones and organs. Hello Larry, Thanks for the question. she yells all the time and chews on trees. You may try using a small quantity of a ration balancer type product in case there is an undetermined deficiency. Lastly, you can get a creep feeder. In Nutrena, I would use either SafeChoice Original if it is a mature donkey, SafeChoice Mare & Foal if it is a young growing donkey, Senior if it is an old donkey or equivalent products. Our product, called Empower Balance, provides the protein, vitamins and minerals they need, and that might be lacking depending on hay quality, without the extra calories of a traditional horse feed. You may also want to use a small quantity of a ration balancer, like Nutrena Empower Topline Balance, to provide some amino acids, trace minerals and vitamins. plenty of fresh water and salt/mineral block. Lack of phosphorus can also create eating behavior problems such as chewing on trees, fences etc. The body condition that you describe with bony hips and can see ribs suggests that you do need to increase your mules energy intake. She enjoys a very lush green pasture in Florida daily. Baby donkeys should be provided with their own feed bowls so they can eat comfortably and get used to eating without being disturbed by a dominant adult. Here are some good tips to follow when feeding donkeys: I have had donkeys for the last 15 years finding it a real challenge to keep them fit. For feeding hay, use a nibble net to slow down his consumption and stretch out the time it takes for him to consume his hay thereby keeping him happy and occupied, while still restricting his diet to the proper amount per day. A typical goat pellet can consist of roughages, rice straw, soybean meal, maize crush, salt and other ingredients depending on the type of goat being fed. The skin issue may be a function of a nutrient deficiency or imbalance. Generally, donkeys and other mammals can live in harmony together. She recommended a sweet feed or complete ration in addition to his free choice hay. Allow all donkeys in a herd access to feed, regardless of age or activity level. Thank you for any advice . The minis are coming from a breeder out of town and the Holstein and donkey friend are coming from right across the road. Hi all. Best wishes on success feeding your donkey! Its worth noting that not all goat feed is unsuitable for donkeys. to feed fresh carrot tops to mini donkeys? The tendency is to underestimate how much feed it takes to restore weight after it is lost due to neglect. The former is a problem that negatively affects your donkeys blood, and the latter condition will affect its liver. I couldnt get him to drink. It's one of the most popular cuts of beef, and is known for being both juicy and flavorful., It's no secret that cow's milk is one of the most popular drinks in the world. She is 5 yrs old and not over weight she gets exercise when I put my 12 yr horse together as he is still getting use to a friend since he has been,alone for a long time.I also would like to know if the donkey can eat barley pellets. Is it o.k. In areas where there is quality lush pasture, that is enough to provide all goats nutritional requirements. thank you. Also, you need to ensure that parts of these trees and shrubs arent mixed with their feed or bedding. Also check out this article I wrote can donkeys eat lettuce. Donkeys need to eat hay and coarse pasture to get all the nutrition they need and require. Due to the fact that goat feed is typically enriched with vitamins and minerals unique to goats, it is incompatible with donkeys. They are browsers like deer and goats and enjoy blackberry bushes, etc. Theyre better suited for roughage. Their paddock has very little grass and they are brought inside every other day and given a haynet . For example, if you make your goat feed at home (or on your farm) and dont fortify the ingredients with extra iron, protein, copper, and so forth, both your goats and your donkeys will have no problem eating the feed. Resources and insights for happy, healthy horses. . Fresh clean water needs to be available as well. Hello Katie, Thanks for the question, and thank you for trying to help the donkey! In addition, they are, Bermuda grass (Cynodon dactylon) is a warm-season grass that is widely used for hay, pasture, turf, and as a soil erosion control plant. I will give you some thoughts. He seems to be doing fine, I am new to donkey ownership and not really sure what I am doing. If it is an intact jack, then gelding might be useful. 2. Donkeys don't need the extra iron, copper, protein, and other vitamins and minerals usually added to goat feed. In addition to cow, other popular red meats include lamb, pork, and deer. Most goat farmers usually record success with pellets as this method of feeding helps to ensure the goat is getting all the nutrition in the feed. Thanks for your time and help. Any suggestions? I will be putting 2 donkeys on a 1-acre pasture that has always been lawn up to now. It is also usually the most expensive part of the feed. Hi , I I have a 10 yr old Mule, shes always braying even after she is fed. Bought her as a livestock guardian to a very small herd of goats and as a pet. Ever since he had a taste of the dog food we cant keep him out of it. Your donkeys will be too wide to gain access. Donkeys (descendants of the wild ass)originated as desert animals and are adapted to foraging on coarse plants and grasses. I couldnt get a vet out and he would not load. Part of why donkeys founder and colic so easily is because people feed them like little horses and they are not. According, Making a powder horn from a cow horn is a simple process that can be done at home with a few tools and supplies. Senior feeds also work quite well. In regards to the grass, lush pastures can present a problem, however use of a grazing muzzle can help limit time & access while still allowing them to roam and gain exercise. A cow can eat a banana that is up to 8 inches long, There is no definitive answer to this question as it depends on a number of factors, including the size of the acreage, the climate, the terrain, the type of grasses, A rump roast is a cut of beef that comes from the hindquarter of the cow. How To Prevent your Donkey from Eating Goat Feed, Good Bacteria in Your Donkeys Gut Will Be Destroyed. For one, cow milk contains high levels of hormones and growth factors, which can encourage, A cow can eat between 30 and 40 pounds (14 and 18 kg) of hay per day. The main diet of goats consists of hay and pasture grasses. Something worth mentioning here is that NOT all goat feed is unsuitable for donkeys. I did give him water. Depending how its made, and what ingredients its comprised of, it could be fine for both species to eat. Im scared they will founder with this bounty, so I am considering a grazing muzzle , the question is can they freely drink water from their round troughs with the muzzle on ? Also (and this is critical), medicated goat feed can be fatal to a donkey. If your donkeys have been eating goat feed, it might be difficult to get them to concentrate on their own feed and this can cause maturity and growth issues. Thats why its best not to give your donkey feed from another animal, as their dietary needs dont always match and, in some cases, can be significantly different. I just set up an electric invisible dog fence across my horses open stalls and adorned the donks with the associated shock collars. What can I give my old girl to fatten her up? Shes pretty bony. The term "cow" is sometimes used to refer to all female cattle, including bison and water buffalo. It might take some effort to prevent your hungry donkey from eating other feeds, but in the long run, its well worth it and will help them live a long, happy, healthy life. These two were inseparable upon introductions. I wont be getting any grain, as I do believe from all I have read you can just give them the pasture to eat off of and barley straw or hay in evenings to feed them and this is fine? In fact, donkeys have one of the lowest requirements for water among domesticated animals with the exception of the camel. You do this by adjusting the gap where they stick their head and mouth to grab the feed. It's a tough cut of meat that benefits from slow cooking methods like braising or, "Are any milk companies kind to cows?" Hi Dean, Ingestion of macadamia nuts by dogs in relatively small quantities results in a nonfatal syndrome with some dogs showing symptoms with as few as 6 nuts, depending on the size of the dog. In industrialized countries, just the opposite is true the main problem among donkeys is obesity. My mare has seen and been in a pasture with donkeys before but never with a baby donkey to my knowledge. Poplar. It is important to monitor body condition as it is easy for donkeys to get overweight. Its well known that protein is necessary for all mammals and that they cant sustain life without it. Also the goat feed mix might not be suitable for the donkey eating it. Thank you ~ Gina T. My miniature donkey is obese. 1. Plus, goat feed usually has more protein than donkeys need and doesnt contain enough salt. Heres more on how a creep feeder works. Yes,, There is a lot of debate on whether cow's milk causes phlegm. Sorry to hear Leo has been experiencing some loneliness with your new move. I have had to vets check her month to see if any thing is wrong there doesnt seem to be. We live at 6,100 feet in Colorado. Theyve never seen a donkey before so we would definitely have to slowly introduce him. 2 things.. Did anyone know that red maple leaves can kill a donkey the same as a horse?? For example, if you make your goat feed at home (or on your farm) and dont fortify the ingredients with extra iron, protein, copper, and so forth, both your goats and your donkeys will have no problem eating the feed. is this safe for the little guy if I just give him a little bit to start with? Also, make sure hes receiving a good vitamin/mineral supplement his intake levels need to be balanced for overall health, and that may help his system normalize as well. To get, A female cow is called a heifer. PetKeen.com does not intend to provide veterinary advice. We are in desperate need to re-seed our pasture this fall (we live in Illinois), and my husband and I just need to know what kind of seed we can put down so that they are well cared for and fed throughout their lives here on our farm. Is the over abundance of grass something I should be concerned about? Ability to digest forages may be impacted by the gut microflora that have developed in an individual. Any advice on these issues would be greatly appreciated! "Feeding squash to cows is a good way to add variety to their diet and provide them with essential nutrients., Assuming you're asking if a baby rabbit can drink cow's milk: Yes, a baby rabbit can drink cow's milk. Plus, goat feed usually has more protein than donkeys need and doesnt contain enough salt. Would my mare try to kill the baby donkey or would the mother protect her baby? Hay and grass. You can use good quality forage or pasture and you can feed controlled starch and sugar products designed for horses and select a product based on the age of your donkey. Weight is primarily a matter of excess calories. People tend to feed these animals just like horses but a diet that may be perfectly fine for a maintenance horse could cause the average donkey to become grossly overweight. It's a common question that arises when discussing livestock. web, HayFarmGuy - Get Info About Farm Animals in Your Inbox. Sarah. The, Cows are one of the most important animals in the agricultural industry. Animal protein, including meat or dairy Chocolate Onions Potatoes All cakes All biscuits Broccoli Aubergines Bread Other animal feeds should also be kept away from your donkey for the same reason. Hi Sierra, Thanks for the question, and for your level of care and concern for this donkey! Each of these meats has, Cows are able to eat a variety of different foods, including pickled banana peppers. Donkey foals start off suckling their mothers milk and can keep on feeding on it as they grow till they reach about 6 months of age. If the teeth are OK, can use either a good quality grass forage (coastal, timothy, brome, Tifton etc.) In her previous home she was fed alongside great danes the owners bred and she was also fed dog food along with coastal hay. Ive spent hundreds of hours researching donkeys. The Main Benefits Of Owning A Creep Feeder On Your Farm, Other Ways To Stop Donkeys Eating Goat Feed. In many parts of the world, donkeys face the issue of malnutrition and starvation. The first thing we have to do is understand that what the donkey is doing is normal donkey behavior that we want to modify to allow the donkey to be part of the team. Have been feeding west senior pellets and steamed flaked oats. Hello Franci, Thanks for the question. A diet too high in protein will also cause a donkeys body to become over acidic. This problem, in turn, can cause a donkeys heart to beat incorrectly (arrhythmia). But she had been pooping prior. Even if its just 15-20 minutes a day or every other day, itll help. The term "corned" comes from the use of large kernels of rock salt, called "corns," to, If you're asking whether you can feed a baby deer cow's milk, the answer is no. You should also check to be sure that your donkey cant reach any of these trees and shrubs from wherever they are being kept outside. 2. Being unsure, I didnt want to give it to her. As always monitor body condition score to make sure that they do not get too thin or too fat. The answer, unfortunately, is that even though donkeys will gladly eat goat food, they shouldnt because goat feed isnt healthy for them. Jersey cows are typically brown, There are a variety of red meats that are available for consumption. He comes up to me and trusts my hand around him but when I move towards him he spooks. Your best indicator is to start at the recommended level (1.5 2% of their bodyweight per day). Even worse, you might believe everything is fine until your donkey suddenly starts fracturing bones, having trouble walking, and having other health concerns. I have researched what happened and I just want to ensure thus never happens again. Over the course of his time with us hes lost a fair amount of weight & has become healthy & energetic, but he still has fat rolls along his neck & on his sides. For the grain, wed definitely recommend SafeChoice over a basic sweet feed itll have way more calories, and far less starch and sugar. Do you love the look of cow print but don't know how to rock it without looking like a walking pasture? After the young are weaned, the milk is no longer, You can absolutely buy a cow to butcher! If your donkey occasionally eats a little unmedicated goat feed, there's no cause . Hope that this is helpful! Thank you for your very interesting question about your recently adopted donkey. What a great story about your pyrenean jack donkey! On the fourth day walking he stopped and pooped a bright fresh looking small pike. Offering only hay has some disadvantages. Donkeys are desert creatures that evolved to . These cows are typically moved to the feedlots when they are about 500 pounds heavier, No one really knows for sure whether or not there are make cows. Although a small amount of unmedicated goat feed wont hurt your donkey, a goat feed diet can be harmful, and its best to use healthier alternatives. If your donkey does not maintain hair coat, hoof quality and muscle mass, forage may not be providing adequate essential amino acids. However, it is possible for cows to live without humans. I have just gotten a donkey with a 1month baby jack Is it ok for the baby to eat sweet feed and how much should I Feed Her Also when should I have him castrated, The Feed Room is proudly brought to you by. A safer way to add calories for weight gain might be to consider a high fat supplement or adjusting the feeding rate of the Senior product. Corn chops or cracked corn can be added as an energy source. Do I need to restrict their area or grazing-muzzle them to prevent them getting fat? We know that it is hard to find the awesome products on Amazon that suits your needs best. This changes to 50% straw and 25% hay or haylage in winter. If you already have goats and get a donkey, you might wonder [] 14 Best Places With Donkeys For Sale In California (2021), 4 Best Places With Donkeys For Sale In Michigan (2021), Prevents your animals eating each others feed, Restricts the amount of food your livestock has access to (makes it easier to control), Separating your donkeys and goats during feed time, Keeping your donkeys well fed enough so that they dont feel the need to eat their companions food, Feeding both animals hay (or foods that are suitable for both species). They also carry different parasites, so they won . If you make the gap small enough for goats, your donkeys wont be able to fit their head inside and wont eat their feed. From there, monitor body condition closely to determine if they are putting on excess weight and adjust your feeding rates accordingly. Am I doing something wrong? 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