Unlike horses who are pretty non-plussed when it comes to toys, donkeys really like them. To stop your donkeys acting out, chewing wood or braying for attention constantly, you need to provide them with stimulus. That way they’ll always know who’s in charge. A small bump from them should be countered with a stronger shove from you.
If a donkey is trying to test you then you have to show them who’s boss. Patience is key.īut also be aware of herd dynamics. End every training session on a high note and give them plenty of praise and cuddles when they respond accordingly. Raising a donkey to behave in the way you want is dependent on trust. Donkeys don’t respond well to being bullied or forced. The two animals have different temperaments. You can’t train a donkey in the same way you might a horse.
If you also keep horses and invest in things like horse treats, you can give donkeys these too. Just make sure you keep tabs on their weight! Feeding them things like raw vegetables (things like carrots, celery etc) in safe quantities, is perfect for their dietary needs. Additional supplements aren’t a huge necessity.įeed them out of elevated haynets or feed bins to restrict them overeating. Nutritionally-speaking, they’ll get most of everything they need from that food source alone. The best thing to feed a donkey is grass or hay. Don’t Overcomplicate A Donkey’s Food: Keep It Simple Sometimes an aggressive donkey can be a threat to pasture mates while other times a solitary donkey can be just fine.Īs a general rule though, it’s best to keep them with a stablemate or farm friend. But, as with all things, there are exceptions. The company of other animals keeps them stimulated and their behavior on point. While keeping them with different species like horses, ponies and sometimes cows, isn’t a bad idea either. Many of the problems first time donkey owners experience when it comes to their animal, comes down to isolation.ĭomestic donkeys seem to do best when they’re with others. 7.1 Sources: Donkeys Can Get Lonely: Try To Find Them Company