Can Donkeys Eat Horse Hay?

Donkeys are not ruminants (like goats, deer and cattle) but they are able to digest lower quality forage than horses. For this reason, it is not a good idea to feed your donkey highly fertilized, luxurious hay or legume hay, such as alfalfa. Donkeys do well on mixed grass pasture and natural mixed grass hay.

What kind of hay is best for donkeys?

The donkey diet should consist of mainly good quality barley straw or oat straw (barley straw is best) and carefully restricted access to grass. Donkeys may require supplemental hay if they are not maintaining good body condition with the straw and restricted grass diet (for e.g. during the winter months).

Can you feed horse feed to donkeys?

Chaff products marketed for equines prone to laminitis are good for donkeys that have difficulty eating straw, hay or grass due to poor dentition, and can be used as feed supplements or fed ad lib as a total straw/hay replacer.

What should you not feed a donkey?

It is best not to feed straw or hay to a donkey with dental problems. This is because these feeds require significant chewing, which may be difficult for a donkey with teeth problems. Instead feed them chaff, chop or grass pellets. These require less chewing and make choking less likely.

Is alfalfa okay for donkeys?

The lower the calorie content the more you can feed. Straw is also far lower in protein than a typical grass hay and, certainly, donkeys should not be fed alfalfa due to its significantly higher protein content .

Can donkeys eat too much hay?

​Straw should make up the majority of most donkeys’ diets, with grazing and hay or haylage being considered a top-up only. Feeding a donkey on grass and hay without providing any straw will end up over-supplying them with calories and energy, causing them to store the excess calories as fat.

Do donkeys need horse hay?

Thus, it is highly recommended to feed what we would consider a lower quality “horse” hay at about 1.5% of their body weight per day. In addition to forage, all donkeys need further nutrient support. Generally, most donkeys do well when fed a ration balancer, like Essential K^®.

What should you feed donkeys?

How should I feed my donkey?

1. Give your donkey free access to good-quality feeding straw (barley and wheat are best), with small quantities of hay, haylage, or grazing.
2. Feed a vitamin and mineral supplement or a low energy forage balancer that does not promote weight gain.

Do donkeys need a salt block?

In addition, both ponies and donkeys need plenty of fresh, clean water and access to a free-choice, equine salt block.

Can horses and donkeys be kept together?

Donkeys and horses tend to make fine companions, provided that they have enough space, food, water, and mineral access so they don’t feel the need to compete and have the opportunity to avoid one another. Some donkeys and horses develop very close relationships.

What is toxic to donkeys?

As little as 20% of black walnut in the shavings can cause toxicity in horses or donkey. Red Maple (Acer rubrum) ingestion can cause destruction of the red blood cells when ingested by horses or donkeys. This can cause secondary kidney damage as well. Red or dark colored urine is typically the first sign seen.

What are a donkeys favorite snack?

We would recommend feeding only 1-2 leaves or one small handful-sized portion maximum per day.

• Swede.
• Turnips.
• Bananas (including skin)
• Pears.
• Parsnips.
• Fresh carrots – chopped (not into rounds) or freshly grated, not dried.
• Fresh apples – chopped (depending on size) or freshly grated, not dried or cooking apples.

Should you put a blanket on a donkey?

A blanket is not needed during the rain provide shelter for your donkeys as no blanket is waterproof all winter long. Never keep a wet blanket on any equine, check for rubs on your donkey daily. I recommend two blankets for each donkey ready to go. We must use common sense.

How many bales of hay does a donkey need?

Here are a few formulas that you might find helpful in answering the question “How much feed do each of my donkeys need?” The standard formula that I use for calculating my donkeys’ hay consumption is: Donkey’s weight X 1.5% = The weight of hay per day.

Are carrots good for donkeys?

Basic treats like carrots, apples, peppermints, bananas, watermelon, oranges, pears, grapes, celery, strawberries, and pumpkin are all safe for donkeys. But remember—everything in moderation, including treats!

Do donkeys prefer carrots or apples?

Fresh apples are best for donkeys. You can feed them to them chopped or freshly grated.

Is hay or straw better for donkeys?

Straw should make up the majority of most donkeys’ diets, with grazing and hay or haylage being considered a top-up only. Feeding a donkey on grass and hay without providing any straw will end up over-supplying them with calories and energy, causing them to store the excess calories as fat.

Is 1 acre enough for a donkey?

Donkeys are equines, as are horses and mules. The owner must be aware of the needs of an equine: feed, pasture, fencing, shelter, vaccinations, hoof and tooth care, routine health checks, transportation, etc. A donkey or horse or pony needs a minimum of half an acre, more if state laws require it.

Can donkeys founder on grass?

How does a donkey or mule get grass founder? The reason mules, donkeys, overweight horses, and ponies get grass founder when eating rich, green grass is because it’s high in simple sugars and starches that are easily broken down by the bacteria in the equine large intestine.

Why do farmers put donkeys with horses?

1. Keepers of the field: Infamously known for their guarding abilities, donkeys frequently take on the role of protector. Many barn owners place a donkey in their pasture to ward off coyotes, dogs, and other predators. They usually get along with horses, goats, sheep, and smaller barn critters.

What is too cold for donkeys?

It was found that most donkeys seek shelter when it starts to rain and when temperatures drop below 14 degrees.