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 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).

Do donkeys need hay?

Hay and grass
Feeding on grass is great alongside straw for the majority of the year. In the winter and other colder months, donkeys should eat hay or haylage. Grass hay is a great feed, as it’s low in protein and good for your donkey’s teeth. Feed your donkey hay or haylage two to three times a day.

Is horse feed good for donkeys?

Donkeys require specialist feeding, they are not a small horse and should not be fed as such. They require fewer calories to maintain weight than a pony of the same size, and enjoy trickle feeding on highly fibrous feeds.

Should donkeys have alfalfa?

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 .

Do donkeys need hay if they have grass?

Donkeys don’t generally need to eat grass alongside hay/haylage for a large part of the year when nutrients are fairly high in growing grass. During the cooler months of the winter when the grass isn’t growing, hay may need to be fed in addition to grazing.

What do donkeys need in the winter?

blanket
* Baby donkeys born in the winter need a blanket. * Donkeys, horses, and mules enjoy warm water so look into a heated water system just make sure they cant bite the cord. * A little extra hay helps keep them warm. Use a slow feeder, we use the Hay Pillow for all of our donkeys and horses.

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.

How much hay should a donkey have?

Thus, the ideal amount of hay a donkey should be given is recommended at 1.5% of their body weight per day.

Can donkeys eat just grass?

Their diet feeding and grazing areas will need to be restricted to prevent overgrazing – which will lead quickly to weight gain and eventually an overweight animal. While donkeys tend to operate best when fed grass, there are several other food options for your mini donkey that may have specific needs: Hay. Straw.

Can donkeys eat the same hay as horses?

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 is the Favourite food of donkey?

Donkeys eat barley straw, hay, and grass primarily for their diet. They are classified as herbivores as their large teeth and appetites are best suited for a plant-based diet. Donkeys have an incredible digestive system and as such, they are able to survive in some of the toughest conditions.

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.

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.

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 Oats good for donkeys?

You should feed your 7-month-old donkey no more than 2 cups of crimped oats mixed with an ounce of Mazola corn oil and about an ounce of a low protein vitamin supplement such as Sho Glo once a day. Feed and monitor weight gain with grass hay and pasture time.

What supplies do you need for a donkey?

Donkeys must have a clean, dry barn, or, at the very least, a three-sided shelter. You’ll have to remove waste from this area daily. Your donkey will also need access to some sort of pasturage, as they really need space to wander and nibble.

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.

Can a donkey survive on pasture?

Outdoor Living Spaces For Donkeys. Donkeys need a safely enclosed outdoor space to spend time and exercise in throughout the day (and a pasture to graze on if your land can nutritionally support a donkey).

How cold is too cold for donkey?

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

Should donkeys be stabled at night?

Most donkeys normally need to drink more water in winter than in Summer as they are consuming more dried food. We recommend miniatures are stabled at night, especially in winter. Additionally for security purposes a stable with security lights is the safest place for such friendly animals all year round after dark.