Do Mules Eat Horse Feed?

A mule approximately the same size as a horse, at a similar level of work, consumes less feed. A mule can eat anything a horse eats, but he uses it more efficiently.

What do mules eat?

Mule Diet. With respect to its diet, the mule is no different than its parents. They eat a wide variety of grasses and small shrubs. If they do not have a large enough area to forage successfully, generally one to two acres, then their diet may be supplemented by hay, grain, or pelletized food.

Can mules eat alfalfa pellets?

You should never feed Longears (donkeys, or mules) any pre-mixed sweet feeds, or products high in alfalfa. Equines in general and especially pregnant equines, should never be turned out in a pasture with Fescue grass.

Do donkeys eat the same food as horses?

Forage studies have shown that donkeys voluntarily consume much less forage compared to horses – 1.5 percent of body weight (BW) for donkeys compared to 3.1 percent of BW for horses. The donkeys’ heightened ability to digest low quality forage has been likened to that of a goat.

Can donkeys eat horse pellets?

Donkeys and mules have unique evolutionary traits that mean you should not feed them like a horse. Mules and donkeys should not be fed the same way as horses.

What are the disadvantages of mules?

5 Disadvantages of Mules

• Mules do have a different mindset.
• Mules are infertile, and sometimes by the time you work out a particular mule is of exceptional quality it is too late to repeat the original cross.
• Normal horse saddles do not always fit mules.

Do horses and mules get along?

Mules love horses. Horses that have never seen a mule may be more standoffish or even mean to a mule. A mule does not have the strong herd instincts of the horse and so will normally back down from a horse. It usually works out.

What is the best food for mules?

Most mules do well on ordinary timothy or grass hays. They don’t need the richer legume hays, such as alfalfa. While mules might consume lesser quality hays without incident, it’s not a good idea to feed any equine poor quality hay.

How do you fatten up a mule?

If your mule has trouble maintaining his weight on this diet, you can try feeding more of the hay pellets, and if that does not do it you can either add some oil to the pellets or add a little horse feed.

Should mules have grain?

Except for those on an active exercise schedule, most donkeys and mules should be given only very small portions of grain, and most do not need any concentrate feeding at all.

Can donkeys have horse grain?

Donkeys do not need to be fed regular grain if they are given enough straw along with grass or hay to maintain their normal diet. If basic horse grain is offered, keep it at a minimum as it has been known to cause gastric ulcers in some donkeys.

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.

How old do mules live?

Mules can live up to 50 years
Although the average lifespan for mules is between 35 and 40 years, some mules have been known to live until 50, especially if well looked after.

What horse feed can donkeys eat?

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 donkeys?

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.

Will alfalfa hurt 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 .

Are mules easier to keep than horses?

Mules tend to be healthier, easier to keep, have more endurance, and tolerate heat better than its dam, the horse. Mules can also carry more weight than a horse while needing less grain.

Are mules low maintenance?

Low maintenance requirements.
Even when working, the mule requires very little supplemental feed (albeit more than a donkey). It does not require a pristine pasture or top-quality hay to stay in peak form. A draft mule is estimated to require about a third less feed than a working horse of the same size.

How many acres do mules need?

You care for a Mule in much the same way you care for a horse or a donkey. You must provide it with at least an acre or two of land to graze on.

What is the best food for mules?

Most mules do well on ordinary timothy or grass hays. They don’t need the richer legume hays, such as alfalfa. While mules might consume lesser quality hays without incident, it’s not a good idea to feed any equine poor quality hay.

Do mules make good pets?

Mules are strong animals who can work in all conditions and weather. Often more intelligent than their parents, mules tend to enjoy social interaction. They tend to be gentle, docile creatures, making them great family pets as well as working animals.