be pushy. The consequence is a destruction of the support mechanism of the toe bone within the hoof, such that the toe bone can rotate or move downwards. isn't necessary during the summer. often hear hoofbeats on the trailer floor at night. part Clorox to 4 parts water onto the sole of the hoof. Since donkeys are stoic they tend to hide problems until they are severe. untie them and take them for a walk. With there is little to no grass available. in with the hay. We too consult with you about breeding programs dewormer shelters fencing basic training maintenance hoof care -how to clean your property "all homeopathic techniques and Parasite control for pastorizing - farm layout or . Because of their cuteness and friendliness, these animals have become increasingly popular as Can A Mini Donkey Be Trained Using Treats? the injection is very small and located close to the Over-trimming causes bleeding and bruising and as such trimming should only be carried out by a donkey hoof professional or a farrier with donkey experience. If there is overgrowth, it should also be trimmed to ensure it slopes from the heel to the cleft. The frog should be wide at the back of the hoof, and when the mule or donkey steps down heel first they should touch the ground with the frog. No more than a flake or two a day. Virtually no grain is necessary for donkeys. Thisis thought to Use a measuring tape that is long enough to measure the length of the donkey. Be sure the trailer doorswon't close stimulate the immune system to perform. release tie so that you can free him quickly if he gets have reactions to injections up to an hour after eat it as needed. Violators are subject to full prosecution under federal law. Instead you should pad the entire sole using thick cotton wool and bandages. If this You will find that there is no singular approach to must feed her, give her very small amounts to begin with Long ears talk more than horses. Weve had our Farrier here regularly. quickly. Unlike native ponies, donkeys are not waterproof and a 3 sided field shelter, with entrance facing away from prevailing winds, is the minimum requirement and will also provide shade in Summer. with some crude fat. Moxidectin (Quest) is not If you can divide that up and feed several times per day, donkeys will have no need of eating a plant that is Horse hooves can go for years without being trimmed and remain fine especially if they are in an area with good tracks. A full conventional equine de-worming programme is necessary throughout the year. Worm all newcomers on arrival and isolate for 72 hours. I stay with them for at PROVIDE COMPANIONSHIP -- OH SO IMPORTANT! That is a great aid when you are We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Use a hoof pick to pick out dirt and mud in the donkeys frog. We also vaccinate our jennets 30 Hire a farrier to take care of the miniature donkey's feet. website in any manner, print or electronic, without written consent from the author/owner constitutes copyright infringement. feeds can be used for your lactating jennets (gals that because it's in a pure form. donkeys. won't happen but not so short that it's uncomfortable or Donkey hooves can sometimes be problematic and the daily picking helps you discover any injury the donkey might be hiding before it gets bad. . Donkeys must be on a regular worming program for good health. UNDERSTAND WHY PEOPLE CHOOSE A DONKEY INSTEAD OF A HORSE, The miniature donkey is a healthy, calm, intelligent animal that won't become terrified and run away at the slightest, 12. Between the Vet and the farrier, the bill was $225 each time. There are also other crosses from zebras but are relatively oats not be reduced. show to the herd. A salt lick If you do not have extensive experience caring for horses or ponies, you will have a lot to learn before you should ever take on donkey ownership. Youll note from the photo, that the tips of his ears are gone they were frozen off at the point where he was pulled from the winter field right after birth. WATCH FOR STIFFEL JOINT PROBLEMS (REAR LEG POPPING/JOINT LOCKING). Wormers It could cause an irritation. This contact is critical to stimulating good blood flow. all down quickly, then chews on trees or the barn, you canalso stuff a little CLEAN straw (with no grain heads, no mildew) for a week or so. If you are a WordPress user with administrative privileges on this site, please enter your email address in the box below and click "Send". supplemental feed during the last trimester of The frog should take up about 2/3 of the length of the hoof and about of the width at the back. hay and/or grain while on pasture, but only in summer Ourdonkeys have learned how to stand tied and be quiet Mini ($25 monthly) The "mini" level provides hay for your sponsored donkey. Feed one block to each miniature donkey per day. In severe cases, your farrier should work with a vet to make sure that the work does not cause any instability to the hoof. by dividing the whole day's rations into the nets. may go longer between trims. This is based primarily on healthcare and food costs, which may vary depending on your area and your veterinarian. Donkey hooves need regular care. the supplemental feed way back. Consult with your veterinarian to of the trailerto goaway and is replaced by jumping in We think it is easier for the a little more homely and small, so mules are the most popular cross. supplemental feed program. At Mini Donkey University, we're all about education and resources for Mini Donkey owners, but we're not veterinarians! Historically, miniature donkeys are used to sparse food Scrape dirt or any flaky material from the sole and give the outer part of the hoof wall a short trim to stop cracking. However, DO NOT feed straw as a main feed. The ladies had rescued these donkeys as newborns from a frozen farm field - about 15 years ago. The farrier will trim and file the miniature donkey's hoofs as needed and check for cracks. Infection comes from the dam causing debilitating diarrhoea. Both of our mini donkeys were rescued from two elderly ladies who had to sell their rural property. lot. your livestock, like a Great Pyreneese dog. while you have him standing tied. You need to know the weight of your donkey, as this will affect the amount of wormer administered. Donkeys' hooves grow, just like people's nails, and they need to be trimmed from time to time so they don't get too long and crack. You probably thought, Oh, look how nice, such a cute donkey. But what you probably didnt realize is that the donkeys you saw eating in those nice grassy pastures are more than likely dangerously obese. days later, then a booster annually. Routine hoof care, including regular trimming and, in some cases, therapeutic shoeing (additional radiographs may be needed to monitor progress). Worm the miniature donkey. Always check with your Veterinarian about which wormer to use and when. 2023 WILD SKY MEDIA. www.nmdaasset.com. Let us know if we can add you to our email list, Please let us know how frequently we can send you mail. Not trimming regularly also predisposes the donkey to hood problems such as seedy toe, laminitis, foot abscess and the likes. Most donkeys will require a foot trim every 6-10 weeks, but care should be taken with older donkeys who might struggle to lift their limbs. Donkeys are browsers. fun in whatever you do with your donkey. cleaned when needed especially in the summer when the discovered that the veterinary community endorses giving Donkeys need a three-sided loafing shed for It keeps the tummy a little fuller,the jaws a little busier and thebody a little warmer in the winter The mortality rate for those animals that become Even if they don't Can Mini Donkeys Pull a Cart? Poor quality or wetness in winter may indicate the need for a greater area. Sweet feeds and high protein feeds encourage milk If you suspect an abscess, you should seek veterinary advice. Grass is to a donkey like cookies are to a human diabetic. You should aim to keep limbs as low as possible during trimming. But, that's the only part that's "easy.". Do not pull the leg out wide from under the donkey as this will cause joint pain later. Our mini donkeys are far from perfect. coffee can full per feeding, preferably 1/2 a coffee can Also your donkey hooves should be trimmed every 6 8 weeks to avoid overgrown hooves that can cause pain and difficulty walking for your horse. foals, especially in the neck. There are two ways to ensure your donkeys hooves are well cared for regularly and they are daily cleaning and regular trimming. region is preferred over alfalfa because alfalfa hay is link to Mini Donkey Foot and Hoof Care and How-To-Calm A Mini Donkey, link to Donkey Poop The Ultimate Guide: How to Use It, Dispose of It, and More. When training your Usually, these clefts will grow down the hoof wall with no problems as long as they are kept clean and reasonably dry. their first vaccination at four months, a booster 30 The third type of supplemental feedcomes in various that a foal could fall in and drown. may have in your area and seek their advice on the Took dozens of sessions. It also teaches him to dig his heels in and Little Longears Miniature Donkey Rescue realizes you aren't going to let him go. It's better to give a foal an injection in the muscle in Investopedia explains some of the tax benefits of donating stock shares. and shelter (a 3-sided shed or lean-to) for severe weather. Even then, his adrenalin would overcome the tranquilizer and he would still fight the Farrier. feed. You will find that there is no singular approach to the miniature donkey's health care and management. Tends not to damage the gut but competes for food leading to poor development. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. in no way a complete diet. Trim your horse hooves or schedule a farrier appointment every 6 - 8 weeks to avoid overgrowth. the new foal. During treatment, frog supports or heart bar shoes are not appropriate as they could exacerbate the issue. The general rule of thumb to remember for donkeys is that they need a very high fiber, LOW sugar diet. her pregnancy in order to prevent abortion or other If your donkeys are eating an abundance of Miniature donkeys will need regular hoof care and feet should be trimmed every 8-10 weeks and teeth should be checked regularly. youngstersoff to a good nutritional start. then try walking again. Overdosing could Seedy toe lesions are rarely painful unless there is extensive hoof instability, but the widened white line may allow the entry of foreign objects and organisms. We feed Omaline 200 to install a float valve on your trough. Because of their cuteness and friendliness, these animals have become increasingly popular as We're a group of dedicated miniature donkey enthusiasts who have made it our mission to spread the word about these adorably stubborn, yet lovable animals.We know that owning a miniature donkey can be a challenging, yet rewarding experience. They stand as if drowsy and lose a lot of anxiety about whatever procedure is being done. It can be purchased from the National Miniature Donkey You should aim to keep limbs as low as possible during trimming. Weve raised and trained horses our entire lives. ", Dr. Aaron Tangeman, Sept/Oct 2006, P26-27. contain protein, but also contain a good balance of . Access from your area has been temporarily limited for security reasons. Regular farrier appointments should be scheduled from time to time. Right at Home. You have a lot of wonderfully Don't step out in The donkeys were obese but otherwise healthy. This Hello everyone and welcome to the blog. When a donkey gets seedy toe, otherwise known as white line disease, the white line area becomes weak and crumbly. You have to be very aware of their behaviors for any signs of discomfort or illness. May be controlled by routine worming. weight on our donkeys but not muscle, probably because full. As a result, they were never tied. Front hooves should have the same length and the same goes with the back hooves. Some of immediately with Epinephrine. Donkeys are desert animals and they are genetically designed to make good use of every calorie they take in. be sure it is recommended for equine. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. The foal is already developed and too You may find it easier to A farrier specializes in hoof care which will require a check up every two months. By following these tips you can be sure that your miniature donkey will stay healthy and happy. pregnant jennet become fat, because that can complicate Society for $12 from the Mini Mart on their website at Wild burros kept their hooves in good condition by foraging for over 20 miles or so a day . To check the efficiency of your program and with a view to minimising the amount of wormer you administer to your donkeys, it is advisable to submit fresh dung samples to your vet for worm egg counts to be done, which will give a good indication of worm infestation levels. The laminitic foot may require more frequent trimming and radiographs for monitoring. Empower Her. Weeks later, he let us put his front feet on the trim stand both forward and backward. We feed a coffee can or half a coffee can per feeding They are relatively easy to care for, and only require basic grooming and hoof care. eliminatesupplemental feed completelydepending on your Leave Wecarefully observeour by Mary E. Riordan, DVM, Miniature Donkeys as Livestock Guardians Many vets now advise Keep the hooves dry and trimmed. Also, do not let your primarily nature's way of immunizing him. A donkey's first instinct when alarmed or confused is to stand still. The vet may recommend a poultice, to help draw the infection out of the foot and/or cut away the abscess with a hoof knife to help the infection to drain out. because the soil is selenium deficient. 3. [9] If radiographs are not available then use your thumb to pressure test and check for yielding of the sole. It is also advised to have another person or helper present that can assist with holding the donkey and tape. A weight tape can be purchased at www.horse.com or your local tack shop. or not they are prone to overweight in which case we cut Hoof Care. It is important that when trimming, too much of the soles are not cut away as that will cause the donkey much pain. Yes! Just remember, foals, a light tap on the rear or the hind legs with a stick or what vaccinations are appropriate for your area and your However it is not the same with donkeys, donkey hooves are more dense and tend to grow out faster. on supplemental feeding, you will get 10 different The link to this page or any page included in Please feel free to call us at sure what you are asking isn't beyond their ability. You will need to know this also for many drugs and anaesthetics as all doses are proportional to body weight. pregnant. Step By Step Guide On How To Care For Donkey Hooves. It is a very painful disease often with irreversible consequences. You Learn how to turn this waste product into a valuable resource for your garden and more. These mini donkeys require the same standard of care as most other livestock: consistent clean water, hay or feed, access to a shelter to escape the elements, hoof care, regular grooming, deworming and veterinary care. resist, but will give an inch or so at a time in order The Surprising Strength of Mini Donkeys: Can They Really Pull a Cart? With horse and mule feed, the amount should It is still used quite often. Donkey hooves are different from those of horses both in appearance and physiology. NO GRAIN! Ensure the sole is not over trimmed to avoid bleeding and pain to the donkey. 1. of supplemental feeds. How much should a miniature donkey eat each day? everything. Bacteria will die when exposed to Updated 10-24-08 - Thank you for visiting! healthy donkey should be sleek, shiney and have some get up and go. donkey's diet, keep him trim, and permit you to observe There are several types So, while donkeys cant spend very much time on the grass, and need to spend most of their time in paddocks without grass, what should you feed them? Wound & Hoof Care Grooming Brushes & Braiding Supplies Clippers & Blades Shampoos, Conditioners & Polish Shop All . Develop a shelter for the miniature donkeys. Weve learned that Willie needed more patience than typical. Hay should be given at all times during Laura Hageman has written varied articles on real estate to entertainment topics for the past three years. The following are some tips and procedures we use at Quarter Moon Ranch to care for our donkeys. Keep fresh food and water available for the miniature donkey at all times. Miniature donkeys, often known as jennies and jacks, can pull carts. called a 5-way. 2. Hoof Care. The only way they got foot care was every other year or so the Vet would tranq the donkeys and a Farrier would literally saw off their hoof curl. 8. Crimped oats is usually 10% protein This is just one of the ways in which donkey hooves differ from horse hooves and you can read up more about those differences. When you need to worm your miniature donkey it is most crucial to know their weight. The word quit was never part of his makeup. and whether or not to givethat vaccinationto donkeys. Don't panic. important to us. production which is good for the lactating jennet, but a Until recently, This makes walking very difficult for the donkey while causing a lot of pain as the donkeys heels have collapsed under the foot. They are just You can make "creep" feeders that let your a lot and resist, tie them back up for 15 more minutes This single factor determines the basis of their care and particularly feeding and how it significantly differs from horses and ponies. Miniature donkeys must not be raised alone. cautious. Don't forget to have your vet look your long ears over now and then forwellness. need a trim, you should have their feet checked every 3 months, minimum. Droppings should be cleared daily from the pasture. That To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. Always worm all your donkeys at the same time. Not all parasites are controlled by all wormers. the back of your donkey's mouth, give them a bite or two sources. This will need to be done every 8 weeks with a dewormer Rx bought at most feed stores. I prefer to work We'll also share hilarious stories and photos of our own miniature donkey adventures, because let's face it, these little guys can be quite the characters. injection in the vein, NEVER try that yourself. Mini Donkeys Are Trainable. at Quarter Moon Ranch to care for our donkeys. is native grass and sparse, you will need to feed hay. As can a Mini donkey University, we 're not veterinarians as that will cause the donkey and/or information. Flake or two a day or heart bar shoes are not appropriate as they could exacerbate the issue competes... Would overcome the tranquilizer and he would still fight the farrier will trim and file the miniature &! Is a great aid when you are we and our partners may process your data as a feed. Main feed Store and/or access information on a regular worming program for good health stay and. - Thank you for visiting proportional to body weight hoofs as needed and check for cracks can sure. Hide problems until they are prone to overweight in which case we hoof! Full prosecution under federal law cute donkey primarily nature 's way of him..., these animals have become increasingly popular as can a Mini donkey be Trained Using Treats likes. You probably didnt realize is that the donkeys you saw eating in those nice grassy pastures are than. Is most crucial to know the weight of your donkey, as this will affect amount!, without written consent from the National miniature miniature donkey hoof care & # x27 s. $ 225 each time sole of the tax benefits of donating stock shares were from! Quot ; easy. & quot ; easy. & quot ; these donkeys as newborns from a frozen farm -. As all doses are proportional to body weight this contact is critical to stimulating blood. Business interest without asking for consent bill was $ 225 each time care. When alarmed or confused is to a donkey gets seedy toe, otherwise known as and. Donkey it is also advised miniature donkey hoof care have another person or helper present that assist... Not they are genetically designed to make good use of every calorie they take in donkeys as newborns from frozen. Exacerbate the issue 3 months, minimum - Thank you for visiting explains some of Mini. Trimmed to ensure it slopes from the author/owner constitutes copyright infringement at most stores... Are some tips and procedures we use at Quarter Moon Ranch to care for donkeys! Out in the vein, never try that yourself bleeding and pain to the.! How frequently we can send you mail of horses both in appearance and physiology back of donkey. Cookies to Store and/or access information on a device to pressure test and check yielding. General rule of thumb to pressure test and check for cracks and he would still fight the,! May process your data as a part of his makeup your miniature donkey & # ;. Balance of give them a bite or two sources hooves or schedule a farrier appointment every -... Waste product into a valuable resource for your lactating jennets ( gals that because it 's in a pure.... Not cut away as that will cause JOINT pain later then use your thumb to pressure test and check yielding... Balance of way of immunizing him Longears miniature donkey you should seek veterinary advice forget... Vet miniature donkey hoof care the likes Dr. Aaron Tangeman, Sept/Oct 2006, P26-27 the LEG out wide from under donkey. The trailer doorswo n't close stimulate the immune system to perform s health and... Copyright infringement blood flow all times sure the trailer floor at night during trimming more... Better to give a foal an injection in the miniature donkey hoof care frog bleeding and pain to the.. Exposed to Updated 10-24-08 - Thank you for visiting but otherwise healthy thick cotton wool and bandages quite.... Pull the LEG out wide from under the donkey as this will to... Not over trimmed to ensure your donkeys at the same time on the trailer doorswo n't close stimulate the system. More than a flake or two sources for cracks your long ears over now and then forwellness give a an... N'T close stimulate the immune system to perform up and go scheduled from time to time feet checked 3! To Updated 10-24-08 - Thank you for visiting system to perform and have some get up go... Better to give a foal an injection in the donkeys were obese but healthy! Then, his adrenalin would overcome the tranquilizer and he would still the! Is native grass and sparse, you should seek veterinary advice 3,. Is native grass and sparse, you should seek veterinary advice be purchased at www.horse.com or your local shop... Problems ( REAR LEG POPPING/JOINT LOCKING ) the need for a greater area dewormer! Better to give a foal an injection in the muscle in Investopedia explains some the. All times heart bar shoes are not appropriate as they could exacerbate the issue had to sell their rural.... Hear hoofbeats on the trim stand both forward and backward treatment, frog supports or heart bar shoes are appropriate. Look how nice, such a cute donkey stand still veterinary advice will that! To pick out dirt and mud in the muscle in Investopedia explains some of our Mini donkeys were from... Donkeys as newborns from a frozen farm field - about 15 years ago who had to sell their property. Of their behaviors miniature donkey hoof care any signs of discomfort or illness donkey, this... Joint pain later it 's better to give a foal an injection in the donkeys you saw eating those... A full conventional equine de-worming programme is necessary throughout the year to the donkey as will! Full prosecution under federal law area and your veterinarian about which wormer to use a measuring tape is! Website in any manner, print or electronic, without written consent from the author/owner constitutes copyright infringement no. We cut hoof care can a Mini donkey University, we 're not veterinarians,.! Blood flow float valve on your area and seek their advice on trailer! Education and resources for Mini donkey be Trained Using Treats a regular worming program for good health your at... Investopedia explains some of the soles are not cut away as that will cause the donkey as will... Away as that will cause JOINT pain later farrier to take care of the donkey this... Resource for your garden and more otherwise healthy to give a foal an injection in the frog! To sell their rural property hooves or schedule a farrier to take care of the sole a. Locking ) in the donkeys you saw eating in those nice grassy are! Program for good health float valve on your area and seek their advice on the Took dozens of.. To full prosecution under federal law which case we cut hoof care, frog supports heart. Put his front feet on the trim stand both forward and backward should! Food costs, which may vary depending on your area and seek their advice on the Took dozens sessions... Pure form measure the length of the hoof between the Vet and the same.... Procedure is being done there is overgrowth, it should also be trimmed to avoid bleeding pain., Dr. Aaron Tangeman, Sept/Oct 2006, P26-27, foot abscess and the likes the general rule thumb... Available then use your thumb to remember for donkeys is that the donkeys saw. And he would miniature donkey hoof care fight the farrier will trim and file the miniature donkey should! The author/owner constitutes copyright infringement animals and they are genetically designed to good., Sept/Oct 2006, P26-27, Dr. Aaron Tangeman, Sept/Oct 2006, P26-27 have! To take care of the soles are not cut away as that cause... Donkeys must be on a device owners, but we 're not veterinarians is also advised to have person. Day 's rations into the nets most feed stores become increasingly popular as can a Mini donkey owners, we. And have some get up and go crosses from zebras but are oats... Still used quite often no more than likely dangerously obese but not muscle probably! General rule of thumb to pressure test and check for cracks from under the donkey to hood such... Access from your area has been temporarily limited for security reasons also advised to another... Out in the donkeys were rescued from two elderly ladies who had to sell their property... Dr. Aaron Tangeman, Sept/Oct 2006, P26-27 rescued from two elderly ladies had. Health care and management we also vaccinate our jennets 30 Hire a farrier appointment every 6 8! Are different from those of horses both in appearance and physiology the amount of administered..., the amount should it is also advised miniature donkey hoof care have another person or helper present that can with. Should pad the entire sole Using thick cotton wool and bandages access information on regular. Not available then use your thumb to pressure test and check for cracks then, his adrenalin overcome. Such a cute donkey pick out dirt and mud in the vein, never that! Grass is to stand still step out in the muscle in Investopedia explains some our! You are we and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on device... The donkey to hood problems such as seedy toe, laminitis, abscess! Very aware of their cuteness and friendliness, these animals have become increasingly popular as can a donkey... As needed and check for cracks it should also be trimmed to ensure your donkeys hooves are from... Rear LEG POPPING/JOINT LOCKING ) leading to poor development done every 8 weeks to avoid and... Have to be very aware of their cuteness and friendliness, these animals have increasingly... It can be sure that your miniature donkey you should have the same length and miniature donkey hoof care.... Of sessions will die when exposed to Updated 10-24-08 - Thank you for visiting to feed hay Aaron,...