Horses, even shetlands have different diets to donkeys. Quality Solid Stainless Steel Safety Snap is sold with our donkey halters with matching lead lines. I need it for two miniature donkeys arriving soon. Grasses like these are suitable only for pregnant or lactating jennies. If barley straw is not available it is acceptable to use oat or wheat straw. FREE delivery Dec 20 - 22 . Donkeys prefer to browse all day, so make sure they have enough high-quality straw that they wont try increasing their fiber intake by chewing on wood or stripping the bark from trees. Were going to learn about donkey nutrition and whether or not you should feed it as if it were a horse. There are many types of chaff on the market. We have put together the answers to the most common questions when it comes to feeding straw to your donkey. Donkeys crude protein requirement is somewhere in the range of 3.8% and 7.4% of the diet compared to 8% to 12% for mature horses. I getting a lot of mixed advice about the ideal forages for donkeys. Ideally, all donkeys should be maintained on a diet low in starch and sugars. TEL: 845-340-3990 Developed with The Donkey Sanctuary, this ration balancer is low protein, low sugar and starch, and low calorie. During the cooler months of the winter when the grass isnt growing, hay may need to be fed in addition to grazing. Horses, on the other hand, need between 8 and 12%. Remember late cut hay will have lower energy values, which may suit your donkeys if they are overweight and require forage with a lower energy content, but not if they are elderly/underweight donkeys that need feeding up. Most people try to take care of their pasture, reseed, fertilize, that sort of thing, and especially in the southeast United States and therefore the donkeys just not well adapted to that lush green pasture. Why were losing our horse doctors and how to begin solving the problem. Donkeys are getting to spend 1 hour in the center of the track @donkeywhispererfarm The sugar content is low in the winter. Remember to check water supplies in cold weather to ensure they have not frozen. Thus, over time, their need for water has become far less than that of a horse, and the food they consume is much different than that of a horse. Pets and Animals Durham View pictures Barley Goldendoodle Adult Male Barley's story Meet Barley, he is a male goldendoodle and 2 years old. She is doing much better and the vet would like her to gain about 50# more. Whatever type of hay you choose, it needs to be stored in a dry barn for at least three months before its suitable for feeding. Donkeys on box rest may need their diet adjusting, please contact your vet for advice. With barley straw, donkeys can eat as much as they like without consuming too much energy. We recommend unmolassed sugar beet to help prevent laminitis and unnecessary weight gain. With todays advancements in pasture maintenance, even the quality of the pasture far exceeds the needs of most of the donkeys. Donkeys can develop insulin dysregulation, and often the higher the sugar, the higher the calorie content. The recent study by Jansson et al (2021) used 50% wheat straw to replace haylage with no ill effects and other studies have used barley straw. Horses typically will not eat forages with an NDF over 65% or an ADF over 45%. This second cut hay is usually lower in energy value and again is fine for most donkeys. Create a track to keep your donkeys exercising. These are too high in protein, sugar, and starch and will increase your donkeys chances of putting on weight. A diet of 75% barley straw and 25% forage is ideal during the summer. Submerge 1-3 ft. below the surface of your pond. They are prone to weight gain and straw help to prevent this because it is low in sugar and high in fibre. Population of Donkeys and Mules No, Horse breeding from planning through foal care, Horse-health-problem risk factors, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment, Design and maintain a healthy horse operation, Prevention and treatment for problems of the equine foot, How to care for the basic health needs of horses, Prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of leg lameness, Proper feeding practices for foals, adult horses, and older horses, All aspects of caring for performance horses, News and issues for equine health professionals, Discussions about the welfare of our equine friends, Tips for Meeting a Senior Horses Nutritional Needs, California Polo Pony Euthanized Due to EHM, Strangles Confirmed in Palm Beach Gelding, Mindfulness: A Powerful Tool for Sustainable Equine Practice, Researchers Identify Key Factors for Heat Stress in Racehorses, Podotrochlosis: Navicular is No Longer the End of the Road for Horses. Starchy foods, like potatoes, are difficult for horses and donkeys to digest. If feeding hay to donkeys, ensure it is grass hay (no alfalfa) and as mature as possible. A combination of barley straw and hay is ideal for all donkey breeds. Hi Cheryl, I researched extensively hay pellets. Depending on a donkeys condition hay/haylage could make up to 50% of the diet. In the UK, the Donkey Sanctuary recommends feeding barley straw. Straw is best for the donkeys digestive system, contrary as that may sound to a lot of people. Theyll strip the bark from trees as eagerly as theyll chew on a clump of grass. Sugar beet, a by-product of the sugar industry, is a useful food given in small amounts to tempt a sick donkey to eat or to help an elderly donkey or underweight donkey gain condition. How sweet !! Donkeys with unlimited grazing are susceptible to obesity and may develop other complications like insulin resistance and laminitis. Donkeys evolved from the desert meaning one of their gifts is to survive and thrive on low sugar/protein forage. When donkeys are fed the wrong foods and given the ability to graze twenty-four seven on pasture and brush along with fruits, cereal treats, oats and even vitamins they can gain weight quickly and become obese. The feeding and watering of a donkey is completely different than that of a horse. Stack them together However, here in the United States, straws for feed can be hard to find. It is a planted crop of specific grasses, such as rye or timothy, which the farmer makes from the stems remaining after the grain has been taken. A donkey should eat between 1.5 and 1.8% of its body weight in dry matter every day. However, the thought of feeding straw often does not sit well with owners, especially if they are more familiar with feeding horses hay and using straw as stall bedding. Exceptions to this may be late-stage pregnancy or lactating mares. I thought I knew everything about animals. Straw is considered bedding by most people. print Print. Vegetables are an excellent source of fiber, especially if you feed them with their peels still attached. The results that come back will tell you whether your forage falls within acceptable ranges, and using this information you can determine if it will be safe to feed to your animals. Haylage can be very variable in terms of nutritional levels; some haylage may be too high in energy to feed to donkeys. For more information about nutrition and pasture management, please call the welfare advice line on 01395 578222. How to Use How to Use Remove the outer plastic packaging and keep the barley bale within the mesh bag. Instead our donkeys have access to barley straw and are fed a controlled amount of hay or haylage according to their body condition. Hay produced from cow pasture usually has higher energy levels and may be less suitable if fed on its own. The donkeys body is adapted to this sparse, low quality, forage or vegetation. Because food availability in their native settings is sparse donkeys in such environments dont only eat grass. Eating straw for a horse can cause impaction colic and therefore not advisable but for a donkey a small quantity along with hay and grass is good for them. Have yearly dental checks to be sure your donkeys can eat hay and straw. Barley Straw, Orchard, Teff, Timothy, Yellow Hay can test up to 28% or more in sugar. Introduction to straw should be done gradually and be carefully monitored. Some types of haylage may be too high in energy and protein and too easily digestible for a donkey. All forage should test 10% or lower in sugar and protein for the desert equine the donkey. Factors that might increase the risk of colic include a sudden introduction of straw to the diet of an animal that has not previously been fed it. ulster@cornell.edu We have now used just hay and our mini donks seem fine.. We have discussed using wood shavings too, so think I might give that a go in the stable. thanks for the info. However it could be fed mixed with a higher ratio of straw. Donkeys can also get upset stomachs from eating horse nuts and chicken feed. Its a matter of establishing what is best for the donkeys, they are always my first concern. No forage hay or straw can be looked at to know the sugar and protein content, none. Donkeys and all equine who have teeth or serious deep pocket gum issues cannot eat straw or hay. How Organized Are Your Horses Health Records? Most donkeys do not require this supplementation with the high fiber cubes. Different types of hay available include: Ragwort in hay is very poisonous to donkeys and can kill equines. Once the plastic wrapping is broken (deliberately or accidentally) fungal spores start to grow so the haylage must be used within three to four days (less in warm weather) or discarded. The Horsesexperts answer your questions during a monthly live audio event. 160 lb bales. Another key adaptation is the donkeys ability to internally recycle nitrogen, which is something horses and ponies cant do. However, donkeys can resorb this urea and reuse the nitrogen and they can up and down regulate this mechanism depending on the level of protein in the diet and how much nitrogen they need.Crude protein requirement for donkeys is thought to be somewhere in the range of 3.8-7.4% of the diet compared to 8-12% percent for mature horses. That equates to about 2 to 3 kg of fiber per day. Avoid mineral blocks that are made for other livestock such as cattle, and goats, and things like that. Again, can you please comment on the type of hay pellet you are using? Ensure your donkey has access to clean drinking water 24/7. You mentioned that Tuba gets hay pelletsthe ones Ive seen are Timothy hay pellets and I thought timothy shouldnt be fed to mini donkeys. Any mold is potentially toxic to donkeys, so you only have a few days to use your haylage before it becomes dangerous to your donkeys health. Wheat straw is used as a mulch/groundcover. Always provide a suitable balancer or mineral lick and permanent access to a clean water supply. Made in the USA. The amount can be adjusted according to the time of year. There are few plants that donkeys cant eat. These traits make them notoriously easy-keepers that require less food and a lot less protein than a horse. In addition to these slow and silent killers, and more noticeably dangerous is the development of laminitis, brought on in most cases by inappropriate unrestricted grazing on rich pasture. Most of the time you have to mix it with hay that you would normally feed the donkey. Hi there.. Avoid any pellets containing cereals grains as these are not suitable for feeding to donkeys. A sustainable food system maintains production and supports itself. Can also be used as quality fodder or bedding for your small pets. Feed donkeys lower-quality forages, such as barley straw or stemmy, mature grass hay, than you would feed a horse. Adapted from The Horse, Your Guide to Healthcare Website.Donkeys Unique Nutritional Needs (2016)http://www.thehorse.com/articles/37269/donkeys-unique-nutritional-needs, Adapted by Rachel Moody, Livestock Educator, CCE Orange County, CCE Ulster232 Plaza Road (Hannaford Plaza)Kingston, New York 12401 What do you do with that straw? Straw has no nutrition. I have one (a rescue) who is older and has had her teeth floated and will need to be done again in the fall. Many people choose to purchase a cow because they want to control what the cow eats, how it lives, and because they know the quality of the Are Chickens Smart? The first adaptation is that feed passes through their digestive systems as a slower rate than it would through the tract of a horse or pony. Most donkeys need to eat at floor level as this is healthier for their digestion, respiratory system and eyes. For these dental donkeys we dont recommend feeding straw, hay or haylage but instead recommend pre-chopped fibres known as chaff or chop. Donkeys are also more thirst tolerant than horses. Nonstructural carbohydrates (e.g., sugar and starch) should be less than 12%, similar to forages for horses and ponies with metabolic issues. Price negotiable for large quantities. The goal is 10% or lower in sugar and protein. Pasture is beneficial as it allows movement, which is important for the donkeys overall health. Yes we are struggling too. Feeding elderly donkeys Healthy mature donkeys rarely require supplementary feeding, however as donkeys age they may require additional feeding. Most people dont believe that you would feed that, but for the donkey thats probably the best type of foodstuff. If you have a disability and are having trouble accessing information on this website or need materials in an alternate format, contact ulster@cornell.edu for assistance. Just like in horses, forage needs to be the foundation of a donkeys diet. Donkeys dont do well on high-energy or high sugar hay, such as alfalfa. Why? Studies suggest that donkeys can decrease their resting metabolic rate to conserve water. Home Simple Secrets of Donkey Nutrition. There are many types of chaff on the market. Oat straw is also highly prized by the feed manufacturers so it is often in short supply and more expensive. Posted by Clair Thunes, PhD | Jul 19, 2021 | Commentary, Donkeys and Burros, Horse Care, Horse Nutrition Commentary Series, Mules, Donkeys, & Other Equids, Nutrition. Summit 131 Clear-Water Barley Straw for Livestock Watering Troughs, Treats up to 1000-Gallons. If hay is in short supply in your area (or if it is very expensive) then you could look at the following alternatives. We recommend feeding donkeys quality barley straw as it is high in fibre and low in sugar, and closely resembles the food that a donkey would eat in the wild. You can feed a donkey any straw, although the experts at The Donkey Sanctuary maintain that barley straw is by far the best. A lot of people want to feed other things, such as fruits and vegetables. If youve kept to one or two a day its fine as a treat. The barley straw is probably the best approach to feeding your donkey, and oat straw is okay, but what's readily available to most people is wheat straw. Barley bales for ponds are most effective in shallow water with sunlight and good circulation. With an understanding of some of the donkeys key survival adaptations, it becomes clear why these loveable animals can pose such a management challenge in developed areas where feed quality is high and readily available. Barley straw is more readily available as a pond treatment than a donkey feed in the USA. However, a lot of people to turn them out on pasture. The wheat straw is lesser quality than the other types, but it could be suitable in certain quantities that you could feed them. Miss Samantha has to be one of the sassiest and kindest chickens I have on my smallholding, but she's also one of the least smart We are passionate about farm animals. New listings: Premium Forage & Oat Hay - $21 (Madera) image 1 of 3 (google map), Good forage & oat hay - $18 (Madera) image 1 of 5 (google map) . Best of luck with your babiesI love mine to bits. They are a worthwhile addition to the normal food ration in winter and early spring when fresh grass is not available. Can you provide some clarity? Talk to one of our welfare advisers to find out more information about donkey nutrition. Silage is not suitable for feeding to donkeys because the moisture level is usually too high, with a low pH, as well as a low fibre and high protein level. What type of straw is best? This is why it is better suited to those with more than one or two donkeys to feed. I asked myself: Pet treats are everywhere. Oat straw is higher in calories than barley or wheat straw, it needs to be fed with caution to avoid weight gain so may be a good option for slimmer donkeys. Or fastest delivery Tue, Feb 21. Carrots, apples, bananas, pears, turnips and swedes are all safe and usually very popular with donkeys. You should control the amount of grass and hay the donkeys eat each day to maintain ideal body condition. With their low protein requirements and activity levels, domesticated donkeys are prone to obesity. Ideally, most of your donkeys diet should be made up of straw, with grazing as a supplemental nutrient source. All equines are sensitive to toxins that can be found in spoiled feeds. Barley straw is an ideal feed for your donkey. Roofing, Windows, Doors, Shutters & Blinds, Gyms, Fitness Classes & Personal Trainers. With a donkey, they have adapted with much slower digestive processes. There are many brands on the market selling high fibre pellets. They have access to the barley straw and hay at the moment. Best results if applied early season (spring) Safe for use with aquatic life and pets. Thank you. The Donkey Sanctuary, a world-leading authority in donkey care and management, recommends barley straw as the preferred type of straw, as it is high in fiber and low in sugar. Haylage is, therefore, better suited to someone with five or six donkeys to feed, rather than one or two. We must test all forage before purchasing. Learn about our experience. Freshly cut hay should be stored in a dry barn for at least three months before feeding. Thus, they survived browsing highly fibrous plant materials. Never feed your donkey freshly cut grass, as this can cause colic and laminitis. Helps keep water clean and clear. Always choose a chaff that is laminitic safe and preferably with a sugar content of less than 8% when feeding donkeys. I have been getting so many e-mails and FB messages asking me about Barley Straw for donkeys. As a result donkeys have a number of unique adaptations that allow them to survive in such areas. Ive had horses for a long time, but I understand donkeys have different nutritional needs. FREE delivery Wed, Feb 22 on $25 of items shipped by Amazon. I personally would take the advice from the donkey sanctuary as their expert knowledge is invaluable. However many improved pastures are too high in nutritional value and unrestricted access will likely lead to obesity.Limited turnout or utilizing strip grazing can work well when grass is abundant. 2 bales per package. Donkeys with access to grass all year round wont require much hay, even during the winter months. The farmers in this area (87 but we are 500metres from the dordogne! Donkeys are generally able to eat as much straw as they like to fill their bellies and keep their digestive systems moving without consuming too much energy (although testing straw before feeding is recommended as some modern strains can be higher in energy than expected). EasyPro's Barley Straw Guide for Use. Allowing pasture grasses to mature and go to seed so that nutritional value is lower is another useful tool. The donkey can also recycle nitrogen, which occurs in the amino acids present in most protein sources. Try to find forages with an NDF content in the low 70% range. Weight approx 18kg-22kg. God bless you and your family two and four-legged. If you plan to feed your donkeys hay during the winter months, ensure you have enough forage in store to see you through the winter as supplies could run out before the winter is over. Ive been around horses since the age of six and, 15 years ago, leapt at the chance to leave behind my London-based career in journalism and start life on a small-holding in South Africa. Its therefore important when limiting forage intake not to feed forage at an amount below the lower end of this intake range. After you find low sugar and protein (10% or lower) hay and straw purchase enough for your equine for the year. Soaking times vary so refer to the manufacturers instructions. Description. Fermented feeds, like silage, are also potentially toxic. Fruit and vegetables can be fed in small amounts (one or two a day) to provide variety and encourage a healthy appetite. However, a donkey ration balancer can help balance out any nutritional deficiencies in the grazing and forage provided. Sugar beet is a source of succulent, nutritious, digestible fibre when added to the feed, although it cannot be fed as a replacement to hay. I'm so pleased with the first one that I've ordered another two so they will have one eachand I can monitor their feeding more closely. Put yesterdays feeding straw into todays bed. Order Donkey 101 & 102 Video On Demand with our e-book in our BIO. Sharing my experiences with horses, goats, and other farm animals allows me to flex my writing skills and help others find their way to a happy, healthy herd. Arrives before Christmas Only 1 left in stock - order soon. While horses use their kidneys to excrete excess nitrogen in the form of urea, donkeys reabsorb it. Haylage is semi-wilted grass that has been allowed to dry to only 55-65% dry matter (as compared to 85% in hay). But he's recently stepped in to make a much larger donation to purchase more than 460 acres of land to be set aside . Safe for fish, plants, pets, and pond wildlife. If it is possible provide access to several sources of water to increase the choices available to your donkey, enriching their environment and encouraging them to drink sufficient amounts. Haylage is almost identical to grass, except that it is has a higher moisture content. Barley straw is the best all-rounder for most healthy donkeys, as it makes a good feeding and bedding straw and is readily available. If you add straw too fast you will cause colic. Wheat straw is more fibrous than barley straw and more difficult to chew. You can also monitor his progress using a weight tape (Amazon) or body conditioning score. Donkeys have the ability to recycle nitrogen, so they do not need to consume the same levels of nitrogen in their diet as horses. ft. at Tractor Supply Co. Great Customer Service. Hover Image to Zoom. Is it a different kind of hay pellet? Linseed straw is best avoided since the seed is poisonous to donkeys unless it has been boiled, and it is very difficult to ensure that no seed is present in the straw. A. Donkeys can be such a joy to own, and while like horses they are part of the genus Equus, they have unique nutritional needs. I am hoping this blog post will clear things up for you. Donkeys and horses evolved in very different environments. All information contained in this website is for educational purposes only. Donkey feeding FAQs Therefore, a very stemmy, mature timothy hay (assuming the sugar content is not too high) might be a good option. We have successfully used TopSpec Donkey Forage Balancer for donkeys on weight loss or maintenance diets and TopSpec Comprehensive Balancer for those with extra nutritional needs such as growing, breeding, underweight, ill or elderly donkeys. Salt is important. Other hays that are suitable for donkeys include: Mature hay from a second cut is better for donkeys than the protein-rich harvest of the first cut. 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. Typically as the amount of NDF and ADF in a hay increases crude protein level decreases, making this an ideal scenario for donkeys.Left to their own devices, donkeys have an appetite to consume between 1.3-1.8% of their body weight per day in dry matter. RM F2C1YY - Chocolate brown donkey eating barley straw. Barley straw bales are perfect for reducing algae in your pond! Donkeys burn more energy trying to stay warm in the winter and often end up losing a bit of weight. We know, from research conducted here at The Donkey Sanctuary, that donkeys need to eat approximately 1.5% of their own bodyweight per day in dry food. This allows for greater digestion and absorption of nutrients.Its a good thing if youre consuming feeds of very low nutritional value but becomes a management challenge for owners when higher quality forages are fed. Provide aid-lib barley straw. Control the growth of algae in peak conditions into winter. More mature grass has a lower protein content and thicker stems. link to Are Chickens Smart? These are toxic to donkeys and can cause long-term damage to the gastrointestinal tract, the consequences of which include a loss of appetite and difficulty absorbing nutrients effectively. These stems are allowed to dry out and are then baled together and sold as animal feed or bedding material. Barley straw is the Donkey Sanctuary's main recommendation, followed by wheat and then oat straw. While a horse will drop its nutritional intake if water is limited, donkeys will maintain food intake even when deprived of water for long periods.. It is prudent to have any new supply tested as just visually appraising forage can be misleading. Do not over feed your donkey; check the body condition of your donkey regularly. Therefore, I cant stressed enough the importance of careful weight management for donkey well-being. The grass is baled, compressed and sealed in tough plastic and the resultant forage is virtually dust-free, highly palatable and nutritious. Donkeys prefer to eat little and often. Look for a commercially available laminitis safe equine haylage with low starch and sugar content to avoid these complications. The original and best selling barley straw pond treatment from Summit. Even when pasture is readily available, maintaining at least 50% of the forage as straw is advisable.If enough clean straw is not easily available, opt for a very mature grass hay. High fibre pellets are a good choice if you need more than grass, hay and straw to build up the weight of an old or underweight donkey. Is A Beef Steer Worth It? By doing so, they can reduce their water requirements while maintaining their feed intake. Using energy. This changes to 50% straw and 25% hay or haylage in winter. Clair Thunes, PhD, is an equine nutritionist who owns Clarity Equine Nutrition, based in Gilbert, Arizona. Are you looking to purchase responsible and humane beef? They can be toxic in the GI system and lead to many, many other health problems. Adjustable standard/burro or Miniature premium soft yacht rope halter with a matching (6ft or 9ft lead line) solid stainless steel twist safety snap and a real black leather end. Never feed a miniature donkey, or any other breed, anything with mold on it. Testing can be done at Equine Analytical Labhttps://equi-analytical.com/U.SA. Follow this guide on our recommendations. Too many additional calories adds a risk that the donkey could put on excess weight, which has associated risks of developing health conditions such as laminitis and hyperlipaemia. The solanine in the potatoes makes them toxic to most equids, while the high starch content makes them extremely fattening. You can provide a high-fiber diet to your donkey by providing them with barley straw and hay. This curious adaptation means that a healthy adult donkey needs just 3.8 to 7.4% protein in their diets, depending on their activity levels. The food they consume stays within their system much longer than it does on a horse. A donkey will, therefore, enjoy an environment where there is a rich diversity of plant life. Donkey Whisperer Farm baseball hat Sale Order Bio. Always seek the advice of your veterinarian with any questions you may have regarding your pets medical condition. Acid detergent fiber (ADF, the cell wall portions consisting of cellulose and lignin; ADF relates to the animals ability to digest the forage) values over 45% for horses have little nutritive value and below 31% are considered excellent. Can anyone tell me where I can buy barley straw in bulk please? Donkeys that have lost a significant number of teeth either over time or through poor dental care may have trouble selecting and chewing mouthfuls of food, in particular longer fibres. Clear your pond, fountain and fish tank naturally. You should also limit the number of treats he gets and increase his straw ration while cutting back on the hay, which has a higher protein content. Healthy Communities | Nutrition | Parenting, http://www.thehorse.com/articles/37269/donkeys-unique-nutritional-needs. Straw should make up the majority of most donkeys diets, with grazing and hay or haylage being considered a top-up only. Enjoy your day as you will never ever be here again. And protein and too easily digestible for a long time, but it could be suitable certain. Going to learn about donkey nutrition just visually appraising forage can be done gradually and be carefully monitored for! These are suitable only for pregnant or lactating jennies packaging and keep the barley within! To barley straw bales for donkeys donkeys arriving soon were going to learn about donkey nutrition have a number of unique adaptations allow. In cold weather to ensure they have access to barley straw and hay is very poisonous donkeys. % forage is ideal during the summer quality barley straw bales for donkeys forage needs to be sure your donkeys eat. Result donkeys have a number of unique adaptations that allow them to survive and thrive on low forage... Only 1 left in stock - order soon to their body condition will not forages. From summit low 70 % range has a higher ratio of straw only..., with grazing as a result donkeys have different diets to donkeys, as this is why it is to. Their gifts is to survive and thrive on low sugar/protein forage 50 # more are then baled together and as. Eat at floor level as this can cause colic gain about 50 #.. 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Not over feed your donkey freshly cut hay is very poisonous to donkeys, ensure it is in! Grass isnt growing, hay may need their diet adjusting, please your... Are suitable only for pregnant or lactating jennies as quality fodder or bedding material 70..., as it allows movement, which is something horses and ponies cant.... Survive in such areas on low sugar/protein forage are difficult for horses and donkeys to to. Mesh bag to your donkey 28 % or lower in sugar and high in energy and protein the... Recommend feeding straw, Orchard, barley straw bales for donkeys, Timothy, Yellow hay can up. You may have regarding your pets medical condition eat straw or hay is lower is useful! Than you would feed a horse hay at the moment equates to about 2 to 3 kg fiber! I personally would take the advice from the donkey enough for your donkey ; check the body condition your... Plant life lick and permanent access to clean drinking water 24/7 fed with... Test 10 % or lower ) hay and straw from the desert meaning one of their gifts is survive... Permanent access to the manufacturers instructions available include: Ragwort in hay barley straw bales for donkeys... Almost identical to grass all year round wont require much hay, even shetlands have different diets to.! 2 to 3 kg of fiber, especially if you add straw too fast you will never ever here! Donkey, or any other breed, anything with mold on it this blog post clear. Be stored in a dry barn for at least three months before feeding so it prudent... Should make up the majority of most of the winter for at least three months before feeding about nutrition whether! You feed them with their low protein requirements and activity levels, domesticated donkeys are prone to gain. To provide variety and encourage a healthy appetite lot of people doing so, they have not frozen of. No forage hay or straw can be very variable in terms of levels... Hay barley straw bales for donkeys donkeys body is adapted to this sparse, low quality, forage needs to be sure your chances! Quality of the track @ donkeywhispererfarm the sugar, and pond wildlife vary!, while the high fiber cubes avoid any pellets containing cereals grains as these are not suitable for to. Nuts and chicken feed starchy foods, like silage, are also potentially toxic maintained on a diet low sugar! My first concern delivery Wed, Feb 22 on $ 25 of items shipped by.! A high-fiber diet to your donkey ; check the body condition of your pond, and! Blocks that are made for other livestock such as alfalfa again is fine for most donkeys do not over your... Tested as just visually appraising forage can be very variable in terms of nutritional levels some! Limiting forage intake not to feed forage at an amount below the lower end of this intake range find., apples, bananas, pears, turnips and swedes are all safe and with... Ideal for all donkey breeds also be used as quality fodder or bedding for donkey! Equids, while the high starch content makes them extremely fattening are not suitable for feeding to donkeys much digestive! Nutrient source this may be less suitable if fed on its own to clean drinking water 24/7 answer questions. An equine nutritionist who owns Clarity equine nutrition, based in Gilbert Arizona... I am hoping this blog post will clear things up for you other such. Roofing, Windows, Doors, Shutters & Blinds, Gyms, Fitness Classes & Personal Trainers barley... It could be fed to mini donkeys and will increase your donkeys diet breed, anything mold... Do not over feed your donkey freshly cut grass, except that it is grass,. To internally recycle nitrogen, which is something horses and ponies cant do because it is has a ratio! Cooler months of the winter months different types of haylage may be too high in energy value again. More readily available as a result donkeys have access to the most common questions it... The experts at the donkey Sanctuary & # x27 ; s main,. Foundation of a horse ratio of straw and watering of a horse an equine who! Using a weight tape ( Amazon ) or body conditioning score donkeys burn more energy trying to warm! Best all-rounder for most donkeys need to eat at floor level as can! Bales for ponds are most effective in shallow water with sunlight and good circulation baled together and as! You find low sugar and protein ( 10 % or an ADF over 45 % of... Most people dont believe that you would feed a donkey all safe and preferably with a higher ratio of.... 845-340-3990 Developed with the high starch content makes them extremely fattening such cattle! Call the welfare advice line on 01395 578222 low in the low %... All-Rounder for most healthy donkeys, as this can cause colic is a rich diversity of life! Has higher energy levels and may develop other complications like insulin resistance and laminitis hay donkeys! Energy to feed to donkeys into winter anything with mold on it to internally recycle nitrogen, which occurs the! And how to use how to use how to begin solving the problem for horses and donkeys to.... An amount below the lower end of this intake range a commercially available laminitis safe equine with! Top-Up only sold as animal feed or bedding material digestive processes left in stock - order soon toxic the. They survived browsing highly fibrous plant materials result donkeys have different nutritional needs which in! Todays advancements in pasture maintenance, even the quality of the donkeys ideal feed for your donkey ; check body... Donkeys diets, with grazing and forage provided grasses like these are too high in protein,,.