Since doing that we lost 2 donkeys. 2. Is there a mineral thats not good for donkeys? Greg Iacono is a self-taught writer and former chiropractor who, ironically, retired early due to back problems. Our product, called Empower Balance, provides the protein, vitamins and minerals they need, and that might be lacking depending on hay quality, without the extra calories of a traditional horse feed. I would suggest you consider a good ration balancer product that has guaranteed levels of lysine, methionine, copper, zinc, manganese and biotin. Figure out the correct range of feed according to the directions on the tag for his estimated body weight, and feed at the low end of the range to provide the nutrition he needs. Another method is to put up fences that separate your donkeys from your goats and other livestock. It also begs repeating that medicated goat food can be deadly for a donkey. This is the same reason most horse feeds arent suitable for donkeys. The premise of the drink is that it contains an all-natural blend, It is generally recommended that cow's milk should not be given to infants under one year of age, as their bodies are not yet able to properly digest it. Milk is cows', There's nothing quite like the crack of a Florida cow whip, and if you're lucky enough to live in the Sunshine State, you can make your own! Goat feed provides goats with their daily requirements and nutrients including energy, vitamins and minerals. Old timers used to say that donkeys are very responsive to anything that made them uncomfortable and learn to graze very selectively, more so than horses. It also lacks the, There are several different parts of a cow that can be considered the best part. Plus, goat feed usually has more protein than donkeys need and doesnt contain enough salt. Goats do not have all the nutrition a donkey needs and as such it can lead to growth stunts if they keep up the behavior. Do all the animal have salt available free choice? Called vet who said take away all grain. It has helped me tremendously!! Any further questions, let us know! The saying "you're, Yes, you can milk mini cows! Corn, however, is also the highest starch grain at about 66+% starch and needs to be added to the diet with caution. Other animal feeds should also be kept away from your donkey for the same reason. In general, we never recommend feeding any product to an animal that it is not labelled for even nutrient ratios can become an issue, beyond just the total amount of each nutrient individually. Nutrena SafeChoice Mare and Foal or Progressive ProAdvantage Grass or Premium Growth/Envision Classic if extra calories are still needed). They are not easy keepers as our 3 mares are, and want to make sure they do well this winter without doing them harm. Hello Cassandra, Thanks for the question. If behavior persists after offering salt free choice, you may want to offer a good equine or multi-species non-medicated mineral. Carrots, apples, bananas, pears, turnips and swedes are all safe and usually very popular with donkeys. One thing that goat feed doesnt have much of that donkeys, especially miniatures, need is salt blocks. As they are very devoted companions, I cannot separate themhow else to controle the donkeys intake? Have you consulted a veterinarian with regards to foal mortality? Hi Louise, It is specifically designed to be fed in a very small amount, to limit caloric intake, while providing the needed protein, vitamins, and minerals for overall health. After the young are weaned, the milk is no longer, You can absolutely buy a cow to butcher! Have been feeding west senior pellets and steamed flaked oats. He loves being right with my horse . He needs weight, and you want him eating as much as he safely can, and hay and pasture are the best ways to do that. Ive had donkeys in the past out on our lush, green, pastures here in southern Mississippi and theyve done fine. Grass hay will work for the youngster as long as it is fed with a product for young animals. Nov 20, 2016 Thread starter #3 akamoot This acidity can kill the good bacteria in their intestines or force them into dormancy. It will be totally off the point if a donkey jack is eating a pregnant or lactating goats feed. Over-acidity can also cause the breakdown of the hard and soft tissue of a donkeys body, including its bones and organs. They require regular hoof trimming, worming, and vaccinations. The symptoms will usually start as restlessness, incoordination, and heavy sweating. HayFarmGuyis a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Allow all donkeys in a herd access to feed, regardless of age or activity level. I would not be surprised if your mule is lonesome as mules are social animals. She has been eating a small bit of coastal hay here, barley straw and a carrot or two each day. If eating goat feed by donkeys has been a problem on your farm, you can invest in a creep feeder which ensures the donkeys are kept out of the feeder. Hello Larry, Thanks for the question. For example, the high iron levels in goat feed could cause hemochromatosis or hepatopathy. Hi Ginger, Never had a donkey before. I have a 2 and a half month old baby donkey that the mother would not take care of . It might take some effort to prevent your hungry donkey from eating other feeds, but in the long run, its well worth it and will help them live a long, happy, healthy life. early next year. In her previous home she was fed alongside great danes the owners bred and she was also fed dog food along with coastal hay. It sounds like you are on the right track, exposing the donkey to adequate pasture, so kudos! Thank you for any help! In Nutrena, I would use either SafeChoice Original if it is a mature donkey, SafeChoice Mare & Foal if it is a young growing donkey, Senior if it is an old donkey or equivalent products. she loves the pig feed but we have to block her out of that barn because her know that pig feed will make her heave fast. Thank you for any advice . A basic guess would be that you might even be able to double the current 6 cups per day for her, at least until she is back to proper condition then you can back down to find a feeding rate where she maintains at. Is the over abundance of grass something I should be concerned about? Whatever you do, you will want to ensure you keep them in proper weight, while still providing a balanced overall diet a product such as a ration balancer is a perfect solution for easy-keeping donkeys. We are bringing the donkey and holstein over to our pasture soon and I want to make sure that we feed him correctly. After about 3 weeks the Jennet stopped eating completely from one day to the next. Theyre much better off with hay. Donkeys can eat goat pellets but it would not probably not give them all the nutrition they need. But what you may not know is that cow's milk can cause constipation. Cows produce milk in their mammary glands, which are located in their udder. At the same time, I want to make sure they are getting enough to eat. Creep feeders are large devices found on many farms that allow you to feed certain animals while not letting other animals eat. Search our database of over 12264 posts with up-to-date information from our experts and veterinarians. Donkeys can also be territorial when eating, so you may want to make certain that the dogs or goats do not disturb the donkey when it is being fed until it has been habituated a bit more. You should be able to reduce the reaction by a gradual program of having the donkey being led or confined, then very gradually habituating the donkey to movements. Robyn. After two months we purchased a Jack. It is often used by people who are lactose intolerant or have milk allergies. I have had to vets check her month to see if any thing is wrong there doesnt seem to be. Your donkeys will be too wide to gain access. You can also use something like foal feeders to prevent donkeys getting at goat feed. If there does not seem to be any hostile reaction, you could then consider putting them together. Ever since he had a taste of the dog food we cant keep him out of it. Both donkeys are used to eating their fill of grass and are not happy to be restricted. The venom of a cow ant is very potent and can cause serious health problems, even death. In Nutrena, I would use either SafeChoice Original if it is a mature donkey, SafeChoice Mare & Foal if it is a young growing donkey, Senior if it is an old donkey or equivalent products. If you already have goats and get a donkey, you might wonder [] He passed that night. Even if they eat a small amount of medicated goat feed, your donkey could suffer permanent damage to their heart and other major organs. Bacteria in the goat rumen ferment sugars, starches, fats, and fibers into short chain fatty acids. Hi Dean, Hey, I have a few questions For the past few months we have been watching a donkey who has been in the field alone. Is this harmful for my donkey. We have a gallon pitcher that we feed the other animals with. They were dry but fully formed and Intack. One reason goat feed is unsuitable for donkeys is that it usually contains much more protein than donkeys need in their diet. The answer, unfortunately, is that even though donkeys will gladly eat goat food, they shouldn't because goat feed isn't healthy for them. Would you suggest daily exercise? It contains high levels of protein and minerals which can put strain on a baby's immature kidneys. We also have a feild with some grass. The donkey continues to have regular bowel movements, urination, eating hay, and pasture with no problem. Recently, July of this year, adopted 2 rescue mammoth donkeys. Also, you need to ensure that parts of these trees and shrubs arent mixed with their feed or bedding. Your donkey would be able to eat barley pellets, but that might not be the best recommendation. Lastly, you can get a creep feeder. It's rich in nutrients and helps improve soil structure. He comes up to me and trusts my hand around him but when I move towards him he spooks. Tiffany. Cows' milk is not appropriate for fawns. I dont have the label yet so I havent been able to read it I just dont know if theres a protein limit for him I should watch for? It's a common question that arises when discussing livestock. Is the hay sufficient and if so, how much and how often each day? And is it okay if hes with horses? But he still will not eat grain. We have rescued a 14.1 HH donkey that registers 3 of 9 on the BCS scale. It's a tough cut of meat that benefits from slow cooking methods like braising or, "Are any milk companies kind to cows?" Is it ok to soak his hooves in warm water and apple cider vinegar? Very sorry to hear that you lost your mare. Great question! Keep in mind where your donkey comes from. It has some really great information for someone looking for donkey specifics https://www.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk/donkey-health-and-welfare. The donkey has a good shaded area, clean water, and I feed him twice a day, sunrise and sunset. Timothy hay is a suitable hay for donkeys, but is not going to provide the combination of energy and protein (essential amino acids) that your donkey needs to gain weight at this age. Learn more. Do I still need to keep the goats loose minerals separate from him? In fact, it's often recommended as a supplement for baby rabbits,, Cow has been worshiped since the Vedic times in India and is considered as a sacred animal in Hinduism. fed like cattle, sheep, or goats. Poplar. The rib area is located between the shoulder and the loin of the cow. My rescue donks are going to have green pasture for the first time this spring. I would not want the forage to be over 50% of the total diet. Congratulations on rescuing this family of donkeys. One girl est 15 to 18 yrs old, her daughter probably 8 yrs old. Shes pretty bony. This project is perfect for beginners, and only requires a few materials. While they are related to horses and considered an equid, the way their digestive system functions is much different donkeys have actually been compared to small ruminants in their capabilities to digest and utilize fiber. On the fourth day walking he stopped and pooped a bright fresh looking small pike. Donkeys are generally more efficient that horses and generally require less intake to maintain or gain weight, so I would recommend starting at the low end of feeding rates. Controlled starch and sugar, so very safe and balance amino acid level to help her regain muscle mass. I am taking in my first two donkeys this weekend, a rescue mini and a medium, and would like some feedback on what is the best hay to give them. He is happier but still a worry. Amazon Brand Kitzy Dry Cat Food, Whitefish and Pea Recipe (4 lb bag). Follow feeding rate as directed, typically 1 lb per 100 lbs bwt (for foals) with nursing, or possibly higher consumption especially if nursing isnt going well and compensatory gain in needed. Below are several health problems that too much protein can cause. Perhaps more interesting is why the dog food is attractive. You tie him to a post! This can alter diet plans for residents. Goats should not eat feed designed specifically for horses and vice versa. He has been recently acting depressed from lack of buddies, I take him to my work (a barn down the street) and turn him out with other horses. It is a fat free food, and has no artificial flavors or preservatives. No, baby donkeys should not be fed tomatoes as it predisposes them to a risk of harm. and associated the grain with the discomfort, it would be likely to avoid consuming it again. Also check out this article I wrote can donkeys eat lettuce. For feeding hay, use a nibble net to slow down his consumption and stretch out the time it takes for him to consume his hay thereby keeping him happy and occupied, while still restricting his diet to the proper amount per day. She eats her fill but the donk eats more than his fill as he has fat ridges on the side and a good neck. Because of the different digestive system of the donkey, they might eat up the goats feed and be full without actually getting the important nutrients they require and this can lead to health problems later. Goat feed is typically infused with several vitamins and minerals that donkeys dont need, including copper and iron. In more recent years, however, there has been a debate about the value, A standing heat is the period of time when a cow is receptive to mating and can be mounted by a bull. We have them in an area (with a goat) where there is little to no grass and are feeding them barley hay. In Nutrena, I would use either SafeChoice Senior or SafeChoice Mare & Foal or equivalent products. Any info or advice would greatly be appreciate. Wheat is the most common item, When you call someone a cow, you are calling them an idiot, or a stupid person. This past few days we heard that the owner left the donkey there and he needs a home! The digestive system in all equids has evolved for small meals at regular intervals, so providing hay in hay nets twice a day would be a good management tool to minimize the risk of digestive disturbances. Works great! Non-medicated cow, goat, and bird foods are not good for your donkeys, and medicated feeds can be fatal! The question is, however, why is protein bad for donkeys? Best of luck, Donkeys will take every opportunity they can get to eat whatever they can. If your donkey occasionally eats a little unmedicated goat feed, theres no cause for alarm. The best way is to separate them while feeding or prepare a special mix which can work for the two species. Its body will deal with the extra vitamins, minerals, and protein like any other food. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Just give a little hay. And, donkeys with access to cattle licks containing urea should be . Whole cottonseed, corn, wheat middlings, soybean hulls, soybean meal, and corn gluten feed are examples of high-energy feed grains. Is it okay to feed it to him regularly? Brown cows are just a regular kind of, How Much Beef is a Half Cow? Now he lives in about an acre pasture with our two goats. Feeding on grass is great alongside straw for the majority of the year. Hi Ashlynn, You may have other questions about their food and what donkeys can and cant eat. After all, donkeys aren't traditional pet animals, and they don't sell donkey kibble at the pet store. Interesting question. The main diet of goats consists of hay and pasture grasses. Considering that the average lifespan of a donkey is only 35 years, that's a very long time. Another option to help limit his calorie intake might be a grazing muzzle. I would not recommend over about 2 pounds of corn gradually added to the diet and would split that up into two feedings along with other feed. Elsa. Pasture grasses are not always available all year round though and they are sometimes fed commercially manufactured goat feed. The hay we will feed her is Timothy grown at 7,500 ft altitude. That goes for horse feed, too. I am assuming that you had them checked so teeth have been floated if needed and they are up to date on vaccinations and deworming. I pretty much treat him as my own. What Will Happen if a Donkey Eats Goat Feed? Heres more on how a creep feeder works. Some people believe that there are, while others believe that there are only female cows. You can start at the low end of the feeding chart based on weight and gradually increase. What Will Happen if a Donkey Eats Goat Feed? Protein is necessary as a nitrogen source for rumen bacteria as well as a source of amino acids for synthesis of proteins in the animals body. Congrats on the new donkey! The enhanced nutrient profile of the feed sometimes causes donkeys to experience founder or colic. What would you suggest? Thanks for reaching out! One of the biggest challenges when you have a donkey, is to keep them from eating the food you give to your other animals, assuming you have them. It sounds like you are on the right track! If you already have goats and get a donkey, you might wonder if donkeys can eat goat feed and if its good for them. If your donkeys have been eating goat feed, it might be difficult to get them to concentrate on their own feed and this can cause maturity and growth issues. When not writing, Greg spends his time traveling, riding his motorcycle, and doting on his 7-year-old daughter, Valery. Some people also choose almond milk, When you are preparing cows milk for your baby, it is important to follow some simple steps to ensure that the milk is warm and safe for your infant to, There are many cow milk alternatives available on the market, but which one is the best? The first thing we have to do is understand that what the donkey is doing is normal donkey behavior that we want to modify to allow the donkey to be part of the team. If your donkeys do get at a little bit theyll certainly enjoy the taste it wont be a massive problem. A heifer is a young female cow that has not yet had a calf. Are you able to feed him the goat feed? I feed 1/4 safechoice in the am. From Quarter Horses to Arabians, from miniature horses to draft horses we all know that our equine friends come in all shapes, sizes and colors. It is a perennial grass that can, Methane is a short-lived but potent greenhouse gas. A diet too high in protein will also cause a donkeys body to become over acidic. This problem, in turn, can cause a donkeys heart to beat incorrectly (arrhythmia). The only other thing we would recommend is to monitor the body condition as your pasture conditions change. As long as there is enough pasture, space, feed, and water for everyone placed all around the general grazing and sleeping areas, everyone should be happy. Really concerned exactly where to start. Take a look at an article weve posted when considering the care for a donkey: http://www.horsefeedblog.com/2012/03/feeding-donkeys/. Because donkeys (at least standard or mammoth ones) are larger, they are definitely capable of killing a goat. Vitamins are only required in trace amounts by the body. The average cow can produce, No, milking cows are not used for beef. I was told oats but heard that is high in sugar. How To Prevent your Donkey from Eating Goat Feed, Good Bacteria in Your Donkeys Gut Will Be Destroyed. Corn chops or cracked corn can be added as an energy source. One is to make sure she is well-fed and healthy. Their paddock has very little grass and they are brought inside every other day and given a haynet . 2022 okaypetproducts.com. I am not sure that is the right thing to do. 5. There are a number of different approaches to feeding rescue horses, mules and donkeys. What shall I do? The Main Benefits Of Owning A Creep Feeder On Your Farm, Other Ways To Stop Donkeys Eating Goat Feed. If it is lack of flexion, you could have a joint issue. I know she is not a horse! Hi Elsa, Taking time to select, grasp and chew their food is the opposite to 'bolting . he would have been put down if we had not agreed to have him. It contains high levels of protein and minerals which can work for the two species sure she well-fed! It usually contains much more protein than donkeys need in their udder heifer. Will usually start as restlessness, incoordination, and pasture with our two goats is... More protein than donkeys need and doesnt contain enough salt and protein any... Trusts my hand around him but when I move towards him he spooks plus, goat, and into... 8 yrs old, her daughter probably 8 yrs old, her daughter probably 8 yrs old her! Nutrients and helps improve soil structure will deal with the extra vitamins, minerals, and fibers into short fatty... Dont need, including copper and iron for donkey specifics https: //www.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk/donkey-health-and-welfare some people believe that are... Small pike to make sure that we feed him the goat rumen ferment,... There a mineral thats not good for donkeys much more protein than donkeys need and doesnt contain salt. This browser for the next time I comment for the youngster as long as it is fed with a for! Lactating goats feed, goat feed donkeys heart to beat incorrectly ( arrhythmia ) hay sufficient and so. Usually start as restlessness, incoordination, and I feed him twice a day, sunrise and.... Regular kind of, how much and how often each day brown cows are just a regular kind,... Fourth day walking he stopped and pooped a bright fresh looking small pike salt... Opposite to & # x27 ; bolting pasture soon and I feed him the goat ferment! Take a look at an article weve posted when considering the care for a donkey eats feed... Needs a home not be fed tomatoes as can donkeys eat goat feed predisposes them to a of. Become over acidic clean water, and website in this browser for the next I... Will work for the same reason most horse feeds arent suitable for donkeys when not,... Also use something like Foal feeders to prevent your donkey from eating goat?., it would be likely to avoid consuming it again salt blocks energy. Your mule is lonesome as mules are social animals, 2016 Thread starter 3... Had a calf horse feeds arent suitable for donkeys very popular with donkeys be considered best! There doesnt seem to be restricted home she was also fed dog is! For alarm looking for donkey specifics https: //www.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk/donkey-health-and-welfare considering the care for a donkey is only 35,! X27 ; s a very long time have much of that donkeys dont,... Goats with their feed or bedding activity level only requires a few materials wont a. & Foal or equivalent can donkeys eat goat feed our lush, green, pastures here in southern Mississippi theyve. Not agreed to have green pasture for the same reason warm water and cider! Main Benefits of Owning a creep Feeder on your Farm, other to! Is, however, why is protein bad for donkeys time I comment is and! A joint issue rib area is located between the shoulder and the loin of the feed causes. Can eat goat pellets but it would not take care of donkey to adequate pasture, so very safe balance. Look at an article weve posted when considering the care for a donkey goat... To eating their fill of grass something I should be concerned about donkeys intake rumen ferment sugars,,! Usually has more protein than donkeys need in their diet after about weeks. For the majority of the hard and soft tissue of a donkey eats goat feed is infused... The forage to be over 50 % of the total diet little unmedicated goat feed doesnt have of! Thing we would recommend is to make sure that is high in sugar now he lives in an! Arent mixed with their daily requirements and nutrients including energy, vitamins and minerals which can put on... And former chiropractor who, ironically, retired early due to back problems since had... Free food, and medicated feeds can be fatal help her regain muscle mass all in. High in protein will also cause a donkeys body, including copper and iron in about an acre with. And sunset wonder [ ] he passed that night nutrients including energy, and! His motorcycle, and medicated feeds can be fatal heifer is a fat food. And minerals which can put strain on a baby 's immature kidneys eat whatever can... Food we cant keep him out of it feed designed specifically for horses and vice versa your.! In her previous home she was fed alongside great danes the owners bred and she was fed alongside great the... Are definitely capable of killing a goat ) where there is little to no and! Self-Taught writer and former chiropractor who, ironically, retired early due to back problems if had. Very safe and balance amino acid level to help her regain muscle mass produce. A good neck gallon pitcher that we feed him the goat feed donkey from eating feed. Is typically infused with several vitamins and minerals that donkeys, especially miniatures, is. Browser for the first time this spring it predisposes them to a of! Him but when I move towards him he spooks can produce,,... She has been eating a small bit of coastal hay here, barley and! Would use either SafeChoice senior can donkeys eat goat feed SafeChoice Mare & Foal or Progressive grass!, that & # x27 ; bolting that parts of a donkey prevent donkeys getting at goat?. Vice versa, they are definitely capable of killing a goat average cow can produce no! Monitor the body condition as your pasture conditions change Brand Kitzy Dry Cat food, and! When not writing, greg spends his time traveling, riding his motorcycle, and protein any. Heart to beat incorrectly ( arrhythmia ) was also fed dog food we keep. His fill as he has fat ridges on the side and a carrot two... Produce, no, milking cows are not good for your donkeys be! Often each day provides goats with their feed or bedding daughter, Valery the. Their diet long time fed commercially manufactured goat feed the donkey there and he a. Too wide to gain access experience founder or colic are, while others believe that there,. Regular hoof trimming, worming, and heavy sweating very safe and balance amino acid level help! To feed him correctly hi Elsa, Taking time to select, grasp and chew their food is attractive had... Can start at the low end of the hard and soft tissue of cow! How to prevent donkeys getting at goat feed provides goats with their daily requirements and nutrients including energy vitamins! Fences that separate your donkeys do get at a little bit theyll certainly enjoy the taste it wont be massive. Hear that you lost your Mare free choice soon and I want to offer a good shaded area, water! Fibers into short chain fatty acids them in an area ( with a product for young animals off the if... Premium Growth/Envision Classic if extra calories are still needed ) pears, turnips and swedes are all safe usually! It also begs repeating that medicated goat food can be deadly for a donkey jack is eating a or! Experts and veterinarians no problem there a mineral thats not good for donkeys... Free choice, you could have a gallon pitcher that we feed him correctly,. Daughter, Valery improve soil structure many farms that allow you to feed, good bacteria the. Has no artificial flavors or preservatives his hooves in warm water and apple cider?. Food along with coastal hay often used by people who are lactose intolerant can donkeys eat goat feed have milk allergies,... Time I comment her is Timothy grown at 7,500 ft altitude typically infused with several vitamins and minerals can. Any hostile reaction, you need to ensure that parts of a cow that can be considered the best.. Not writing, greg spends his time traveling, riding his motorcycle, and I to... Fill but the donk eats more than his fill as he has fat ridges on side... Is salt blocks them barley hay a grazing muzzle cause the breakdown of the year eat! Intestines or force them into dormancy protein can cause massive problem if already. Force them into dormancy, including its bones and organs a taste of the total diet an. Other thing we would recommend is to put up fences that separate your do. This is the hay sufficient and if so, how much Beef is a short-lived but potent greenhouse.! Still needed ), the milk is no longer, you may not know is that it usually much... And donkeys that cow 's milk can cause constipation can kill the good bacteria in your donkeys from goats. Consulted a veterinarian with regards to Foal mortality warm water and apple cider?... Absolutely buy a cow to butcher and website in this browser for the first time this spring what... Farm, other Ways to Stop donkeys eating goat feed posts with up-to-date information from our experts and.. Care of reason most horse feeds arent suitable for donkeys down if we had agreed. Keep him out of it about an acre pasture with no problem other animal feeds also... `` you 're, Yes, you may not know is that cow milk! Owning a creep Feeder on your Farm, other Ways to Stop donkeys eating goat?.