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A donkey needs:

• Companionship with donkeys - to be with other donkeys or ponies and people.
• A high fibre diet with the majority of the diet being fed as good quality barley or oat straw with some hay in the winter months, supplied in a net inside the shelter or stable.
• A salt/mineral lick.
• Some older or ill donkeys may require supplementary feeding, products should be high in fibre and suitable for laminitics e.g. high fibre nuts and laminitic safe chops.
• A constant supply of fresh clean water.
• One acre of pasture per two donkeys, preferably divided in two so that parts of the field can be used in rotation (used alternately).
• Pasture that is well managed and kept clear of poisonous plants (especially ragwort).
• Pasture that has good secure boundaries.
• A draughtproof and waterproof shelter or stable with straw for bedding.
• To be kept warm and dry in the winter and away from flies and sun in the summer.
• Daily exercise.
• Gentle regular grooming, particularly in spring.
• Its feet to be picked out every day (removal of grit and stones).
• Visits from the farrier for hoof trimming every six to ten weeks.
• Monitoring for parasite burdens in conjunction with a vet and worming appropriately only when required.
• Routine vaccinations and dental examination (especially for older donkeys).
• Careful and sensitive handling.
• To be under the care of a veterinary surgeon.
• Your time and interest for the rest of its life.

Lifespan: Up to 30 years (but may be longer).
Sexually mature: Jennies (female) 18 months;
Jacks (male) six to 12 months.
In season: Every three weeks for five to seven days.
Gestation: Ten to 14 months.
Number of offspring: One.
Handling: Donkeys need to be approached cautiously. Approach from the head and speak as you do. Donkeys enjoy being groomed and gentle handling. Sudden noises upset donkeys.
Companionship: Donkeys are friendly animals and will be unhappy - and may start braying - if kept alone. They should always be kept with another equine - horse, pony or donkey. They bond with other animals and bonded pairs should not be separated. Human companionship is also needed.

Health problems

Lice: Infected donkeys will rub themselves vigorously on gates and fence posts and may develop open sores. Seek advice from your veterinary surgeon.
Mud fever: Caused by constant exposure to wet and muddy conditions. Occurs on the lower forelegs and in severe cases the legs will swell and the animal will become lame. Seek advice from a veterinary surgeon.
Sweet itch: A kind of eczema caused by allergy to midges. The symptoms are a badly rubbed mane and tail. Seek veterinary advice.
Intestinal worms: All donkeys will pick up worms and need regular faecal sampling to determine parasite burdens and worming only when necessary.
Gastro-intestinal problems: These are often not obvious, as the signs are not as clear as in horses. Dullness, loss of appetite and behavioural changes should be regarded with suspicion and veterinary advice sought. Hyperlipaema: The most common killer disease of donkeys, associated with stress and obesity. Consult your veterinary surgeon straightaway if the donkey is off its food, uncomfortable and standing over a water trough but not drinking.

If you have any concerns about your donkey's health, do ask your vet.

Remember - a pet needs your time and interest for the rest of its life.

Download the print-friendly care sheet:

Donkeys pet care sheet - updated 26June07