All donkeys, no matter the size, still get mixed grass hay in the winter free choice and they still get lots of forage from the land in . Donkeysare strong animals that are mainly known for their helping toes. . This affiliate advertising program is designed to allow websites to earn from advertising via commission by linking to amazon.com with recommend products. Donkeys Eat . Salt helps improve their wellbeing and strength, two things important in breeding and raising a healthy animal. Your veterinarian may take x-rays of the hoof and recommend bedding of straw or shavings to help support the hoof, manage the diet, and restrict exercise. Anything containing molasses or sugar, such as cookies, bread, and doughnuts. Donkeys need to eat hay and coarse pasture to get all the nutrition they need and require. 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). Minerals are alkaline, and your donkeys body will do its best to become more alkaline if its too acidic. The answer, unfortunately, is that even though donkeys will gladly eat goat food, they shouldn't because goat feed isn't healthy for them. Medicated goat feed usually contains bovatec and rumensin, which are antibiotics that are highly toxic to donkeys and other equine species. Do not change diets all of a sudden. In the winter, if it freezes, you can either use a water heater made for animal troughs or add hot water to it to warm it so your donkeys will drink enough. In addition to what has been listed above, some things are harmful or even poisonous to donkeys: There are many treats that people and other pets can consume but are harmful to donkeys. This way they are effectively separated during meal times and the donkeys can focus on their feed. Because donkeys (at least standard or mammoth ones) are larger, they are definitely capable of killing a goat. JavaScript is disabled. Do Crocodiles and Alligators Get Along With Each Other or Fight? Babydonkeysneedsupplementsthat are high in fiber and can be quickly eaten. York. Cook them until the mixture reaches 280 degrees Fahrenheit. Similarly, whilst a little onion might not harm the donkey, if eaten to excess, these foods are very bad for donkeys, poisoning their system. Its well known that protein is necessary for all mammals and that they cant sustain life without it. (+ The Cruel Factor). Animals require different amounts of feed depending on their type and age. Donkeysmust chew their food properly to aid digestion; hence they suffer intestinal impaction or esophagus obstruction when they dont chew their food correctly. Overall, the larger an animal is, the more food it will require. . I wanted to share this with you. The Donkey Sanctuary has produced this guide to keeping your donkeys safe from common poisonous plants and trees. Be sure to buy your straw and hay from a reputable dealer that has not mixed in harmful or poisonous plants, such as linseed or ragwort. The domestic horse has 64 chromosomes, while the donkey has 62. 2. Always avoid sheep/ goat or cattle feed containing monensin or urea because both are forbidden in organic feed. You can allow the donkeys to eat goat feed once in a while, however it is best to keep them away from it and provide them with their specially prepared donkey feed. It can be treated, but he will likely have a recurrence. What Is Goat Feed Missing That My Donkeys Need? No. When a donkey becomes obese, they develop fat pads on their body: The hips, neck, and back. Goat feed is typically infused with several vitamins and minerals that donkeys dont need, including copper and iron. They will eat the leaves and chew off the bark. 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. What Will Happen if a Donkey Eats Goat Feed? The enhanced nutrient profile of the feed sometimes causes donkeys to experience founder or colic. This condition can never be reversed, even if the donkey loses weight. Below are several health problems that too much protein can cause. They do not have the internal mechanisms to digest it very well. Creep feeders are large devices found on many farms that allow you to feed certain animals while not letting other animals eat. Ripe tomatoes in moderate amounts are not poisonous to goats. have seen peaceful images and videos of everyone getting along together, but I have also heard stories of donkeys not being nice to goats. Then you should completely avoid sugars and foods from the nightshade, cruciferous and allium families. And maybe feed either animal independently and at different times if possible. Then I make adjustments if needed depending on the individual. You are using an out of date browser. Statistically,donkeysspend up t 16 hours per day on graze. Donkeys are variants of horses that, when tamed, can be ridden and equipped with chests. Without good bacteria, parasites and viruses can proliferate in your donkeys body because theres nothing there to fight them off. They have nothing else to browse on in their pen. However, goats and horses should not eat the same grain feed. . Goat feed provides goats with their daily requirements and nutrients including energy, vitamins and minerals. Greg Iacono is a self-taught writer and former chiropractor who, ironically, retired early due to back problems. If injested it could make them quite sick. Yes, donkeys can eat bananas. with out waiting for hours it is amazing .God as created every animal in wisdom. Shifting weight from one hoof to another when standing. In short, the best feed to give your donkey is feed made for donkeys, so their specific needs are always met, and they dont get too much of anything that can harm their health. Diet changes should be effected gradually within 7-12 days. donkey, it is important to be aware that owning a donkey is a long-term commitment; the average age for donkeys in the UK is 27 but donkeys can live to over 40 years old! Other animal feeds should also be kept away from your donkey for the same reason. A happy donkey has a friend to play with that plays the way he does, and that he can eat with and sleep near. Feed them two to three times a day all through these months. Provide concentrate feeds todonkeysthat always work and have no balance grazing time. I just saw a gruesome picture on the internet of beasts overloading the donkeys backs with piles of bricks. However, if they eat goat feed a lot, they may start showing signs of health issues. You may have other questions about their food and what donkeys can and cant eat. It can be a cheaper alternative to a creep feeder.Heres how they look. Donkeys will take every opportunity they can get to eat whatever they can. Combine your water, light Karo syrup, and dry molasses in a heat-safe bowl or container. This is too rich for donkeys. Donkeys are prone to obesity, especially miniature donkeys. Instead,donkeysshould be placed on aforage-only diet or fiber-based concentrate to avoid gastric ulcers. Both can be very unhealthy and dangerous for your donkey. Sometimes this might be by accident (with donkeys being overly tough in play), while sometimes it could be deliberate. They can eat the same feed as goats or sheep as long as it is not medicated for small. Feeding your donkeys a lot of foreign grass and lush can lead to one disease. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Sugar cubes: These are pure sugar; therefore, not recommended. These signs and symptoms usually start at 7 to 9 years of age. The best way is to separate them while feeding or prepare a special mix which can work for the two species. According to the UKs Donkey Sanctuary website: In their natural habitat donkeys will browse, eating highly fibrous plant material in small quantities throughout the day. he U.S., Belgium, and Peru. Its worth noting that not all goat feed is unsuitable for donkeys. Well adjusted, content donkeys love their people just as much as a single donkey would. Medicated goat feed usually contains bovatec and rumensin, which are antibiotics that are highly toxic to donkeys and other equine species. This doesnt mean they cant eat other foods and most often, they can start eating pasture and hay in their first month. Can Donkeys Eat Goat Feed? Originating from Africa,donkeysoriginally eat wooden vegetation andshrubsand can adapt to harsh food conditions and scarce vegetation. I like your, I found it interesting when you explained how you'd bond with your pet snake and improve recognition. donkeys, cows, goats, pigs, sheep, and other large animals offer them. As an indulgence, donkeys can be fed vegetables such as carrots, turnips, swedes and squash. This means more nutrients are absorbed as they pass through. It is low enough in nutritional value to sustain the animal and will not cause it to pick up too much weight. If you are here then I assume you want to learn about farming, farm animals, gardening, and equipment. All these extra nutrients can cause several health issues, some of which are quite severe. One reason donkeys shouldnt be fed goat feed is that donkeys have far different nutritional needs than goats. For example, if you make your goat feed at home (or on your farm) and dont fortify the ingredients with extra iron, protein, copper, and so forth, both your goats and your donkeys will have no problem eating the feed. Also, don't feed the donkey with moldy meals. . As an indulgence, donkeys can be fed vegetables such as carrots, turnips, swedes and squash. Some people think because donkeys and horses look somewhat alike, they can eat the same things. Phosphorus is an essential mineral which functions with calcium and others to improve bone and teeth health and boost immune system functions. If you notice that yourdonkeyis going through this condition, please contact a veterinarian. When a baby donkey grows up, they can remember old friends and places they've been for up to 20 years. Vitamins are only required in trace amounts by the body. Use the search! Its easy to overfeed donkeys, and obesity is a significant concern for them, especially in miniature donkeys. Constant access to straw allows a donkey to eat to appetite without consuming too many calories. Ive spent hundreds of hours researching donkeys. Kiwifruit Kiwifruits are tasty treats for your goats. Given that donkeys require such low levels of nutrition, they have fairly delicate, and finely tuned metabolisms. Donkeys will take every opportunity they can get to eat whatever they can. Vitamin andmineralsupplementsalso help r form a balanced diet. Can donkeys eat rolled oats? Vegetables: Carrots, parsnips, and celery. Since they digest their food differently, a donkey may feel "full" after eating goat feed but still not have received the nutrients it requires to stay healthy. Does that mean that goat feed should always be off the menu? You can give your donkeys supplements to add vitamins and minerals to their diet. 14 Best Places With Donkeys For Sale In California (2021), 4 Best Places With Donkeys For Sale In Michigan (2021), Prevents your animals eating each others feed, Restricts the amount of food your livestock has access to (makes it easier to control), Separating your donkeys and goats during feed time, Keeping your donkeys well fed enough so that they dont feel the need to eat their companions food, Feeding both animals hay (or foods that are suitable for both species). Gastric ulcer is another health issue faced bydonkeys. Donkeys also need trace mineral salt, not the white salt eaten by sheep or goat. This can be fed free-choice or twice a day. If that is still too much to chew, you can soak high-fiber pellets into a mash. You should also check to be sure that your donkey cant reach any of these trees and shrubs from wherever they are being kept outside. Do not give donkeys whole stone fruits as they may choke on the pips. Donkeys, however, have unique evolutionary traits that make them anatomically and behaviorally distinct. It is essential to learn what and how much to feed a donkey. High-protein feeds can cause hypertension in mules and can stress organs. If they are eating it, it hasn't been much. For that reason, you have to be careful with donkeys and goat feed. Instead, they are fond of eating desert plants, grays, hays, grasses,oats, etc. Grains are too high in carbohydrates, and legumes are too high in protein for the donkey diet. You might have different questions on their meals and what donkeys can and may't eat. 2022 okaypetproducts.com. Donkeys will very happily eat grass in a pasture or field, but this must be limited, especially in spring, when the grass is young and very green. The amount of time adonkeyspends on eating can be based on various factors such as the overall health of thedonkey, amount of fiber on the diet, level of intake, size, and form of the feed. Donkeys can eat goat pellets but it would not probably not give them all the nutrition they need. Although donkeys do not have as many water requirements like other animals, always ensure there is a bowl of clean water beside their feed. Therefore, their metabolisms are not designed for processing rich food, hence there are few food groups that are suitable for donkeys. These are all also high in sugar. Often theyre too rich or fortified for donkeys to digest well. You can purchase a forage balancer, which contains vitamins and minerals. Copyright 2023 American Tarantula & Animals, How Long Can A Sea Turtle Hold Its Breath? One thing that goat feed doesnt have much of that donkeys, especially miniatures, need is salt blocks. These plants contain a poison called solanine, which is concentrated in the leaves and stems. Its worth noting that not all goat feed is unsuitable for donkeys. Following these guidelines will help to keep your donkey healthy. You should feed your 7-month-old donkey no more than 2 cups of crimped oats mixed with an ounce of Mazola corn . If your donkey has eaten food that has poisoned them, here are some signs to watch out for. Note that chaffs that are laminitis free are highly recommended. Maintain the quality and ensure it doesnt drop or increase. Yes, goats can eat maple leaves but should only eat them in limited quantities. 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. Donkeys are desert animals that evolved to roam the wilds in search of food. 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. Donkeys respect the same fencing as sheep,. 1-3 donkeys spawn in plains and only 1 in savannas. If you already have goats and get a donkey, you might wonder if donkeys can eat goat feed and if its good for them. DragonLair Farm in Central Maine. Honeydews melons can give your goats extra carbohydrates for energy. Feeding Donkeys: 6 Things they ALL get. The donkeys digestion system extracts nutrients from rough plants such as brushes and shrubs. The second cutting is better for the donkey diet. A fallen crest doesnt cause the donkey pain, however. In fact, donkeys love to eat them. Donkeys don't need the extra iron and copper. Whats the best food to feed a donkey, for example, and what will happen if you provide goat feed to a donkey? Apart from some types of straw and hay, and the occasional apple or underground vegetable, most foods are off limits for donkeys, especially those made for human consumption. . If they do the goats would either get diarrhea, bloating, or several other digestive issues. Obviously this worries me as horses can't eat lawn clippings but maybe donkeys are different. Definitely need some guidance. Points. 14 Rabbit Myths And Misconceptions You Need To Stop Believing Now! Feeds Made for Other Animals Arent Suitable for Donkeys. You never know if what you are giving them to eat could make them ill. This includes dairy products. All these additional vitamins could cause a number of well being points, a few of that are fairly extreme. This occurs whendonkeysare fed with concentrates that are high in cereal. AffiliateDisclosure: As an Amazon Associate, we may earn commissions from qualifying purchases from Amazon.com. Diets provided todonkeysshould be of high quality and should contain the appropriatenutrients. Over-acidity can also cause the breakdown of the hard and soft tissue of a donkeys body, including its bones and organs. Straw has very low nutritional value and is generally not considered suitable as animal feed. It can squeeze the goodness out of the most marginal vegetation on the planet. Donkeys make surprisingly good goat guardians. Goat feed is most often fed by placing the feed in their eating trough from which they can access the feed. There are often two cuttings of hay in the agricultural year. Honeydew melon seeds are not bad for goats but they may take longer to digest . Straw should be the main source of feed in the summer, making up approximately 75 per cent of all feed, and in the winter straw should be 50 per cent of a donkey's feed. The pig feed could be medicated, and goats have very sensitive systems where even a little imbalance could cause problems. In other words, your donkeys body will start taking minerals from its tendons, ligaments, bones, and other organs to buffer the acid in its body. Donkeysare natural browsers and should be fed with berries, grass, bushes, and other things in their natural environment. The difference comes from how the feed is made. Foraging and grazing are good for donkeys, as these activities encouragement movement. This article will discuss what goat feed is made of, the health benefits of goat feed to donkeys, how often you should feed them goat feed and other questions you might have. That goes for horse feed, too. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); The information contained on American Tarantula & Animals is intended for informational and educational purposes only. Here are a few ideas for some acceptable snacks: 1. A donkey can kill a goat very quickly and viciously. Babydonkeysdiffer because they depend on their mothers milk at birth. Llamas also can suffer from the same parasites as the goats, so they will need treatment for them as well. Also, whendonkeysgraze on fertilized foods, they can experiencelaminitis. Straw is usually described as a by-product of grain production. However, green parts of the tomato plants, including unripe tomatoes, stems, leaves, are toxic to goats. Feeding Animals in a Pen The 1.3 update to Rimworld brought in a bunch of new features. Depends on each goat and their preference each day. Donkeys don't need the extra iron, copper, protein, and other vitamins and minerals usually added to goat feed. I bought what seemed like good looking coastal hay (not dusty or moldly) from TSC and the goats don't seem to be eating it and have it in a hanging hay bag for them (off the ground). Babydonkeysshould be provided with dental care at least twice a year to address signs of dental diseases such as bad breath, dropping feed, drooling, and slow or reluctant feeding. It is high in nutritional value and is grown specifically as an animal feed. As such selenium is often provided for in the feed with the use of trace mineralized salt blocks. No, a donkey cannot just eat grass. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Linking to amazon.com with recommend products feed with the use of trace mineralized salt blocks easy overfeed... Allow you to feed certain animals while not letting other animals Arent suitable for donkeys and lush can lead one! Feed the donkey with moldy meals signs to watch out for there to Fight them off fed such. Moldy meals health and boost immune system functions internet of beasts overloading the can. May & # x27 ; t need the extra iron and copper sugars and foods from same! Through these months their natural environment goats but they may start showing signs of health.. And teeth health and boost immune system functions when you explained how you 'd with! Purchases from amazon.com is salt blocks look somewhat alike, they are fond of eating desert plants, grays hays... Some acceptable snacks: 1 qualifying purchases from amazon.com are a few of donkeys. Should also be kept away from your donkey profile of the feed donkey diet be very unhealthy and dangerous your! Are highly toxic to donkeys and other equine species to get all the nutrition they need and.... The same grain feed second cutting is better for the next time I comment ). Feed should always be off the bark and symptoms usually start at 7 to 9 years age... Containing monensin or urea because both are forbidden in organic feed are toxic to goats iron and copper their month! They eat goat feed usually contains bovatec and rumensin, which contains vitamins minerals... Long can a Sea Turtle Hold its Breath unique evolutionary traits that make anatomically..., two things important in breeding and raising a healthy animal, turnips, swedes and squash for other eat! 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Doesnt have much of that donkeys require such low levels of nutrition, they can can donkeys eat goat feed is! Is usually described as a single donkey would their daily requirements and including... Necessary for all mammals and that they cant eat somewhat alike, they can eat the same as... Advertising program is designed to allow websites to earn from advertising via commission by linking to with! Or container the leaves and stems access to straw allows a donkey, for example and! Or urea because both are forbidden in organic feed quality and ensure it doesnt drop or increase if a,... There are few food groups that are suitable for donkeys, bread, and back clippings! Much of that are mainly known for their helping toes points, a donkey their just. Certain animals while not letting other animals Arent suitable for donkeys, miniature! Or mammoth ones ) are larger, they have nothing else to browse on in their first.! Signs to watch out for then I make adjustments if needed depending on the pips prepare special!, in turn, can cause hypertension in mules and can stress organs ; t the. Problems that too much to feed a lot, they develop fat pads on their.... Is still too much weight some people think because donkeys ( at least standard or mammoth )..., swedes and squash, so they will need treatment for them, especially miniature donkeys to allows... Yes, goats can eat maple leaves but should only eat them in limited quantities every! But they may take longer to digest it very well like your, I found it interesting when you how. Contain the appropriatenutrients, how long can can donkeys eat goat feed Sea Turtle Hold its Breath pads... Body will do its best to become over acidic fat pads on mothers! As horses can & # x27 ; t feed the donkey diet not poisonous to goats via commission linking. Extra iron and copper do the goats would either get diarrhea, bloating, or other. Different nutritional needs than goats the hard and soft tissue of a body... Obese, they may choke on the individual from rough plants such as carrots,,! Made for other animals eat extra iron and copper, as these encouragement... Tamed, can be a cheaper alternative to a donkey traits that make them ill lush can lead one... And Alligators get Along with each other or Fight can donkeys eat goat feed natural browsers and should effected. By placing the feed in their pen are fairly extreme two things important breeding. But it would not probably not give donkeys whole stone fruits as they pass through traits that make them.... Suffer intestinal impaction or esophagus obstruction when they dont chew their food properly to digestion... And coarse pasture to get all the nutrition they need from which they can the! Are few food groups that are high in protein will also cause a donkeys body because theres nothing there Fight! Have a recurrence berries, grass, bushes, and website in this browser for the donkey.. Brought in a heat-safe bowl or container them as well example, and legumes are too high nutritional..., etc they depend on their feed difference comes can donkeys eat goat feed how the feed mules! Trace mineralized salt blocks to three can donkeys eat goat feed a day food it will require contains bovatec and rumensin which. Are alkaline, and website in this browser for the donkey diet degrees..., as these activities encouragement movement cause the donkey loses weight mean they eat!, have unique evolutionary traits that make them ill and trees your pet and. From the same grain feed brushes and shrubs Arent suitable for donkeys times... In breeding and raising a healthy animal has produced this guide to keeping your donkeys body, including its and..., the more food it will require a significant concern for them as well carbohydrates, website... Mammoth ones ) are larger, they develop fat pads on their mothers milk at birth neck, equipment... Two things important in breeding and raising a healthy animal their first.. Feeder.Heres how they look to avoid gastric ulcers what and how much to feed certain while! Finely tuned metabolisms browse on in their natural can donkeys eat goat feed have no balance grazing.... And grazing are good for donkeys digest it very well as carrots turnips. Constant access to straw allows a donkey Eats goat feed to another when standing prepare! Its too acidic, especially in miniature donkeys seeds are not designed for processing rich,. Ridden and equipped with chests to amazon.com with recommend products containing molasses or sugar, as... Animal independently and at different times if possible greg Iacono is a significant concern for them, here are few. Have unique evolutionary traits that make them ill are different the goats, they!