Donkeys.

[Darwin.]

I see a section for chickens on here but didn't see where to ask about other livestock. I've decided to get a Donkey, I have an orchard down the back, she can live in it. I'll rename it The Field, one of my chickens can be called Bird another called Bull. I'll have my own tiny little farm, the garden is an acre but the field is only about a quarter of that, maybe slightly less.

Has anyone got experience with Donkeys? I'll be getting a girl, the Jacks are too bloody noisy.

[Nicos]

No , no section for livestock I'm afraid.
Last time we asked Admin-years ago- they didn't want to create a livestock section.
We can discuss it again if you wish?

Not had a donkey, but we had friends who had 3.
One thing I know is that they need good shelter from the rain. Their coats aren't as waterproof as horses and they take ages to dry out.
Apart from that, I don't know much about them.....

But how lovely!
Piccies please!

[veggiechicken]

I thought they needed company and were best in pairs?

Lots of good advice at https://www.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk/rehome

[Nicos]

This is an interesting read...
Five Things A New Donkey Owner Should Know - Benson Ranch

No barbed wire, company, shelter, toys....

[Darwin.]

So I need two Donkeys? I wonder if I have enough ground for that. I can let them wander around that back lawn a bit too but I normally keep it cut short.

I'll build a wee shelter in one corner, there's a 7' hedge along one side so I'd build it against it. They aren't expensive and I hear they can be left out all winter so won't need to buy much feed for them.

[Nicos]

https://www.britishgoatsociety.com/s...keeping-goats/

Would a goat be a companion?
Might be worth researching that....

[Darwin.]

A goat would eat all my trees on me. I love goats but don't want to destroy my orchard.

[Nicos]

The donkey sanctuary recommend an acre per donkey apparently.
(Did you know they are desert animals?...I hadn't thought about that!)

Is the idea to keep the grass down?sheep might be an alternative ( wool and meat maybe) or for added luxury...a couuple of Alpacas?

[Nicos]

2 miniature donkeys?

[mothhawk]

A few things to consider....

You'll have to pay a farrier to trim her feet every 8 - 10 weeks, at a cost of maybe £30, she'll need regular worming, again every 8 - 10 weeks £10 - £15.

She'll chew the bark on your trees. If they are mature fruit trees, you'll need to find somewhere else to keep her in autumn, or else pick up all fallen apples/pears etc every day. Too much fruit like that can give equines colic, a costly (vet's fees) and sometimes fatal illness.

Oh yes, you'll need insurance to cover those vet's fees, plus any trouble she may cause if she escapes - and donkeys are very clever, so if she's on her own and gets bored she will be looking for ways to amuse herself. If she's lonely she may try to get out and follow any horse she sees or hears passing by.

She'll need regular grooming and handling.....

[mothhawk]

So I need two Donkeys? I wonder if I have enough ground for that. I can let them wander around that back lawn a bit too but I normally keep it cut short.

I'll build a wee shelter in one corner, there's a 7' hedge along one side so I'd build it against it. They aren't expensive and I hear they can be left out all winter so won't need to buy much feed for them.

The grass in your orchard won't grow all winter, but the donkey will eat all winter, so you'll need hay for her, and somewhere to store it. And your orchard will become a muddy patch.

Oh yes, you need to pick up the donkey droppings every day or the grass will become rank and she won't eat it, and it's not like dogs, one pile a day, more like 6 to 10 every 24 hours.

[johnjohn]

A few things to consider....

You'll have to pay a farrier to trim her feet every 8 - 10 weeks, at a cost of maybe £30, she'll need regular worming, again every 8 - 10 weeks £10 - £15.

She'll chew the bark on your trees. If they are mature fruit trees, you'll need to find somewhere else to keep her in autumn, or else pick up all fallen apples/pears etc every day. Too much fruit like that can give equines colic, a costly (vet's fees) and sometimes fatal illness.

Oh yes, you'll need insurance to cover those vet's fees, plus any trouble she may cause if she escapes - and donkeys are very clever, so if she's on her own and gets bored she will be looking for ways to amuse herself. If she's lonely she may try to get out and follow any horse she sees or hears passing by.

She'll need regular grooming and handling.....

Tortoise?

[veggiechicken]

Guinea pig?

[Darwin.]

A Donkey suddenly seems less appealing. Would the droppings be good for my veg?

[Nicos]

Oh dear.....you going off the idea a tad?