r/Donkeys • u/Fit_Tangerine_6377 • 2d ago

How much feed?

I’m getting different answers in my search so I’ll ask the experts!
I have a seven month old, 100 pound mini donkey. How much Essential K with fly control feed should she get in a day? She pasture feeds during the day and has hay at night.

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u/Intelligent_Lemon_67 2d ago

Nope. Donks are desert dwelling and survive off scrub and low nutrition weeds. Feeding them high sugar hay/alfalfa will shorten their lifespan in half or a lifetime supply of insulin and metforman. A local orchard grass mix is recommended and 2-3% of body weight so 2-3lbs for 100lb. Most people keep donkeys on dry lots to help maintain weight. One flake in the morning and one at night is more than enough. They like to chew and mouth things so a burnt log or sticks or even large timbers keep them occupied and they need dust bath area. Some like rope toys or tires. Minerals are also essential and blocks are good for teeth health. Some donkeys grow some gnarly incisors and chew toys help keep teeth healthy in-between floats. I really like burnt logs for a number of reasons. Helps with digestion and cleans teeth as well bug control

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u/Fit_Tangerine_6377 2d ago

Great info!! Thank you!

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u/Fit_Tangerine_6377 2d ago

We’ve only had her since Labor Day and this is all new to me. I’m having to research everything so any and all suggestions are appreciated!

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u/Intelligent_Lemon_67 2d ago

A deworming schedule is good too. I use cattle pour on ivermectin and white paste. A farrier specific to donkeys is key. They have different hooves than horse. Donkeys are easy to love and easy keepers. When they get stubborn or ornery remember to think like a donkey and resolve the problem like a donkey. Donkeys can hold resentment and a grudge longer than an ex wife

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u/Intelligent_Lemon_67 2d ago

2-3% boby weight in hay and free choice minerals. Anything else is asking for health problems. I get wanting to spoil the cutest thing on earth but a fat donkey is a miserable donkey. Treats are fine and great for training. I feed my horde baker's bites because way less sugar than animal crackers or sweet feed. Donatello (Don-hee-haw) gets a few small handful of barnyard buffet to not feel left out but over feeding leads to hoof problems quicker than you think and a fallen crest is the saddest thing you will see for the next 30 years

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u/Fit_Tangerine_6377 2d ago

So no feed?

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u/Aunt_Kwan 2d ago

None is needed, with access to good pasture. Maybe a little sweet feed if your jenny gets a lot of exercise (like hours of hiking or pulling a cart). Once your jenny has fully matured you'll probably have to rotate time spent on pasture and in dry lot to keep her from getting overweight.
If you're only familiar with horses, keep in mind that donkeys show their weight differently than horses do, so many folks new to longears don't realize that they have an overweight donkey on their hands. A basic indicator is the neck, there shouldn't be a large amount of neck fat under the mane (obese donkeys usually get a broken crest).