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"There is no character howsoever good and fine, but it can be destroyed by ridicule howsoever poor and witless. Observe the ass, for instance: his character is about perfect, he is the choicest spirit among all the humbler animals, yet see what ridicule has brought him to. Instead of feeling complimented when we are called an ass, we are left in doubt."
I'm not an expert - We just have two donkeys, Eeyore and Clementine, but here are some things I've learned as a new donkey owner: Unless you are planning on breeding them, have Jacks (intact male donkeys) gelded. Jacks can be very dangerous, and as a rule beginners should not be working with them - though I'm sure there are exceptions. Keep their diet less-than-rich - you can get into all kinds of trouble with too much grain, grass, treats, etc. Make any changes to the diet slowly. Donkeys need the same basic care as horses - they need good quality hay (but mostly don't need grain), regular worming, hoof-trimming, and vaccines. They are sturdy and healthy as a rule, but that doesn't mean you can neglect them. Force never works for me (quick tugs on the halter are OK) - but pushing, pulling, hitting, yelling, etc. only make the donk dig in and resolve not to cooperate. Eeyore will trot alongside you on a lead rope if he wants to, but you can't *make* him come along. My husband likes to show friends how donkeys work by playing "shove the donkey" - he gets in the pen with Eeyore (who is not Being patient and quiet (but firm) seems to work best (for me). Eeyore is much happier, calmer, and more cooperative if he's not tied. I hold him for the farrier and he's just great, but if I tie him, his life's work is to get loose. Donks have a great sense of humor, and can be sneaky. Eeyore will act like he's just reaching around to bite at a fly, then try to turn and run back to the pen. Or Clem will act like she's just going to sniff my shoe, when what she really is doing is trying to bite my foot. When I was working to get Eeyore used to being near the horse trailer, when he would get frustrated he tried everything he could think of to get away from it, including biting feet. He's not above deliberately stepping on my feet, either. Eeyore loves to tug at clothing, and my hair. (ouch!) He's learned that there are better ways to get attention. He still thinks my butt is the best thing ever to rub his itchy face. They don't spook like horses (usually), but can do things like smash you (slowly and calmly) into walls/corral panels just 'cause they're mad (say, if you're trying to fly spray them). Eeyore will also charge past me and tackle me with his shoulder as he goes by. I don't think there is a mean bone in his body, and he has never bitten like he meant it (he's just protesting or playing), but do keep your eyes open, especially with BLM donks, just 'cause this will all be new to them. Also, a jack might be a lot more serious in his attempts to "get you" than Eeyore is. They like their buddies. I can hardly lead Eeyore to the lawn to graze, but if I take Eeyore *and* Sabrina, he'll come right along. He also *hates* being left behind when we go out. If you are having trouble, say, leading one, get a friend to lead the other one - they might be a lot happier about that.
They are tormented by flies and other biting things. Maybe they don't stamp as much as horses do? Scabby, bloody shins are a common problem. Owners have tried wraps, overalls, sprays, ointments... The photo shows Eeyore and Clementine wearing tube socks, with the toes cut out, pulled up onto their front legs. Those odd noises ("hgnt, hgnt", "hick", "gasp") are normal. At first I thought Eeyore was having some sort of asthma attack! He even gets hiccups now and then. They (mostly) hate water. I tried to hose off Eeyore's legs one day when it was about 108F here. The poor guy - I only got water on one foot, and he tried to climb right up the side of the barn wall, shaking like I'd tried to kill him. Poor kid! No more baths for him. They are sometimes scared of their water bucket/tub, etc. Be sure they are getting enough to drink. They are often scared of changes in footing - crossing from grass onto the driveway, or walking onto rubber mats. Even cracks in paving can be scary. Be sure your donkey can get to wherever you put their food.
They have really good "something's up" detectors. If I have some evil intent, like brushing him, Eeyore can tell. He's surprisingly good with the farrier and vets though - he'll fuss enough to get his point across, but ultimately will cooperate. They need time to think about stuff, and decide if it's OK. When I first brought Eeyore home, he walked real nice from the trailer to the pen, but we did have to stop every 20-30 feet to look around - then he'd come right along. They love to roll in dirt. And dig holes. They love to have their ears (the insides) rubbed (once they figure out you're not trying to kill them). They even appreciate a good ear-cleaning with a damp washcloth. Eeyore also loves to have his face petted - down his cheeks and over his eyes. But he *hates* being brushed on his back/sides. Clementine loves to be brushed - especially with her "dog slicker" brush - y'know, the kind with hundreds of tiny metal bristles. They will lie in the sun, flat out on their sides, like they are dead, on really hot days (and scare the heck out of new owners).
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Are you thinking of buying a donkey, or have you just adopted one? Here are Linda Eskin's tips on beginning donkey-keeping:
tied, or otherwise compelled to hang around), and gently pushes on his side - Eeyore pushes back - after a few seconds, both of them have their feet out to their sides, leaning on the other, pushing and grunting and shoving.
They get donk-arhea when they are upset. At first I was sure Eeyore had some strange affliction (even had the vet out) 'cause I'd find a loose pile or two every week. Turns out any wierd thing (like a stranger in the yard, or leaving him alone, or a new truck at the neighbor's place) would set him off. When I had the vet out, we walked into the pen, and Eeyore ran right up to her and "demonstrated" the problem. (She thought at first it might be worms causing his "attacks". Our vets are very good, and really like him, but be careful - they don't teach about donks very much in vet school.)
They can be mean to little animals - Eeyore will try to attack my cats. They can learn to get along, but don't trust them around your smaller pets (dogs, goats, chickens), at least for a while. Eeyore even chased after a 4 y/o girl once, so keep a close eye on them.