Donkey dispositions...

[shannon2729]

Hi,
We are looking for a pasture pal for my horse, thinking of a small donkey. In my happy little head, I'm thinking they are just like a horse. Am I any where near correct in my thinking? I'm looking at a 5 year old Jenny. They guy says shes sweet, likes people and young kids. People used to ride her, but not in years.

So, anything I should know/look for?
Thanks

 

[dreamriver]

Hi, sorry I didn't reply earlier. Each animal is individual and donkeys aren't really known for 'thinking' like horses. that being said is the jenny used to horses?

I have noticed that animals will hang out by; species, size, color and then personalities so even though you may have the best intentions your horse may think the jenny is a alien, but I'm one who keeps a Percheron stallion with my goats and they get along fabulously!!!

anyway you could take her on a trial basis? see how they get along first, don't be surprised if there is some fighting, squealing etc at first

best of luck.... I love mini donks

 

[bluewater rangerbreds]

Donkeys and horses are no where near alike. Horses in general are flight first animals donkeys tend to be Fight first animals. Donkeys are quite smart and learn quickly. Additionally donkeys and horses don't normally run together in a herd. If you only have the one horse and one donkey it may be fine for a while. However if you get more than one donkey, the donkeys will "herd up" and exclude the horses. Also don't expect the donkey to be buddy, buddy, best friends with the horse and don't expect your horse to tolerate the donkey. Some horses are actually scared of those long eared weird noise making critters. Additionally you didn't say if you have other animals such as sheep or goats or dogs. Donkeys are noted for their aggression towards dogs and occassionally other smaller animals. If you have dogs, you need to ask how she is around dogs. If your dogs get in with her and she doesn't like dogs, you just might wind up with a dean or seriously injured dog. If you have other smaller animals (sheep goats etc) you need to see if she's been around those also.

 

[Gambro]

I had horses for 9 years and just recently got 2 mini donkeys and had a hard time relating to them at first because.... they aren't horses!! lol

They're a totally different animal but a joy to have around for sure once you get to know them.

Something that will make a horse run clean across the pasture will make a donkey flinch, and then investigate if that something isn't coming at them.
Dogs? I'm still on the fence about that. My one pit bull insists on going in the pasture with me and it doesn't bother them, however when she turns her back they start walking towards her. So far she's watched her back and runs if they get too close, but sooner or later one of them will sneak up on her. (I worry about the dog, yes.)

My advice is loads and loads of research before buying, especially regarding food and health issues since they *aren't horses*.

Mine will snub apples and carrots but like prunes, apricots, and..... tiny dog biscuits.
All of these things are given in small quantities and not every day and I don't grain them either. Too much protein is a bad thing, so if you grain your horse make sure donkey stays out of it.

 

[violetsky888]

My horse didnt' hang with my mini pony because she was boring and slow. She tended to be near a trio of young heifers who weren't old and boring and moved about the pasture with them. She tried hard to like the mini first but the pony just was old and tired and didnt' feel like doing anything. In a way your horse will become more dominant and less fearful about new things if her companion is a donkey. I always paired up my old mini with any young nervous horse and believe she made life easier for me showing the kids the ropes. Nothing spooked the mini and everything from fly spray to hose baths were no biggies for the young ones.

Like someone said earlier they will eventually ditch the companion if a more suitable friend shows up but in the meantime she could learn something. I think you have to make a judgment call based on your horse, but I think most horses will make do with whatever friend you give them. I've heard about race horses being stalled with goats. I would keep them separated but nearby for a couple of days before you throw them in a pasture together.

 

[w c]

Donkeys are usually very thoughtful and deliberate. They are nothing like most horses. They need the same attention as any horse, though, as far as care of their feet, teeth and making sure they don't get overweight. Like many small ponies they may need strict limiting of their grazing. They can and do get laminitis from over-eating, and they need their feet trimmed frequently, just like horses.

The idea that a horse can be paired up with a small animal of another species for company - it's not the hottest idea. Horses need horse company - ideally, the same size and type of horse.

If the horse is very phlegmatic and never plays up, it may not harm the smaller animal, but it's not something I'd count on all horses putting up with. And I would NEVER put a goat in a stall with a horse no matter how quiet the horse was. They may be ok in a pasture when both are constantly eating, but it just isn't something I'd count on.

I don't know where the goat in the stall stuff started....yes I do. There were stories about putting goats in race horse's stalls to 'quiet them down'. For the one or two legendary urban legend situations where this worked there are a whole lot of dead goats and little ponies. Most horses would be extremely unhappy with another animal in their stall, especially during feeding time. Again, when they're pastured maybe they'll be busy eating grass. But inevitably there is crowding and kicking near the gate and any supplemental feed.

Last year my friend called me up in tears, oh my god, my horse killed my pony, I am having my neighbor come over and shoot the horse. I said, ok, but the fact is, if you put a 1200 lb animal in a pen with a 400 lb animal, you can't guarantee things are going to work out forever. In fact the pony came in with a couple injuries over the past few months and the handwriting really was on the wall, but often you don't get any warning.

If you want to turn mismatched animals out together, fine, just be aware, it's the risk you have taken on and it may work out - or not. It is true that horses are herd animals and should NEVER be kept alone. They need company. Their own species. If you try it with a smaller horse or pony or donkey or bunny or chicken, good luck to you.