Blue Mountain Farm - Taking Care of your Donkey or Mammoth jackstock

The following is my recommendation for feeding and maintaining donkeys. It is a recommendation only and should not be considered professional advice. Author is not a veterinarian and accepts no responsibility for any ill effects that could occur as a result of following this guide. It is always recommended to consult your local veterinarian or an equine specialist (preferably one with knowledge of donkeys). ~ jar ~

Up keep of mammoth jackstock can be a fairly simple thing as long as basic requirements are met. Though minimal, basic care requirements are important in keeping your longeared friend happy and healthy and some planning and forethought on your part prior to acquisition will make the difference in the long term enjoyment of your friend. Obtaining jackstock on a whim, finding out it's much more work than anticipated, and then getting rid of him isn't very fair to the animal or his tender feelings.

Care can be labor intensive to someone not used to mucking stalls, cleaning troughs, repairing fence and generally getting hair and dust covered, muddy or windblown on a daily basis. You are on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For one who enjoys the outdoors, working with ones hands and heart, and who doesn't count hours just in care and maintenance as time wasted, then jackstock ownership might have something in it for you. A person has to find gratification in the day to day care to really enjoy all aspects of ownership, and not feel overwhelmed by the chores and responsibility.

Mammoth Jackstock are very affectionate and crave attention. It's generally recommended to have two jackstock, or at least have another donkey or equine, or even pastured with other livestock. This is so the jackstock has something to interact with and doesn't get too lonely. Youngstock (especially under two years of age - should be raised with jackstock or donkeys so they grow up learning proper social skills). Having a friend will not take away any of the attention your jack or jennet would display toward his owner. A mammoth jackstock has more than enough affection to go around.

Jackstock ownership is not difficult, but the responsibility and commitment should not be taken lightly. Remember also, any animal can be dangerous, especially working with livestock. You can be bitten, stepped on, knocked over, squished or dumped - this is a risk all of us take in living with large animals. It doesn't always happen - it's always a possibility. Knowledge, common sense and foresight are the best deterrent for accidents. These powerful, yet gentle souls totally relies on your care and compassion to meet all their needs:

These, along with mandatory daily ear and/or rump scratches would keep any mammoth jackstock safe and happy and healthy.

You are also responsible for your jackstock's good citizenship, that he/she has the proper ground manners and social skills to not only be an enjoyment to be around and be useful, but also that the donkey is not a hazard as wild or spoiled animals can be dangerous. Training should be looked on as a means of furthering your communication with your Mammoth Jackstock. The more you both learn - the more fun adventures you will both be able to enjoy!

Proper care involves every aspect of your donkeys life - it's worthy labor of love.