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| 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 ~ |
Getting a pedicure.
Photo by J. Rachau |
Finding a farrier that knows and understands donkeys is probably one of the more difficult tasks of donkey ownership. If you find this gem, be sure and treat your farrier with the respect he/she deserves. It's a tough job, and having your animals and checkbook ready and on time, goes a long way in keeping this important person in your donkeys life. Don't be fooled by the misconception that donkeys cannot be civil about their feet. |
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They can have proper ground manners as any well trained horse can. Train is the key word. That mannered horse got that way because someone took the time to show him that it's nothing to be afraid of and how to properly behave. That's all that needs to be done with the donkey. Mr. Donkey is very smart and willing to learn, if someone would just take the time. This general non training of donkeys prior to a trimming then sets up the difficulty of finding anyone willing to work on them again. As a donkey owner, we need to work and school our animals so that we can dispel the notion that donkeys are hard to handle. Your farrier (and you yourself) shouldn't have to have a wrestling match every time a foot is lifted. It is the owners responsibility to make sure their equine is properly trained before your farrier comes to visit. Don't expect your farrier to train your animals. (For some training pointers see: One hoof at a time)
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A donkey can be civil and mannerly about their feet!
One of my
farriers offered these suggestions: Never loose your temper with a longears,
their pay backs aren't fun and it doesn't get you anywhere. If you
loose your cool, the donkey or mule will remember and make the next time
even worse by trying to avoid the situation altogether or invoking a fight
response. Banging and harassing will never work. Use lots of patience
and if you end up having to tie up a foot, do it quietly, safely, without
fuss and remove the rope as soon as possible. Rubs and scratches after a job well done
helps maintain good will for the next time.
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A donkeys foot should be trimmed at least every 6-8 weeks depending on the individual animal and where they are kept. Their hooves tend toward being a little steeper than a horse, with boxy feet. Most of my donkey hoof angles average around 60-65 degrees. This should reflect the line of their shoulder and their pasterns, which are shorter and usually more upright. Rarely will a pastured pet donkey require shoes. But once weight is put upon them, such as a rider or packs or being driven down paved or graveled roads, then you might exceeded their systems natural load tolerance, and shoes just might be a consideration. Escpecially if you are working in a harsher environment they are used to living in (i.e. living is soft paddock area and working in rocky trails). If you do use some hoof protection, consider hoof boots or plastic horseshoes, which are less damaging than metal shoes. If you have to use metal shoes, then put on rim shoes or plates, don't use calks. Pete Ramey - Natural Hoof care
http://www.hoofrehab.com/ |
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A donkeys feet are very strong but quite elastic, so overgrowth or poor trimming can quickly misshapen the hoof (rather like a slinky toy being squished sideways - the hoof can collapse in a like manner). Some people use a rasp on their donkeys feet themselves, finding it's easier on themselves and the donkeys by touching up once a week. The important thing is that hoof maintenance is done, as it is one of the more neglected parts of the donkey, and as owners and caretakers, it's our responsibility to make sure our donkeys have sound and pain free hooves for a happy long life. |
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1996-2007 by Jeanine A. Rachau.