AskHQ: Rehoming a donkey
Q: We’re thinking of rescuing a donkey. Can horses and donkeys live well together, or will I need to keep them separate? A: Horses and donkeys can live very happily together, but it is essential to research donkeys’ specific needs before making your final decision, as the needs of horses and donkeys do vary somewhat. […] The post AskHQ: Rehoming a donkey appeared first on HQ Magazine.
Q: We’re thinking of rescuing a donkey. Can horses and donkeys live well together, or will I need to keep them separate?
A: Horses and donkeys can live very happily together, but it is essential to research donkeys’ specific needs before making your final decision, as the needs of horses and donkeys do vary somewhat.
If you decide to get a donkey and home him with your horses, you need to ensure that you introduce them slowly, just as you would any new equine. We would advise turning them out in adjacent paddocks initially. When the time comes to add the donkey in with your horses, you will need to monitor herd dynamics very closely. Donkeys do not have the same flight instincts as horses and may not respond when a horse’s body language asks them to move away. This can increase the risk of conflict and injury in the group.
Did you know?
It is always best to re-home two donkeys rather than one as donkeys form powerful pair bonds, and these relationships contribute significantly to their health and wellbeing.
NOTE: A bray with friends
It is also worth noting that a donkey’s bray can be very unnerving to horses. New donkeys tend not to bray when settling in, but when they do start to vocalise horses can be a little upset!
The post AskHQ: Rehoming a donkey appeared first on HQ Magazine.
