Anyone with experience of keeping donkeys, please?

I've never had donkeys but I believe they are quite susceptible to equine influenza and don't have a very good cough reflex.
So it's best to make sure they've been vaccinated if there were horses in the field before them. And they don't like cold and wet.

That's my knowledge of donkeys!

I’m not sure you would be allowed donkeys if you have no experience of keeping them. You don’t mention any form of stable or shelter.

Of course I would be advised and supported by people in the know, if and when. And of course we would provide suitable shelter. Not been horses in the field for 3 years now.

It's pretty similar to looking after ponies but they are less tolerant of cold wet weather so they need a shelter. Generally you need an acre for 2 donkeys, they'll need their hooves trimmed about every 6 weeks and picked out every day. They also need a good clean water supply. I've not kept them, we have them locally and I think they are lovely but they are a commitment and need to be checked on a daily basis. Good luck if you go ahead.

How about a couple of (rescue) goats who would surely feel at home on your meadow?

m.youtube.com/watch?v=9vtq9t08ktU

As with rescue dogs, I doubt learning on the job would be acceptable. You would need planning permission for a permanent field shelter and of course you would need a water supply and people to see to the animals every day if you went on holiday. My neighbour has two rescue horses and a pony - she works like a dog feeding, grooming, checking the animals, clearing poo from the meadows and mucking out the stables daily, washing rugs, mending fences etc. and of course has to have a horse box to take them to the vet and farrier. I love watching the horses but I sure don’t envy her. But she’s worked with horses all her life and to her it’s a way of life. I take the easy way out and donate to equine charities.

Perhaps you don’t need planning permission in countries outside the UK.

No need for planning permission as already granted for horse stable, and water available. Farrier happy to come here.

My question is about meadow grass bein too rich or not.

That may depend on where this meadow is.

Good luck in achieving this as so many donkeys are looking for homes. I take my hat off to folk who care for horses and donkeys as they are so dedicated (hopefully).

If there have been horses on the grass for several years I think it would be fine for donkeys and they'll eat the stuff that horses leave as they are less picky. Rich dairy grass would probably be a no no but you don't have that.

We have always had horses and ponies. Learning on the job is too risky if you haven’t a clue or previously learned what is required to safely attend to their welfare. It’s not as easy as plonking a couple of equines in a field.
I would strongly advise you help out and learn as you go along at nearby stables before taking on this responsibility.

If the stable hasn’t been built has the planning permission expired? Really fp, do you consider you are capable of properly caring for donkeys 24/7, 365 days a year, if you are asking these questions? You don’t demonstrate any knowledge or experience and that’s very worrying.

No it has not. And yes, I will admit I do not have experience but would get proper support from local friends who do, and who would help. You do not need to worry.

All I am asking about it about grass being to rich.

foxie48

It's pretty similar to looking after ponies but they are less tolerant of cold wet weather so they need a shelter. Generally you need an acre for 2 donkeys, they'll need their hooves trimmed about every 6 weeks and picked out every day. They also need a good clean water supply. I've not kept them, we have them locally and I think they are lovely but they are a commitment and need to be checked on a daily basis. Good luck if you go ahead.

Thanks, over an acre, clean water, shelter. Great local farrier and vet who is happy to visit. So may donkeys need rescue care, and the meadow is now not being used, seems a shame.

foxie48

If there have been horses on the grass for several years I think it would be fine for donkeys and they'll eat the stuff that horses leave as they are less picky. Rich dairy grass would probably be a no no but you don't have that.

If there have been horses on the grass for years, one must firstly check out if the ground is now wormy which would be totally unsuitable.

Have you done this check OP?

I know very little about donkey keeping other than they can be very noisy! A friend had some and they woke the family up every morning. No chance of a lie in when the donks wanted their breakfast

Are you near a donkey sanctuary Fleurpepper?

A donkey and pony live in the field behind my house. It's meadow grass with some rough, bramble and thistles at the bottom. They seem perfectly happy. They have a stable at the top of the hill.
I must add that the donkey is quite noisy. He brays frequently throughout the day.

Blossoming

I know very little about donkey keeping other than they can be very noisy! A friend had some and they woke the family up every morning. No chance of a lie in when the donks wanted their breakfast

Are you near a donkey sanctuary Fleurpepper?

If there is a sanctuary within volunteering distance, you could take a shift there for a few months, gain experience, someone to check your meadow and possibly two suitable donkeys!

I would suggest making your meadow (after building the shelter) available to a local donkey sanctuary or donkey owners would be a better proposition. Your lack of knowledge, and maybe 24/7/365 availability are worrying.

Foxygloves

That may depend on where this meadow is.

I’m assuming this is not in the East Midlands?

From another thread I get the impression you are not so young therefore would you have the stamina to really look after them in the long term given all that it would involve? You admit you have no experience, this is quite a commitment, even if friends offer to help now sometimes life get in the way and they may not be able or want to help for years to come. Perhaps Germanshepherdsmum suggestion would be a better solution.

Foxygloves

Foxygloves

That may depend on where this meadow is.

I’m assuming this is not in the East Midlands?

If it is it’s an expensive piece of land for 2 donkeys.

Kalu

foxie48

If there have been horses on the grass for several years I think it would be fine for donkeys and they'll eat the stuff that horses leave as they are less picky. Rich dairy grass would probably be a no no but you don't have that.

If there have been horses on the grass for years, one must firstly check out if the ground is now wormy which would be totally unsuitable.

Have you done this check OP?

You'd do a regular faecal worm count as you do with horses and worm accordingly. There's no way you can tell if grazing is "wormy" you just have to assume if it has had livestock on it, it will be.