Anyone with experience of keeping donkeys, please?

The only thing I know about donkeys is that the live for a long long time. Someone I know moved to France and rescued two donkeys. She now has major health problems but won’t leave them and return to the UK.

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.

Don’t forget to check the field for Ragwort. It is poisonous to horses so I assume donkeys would be similarly affected. It must be pulled out, including the roots because a dead plant is still toxic.

That’s another thing my neighbour does. Along with so many other things. I really wouldn’t have the stamina to look after horses as she does. It’s a tough and demanding thing if you do it properly, as she does. As anyone should. Anyone who has a romantic idea of rescuing a couple of donkeys with some guidance from friends has absolutely no idea of what’s really involved - and any reputable sanctuary would show them the door. Support the charity with donations instead.

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 you are near a donkey sanctuary perhaps you could go along and volunteer for a while to find out what is the best way to care for donkeys and get some advice?
There are several around the UK.

They need hay and straw, not just grass and will eat other vegetation.

The other thing is thst they can live to well over 30 years and it would be quite a commitment to take them on.

Thank you Callistemon for your sensible and sensitive post, without all the patronising assumptions!

No ragwort at all. One corner that would be avoided with fencing has autumn colchicum.

Of course I would work with a sanctuary, and only take older donkeys that they have no space for, and with their expertise and support, and holiday and longterm care, if and when.

To even suggest I wouldn't do that and that I have clueless 'romantic' ideas, is just beyond belief.

There was a donkey which lived in a smallish field near us for years, he was quite noisy but I think he might have been lonely. He had a stable and was cared for but all alone. They do like company.

Bloody hell they sound like hard work!
What about all the times you go on holiday or visit family?
I’m way younger than you OP and I wouldn’t want to take that on.Not just a matter of rescuing them and putting them in a meadow. Good luck cos you’re gonna need it.🍀

Adam Henson has made this helpful video about keeping donkeys

m.youtube.com/watch?v=bhDayHbqcIs&autoplay=1

No advice or experience Fleur but just wanted to say how I wish I had some land and could do what you're doing.

I hope it all goes well

Another consideration would be vet bills. I have no idea if a donkey can be insured but I would not have thought so.

It is a huge commitment, good luck.

PS you’re welcome

There is the sweetest baby (foal?) in the opening shots -plus a lot of really practical advice.AH has 4 or 5 on his farm.

My friend had a couple of rescue donkeys in her field. They did well. The children rode them. I remember they were very strong and not very biddable but perhaps not all donkeys are like those 2.
She also kept a few pigs, a dog, a cat, geese and hens and had experience of animals.
Good luck to you.

Germanshepherdsmum

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.

I have a friend who was a complete donkey novice. She approached the Donkey Sanctuary and has had her two lovely girls for three years. The Donkey Sanctuary undertakes a rigorous inspection of your land to ensure it is suitable and the adopters are required to undertake training with them. The DS is also available to answer any queries/assist with problems at any time.

FoghornLeghorn

Germanshepherdsmum

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.

I have a friend who was a complete donkey novice. She approached the Donkey Sanctuary and has had her two lovely girls for three years. The Donkey Sanctuary undertakes a rigorous inspection of your land to ensure it is suitable and the adopters are required to undertake training with them. The DS is also available to answer any queries/assist with problems at any time.

Thank you- of course with proper support, supervision, training, holiday care, and eventual move to other location fi and when too old, etc, it is very possible. And I would not be rushing into this in some sort of romantic gesture with no idea of implication. TBH it is very rude and insulting to imply this.

Talking about possible foster care for donkeys needing rehoming.

Thank you Callistemon for your sensible and sensitive post, without all the patronising assumptions!

Agree.

Did you watch the video @Fleurpepper ? I hope you found it helpful.

Before they got the pony friend for the donkey behind us, he had 2 goats for company. They were forever getting out of the field and into adjoining gardens. I do like donkeys.

Goats are remarkably good at escaping but are often used as companions for horses.

A few years ago I knew of a racehorse that would set foot in the lorry to travel anywhere unless his goat pal went with him.

I borrowed a goat for a Summer hoping she would mow the lawn. She didn't.
She preferred the flowers .
She escaped, Houdini like, from the tether we set up and was found by a passing lorry driver as she galloped down the main street.
I gave up and returned her to her owner.
Maybe if I'd had two...,......

Charleygirl5

Another consideration would be vet bills. I have no idea if a donkey can be insured but I would not have thought so.

It is a huge commitment, good luck.

Yes, you can insure donkeys, just as you can with horses.

We had a donkey sharing the field with 3 ponies and a horse. A friend rescues donkeys, she has 2 living in over an acre. I love donkeys but they can be stubborn
If in the uk a donkey sanctuary will assess yiu, your land and give advice, I don’t know what happens outside the uk

We had a much loved donkey when I was young, she had company but learnt when dustbin day was in the town. She could be seen setting off on the relevant morning. She was very stubborn! Goats are browsers not grazers so don’t particularly like grass.

Listen to this Donkey's joy

www.facebook.com/reel/162086250076104/?s=ifu

Scrub that. The wrong video has linked.
Or, you can watch the previous videos to the Donkey one.