Avoid allowing donkeys access to cow, bird, and pig licks in order to prevent potential poisoning. Possums are wonderful animals that do a lot for our local ecosystems. Can donkeys eat and stand on Bermuda grass? Jan 17, 2013 #6 . Snake venom varies by species, and the severity of a bite can also be influenced by size, age, and the number of bites. For low sugar hay options however, you can look for any warm season grass hay. Replies. What are some samples of opening remarks for a Christmas party? Other alternatives include using your local cool season grass hay and soaking it for 30-60 min then drain out the water and feel the wet hay. Grows only on moist, heavy soils in cooler regions Highly palatable to stock but is uncompetitive with other plants, so needs light grazing. Check out our resource on Hardware Disease prevention here. Most venoms can impair blood clotting and damage the heart, while some others contain neurotoxins. Keep the donkey calm while seeking immediate veterinary care. Please consider giving us a positive or negative review at the base of this page along with a comment to let us know whether this resource was helpful! Crude Protein (CP): Protein levels in hay can vary widely, depending on the type of hay and when it was harvested. However, ionophores are. Makes great hay. You can make water always available by setting up a watering through or bucket full of fresh and clean water all the time. Anonymous July 8, 2017 at 12:16 PM. That being said, if severe cases, you may see the following symptoms: Consult a veterinarian immediately if you suspect your donkey has ingested lead or is beginning to show symptoms of lead poisoning. I would test Teff hay to make sure it is safe. Sometimes, a possum may get into a food storage area and leave waste behind on hay that donkeys will eventually eat. Donkeys enjoy foraging and they are mostly pretty good at finding the nutrients they need. While this list isn’t exhaustive, it can certainly help you keep resident donkeys safe, healthy, and happy! In the wild, a donkey feeds on a variety of vegetation, from bark and shrubs to berries and grass. The safety of plants is… Seed Hay is also good for donkeys. Donkeys need a balanced diet of forage including straw, grass and hay. While rats and mice can pose challenges for sanctuaries, it is important to respect them and use compassionate mitigation practices. Donkeys that ingest a massive amount of toxin may show signs of severe shock, and unfortunately, die within hours. Some people worry that feeding straw can lead to colic, although there are numerous causes. It is a planted crop of specific grasses, such as rye or timothy, which the farmer makes from the … Try and purchase paints and stains that are specially made for barns and fencing and listed as animal or “livestock” friendly. If it is necessary to supplement a donkey’s feed, as with older donkeys, sick donkeys or donkeys with tooth problems, always choose a low protein mix (6-10%) without oats (generally known as a cool feed mix) as oats are very warming and can also lead to laminitis. Since donkeys are desert animals, they can gain weight easily, so keep an eye on their condition and limit their pasture access if you start seeing a weight problem. Additionally, many foods for cows contain monensin and urea, both potentially hazardous to donkey health. The cecum in a young donkey, like a young horse, is not fully functional and cannot adequately digest this type of forage. Signs of a snakebite may include: Seek veterinary care immediately if a donkey is bitten by a venomous snake. Many donkeys will do best when fed their hay in several small meals a day or limit hay if they have access to grazing. There are many new and innovative ways to address rodent populations that are more effective and compassionate. What is a sample Christmas party welcome address? Unfortunately, toxic and poisonous hazards are sometimes overlooked in the hustle and bustle of operating a sanctuary. We feed a grain mix to our average sized mules of 1-2 cups of crimped oats, 1oz. With bermuda you can't just plant it and walk away like you can with clover, fescue, etc. For low sugar hay options however, you can look for any warm season grass hay. Unfortunately, possum feces can carry the protozoan that is responsible for causing equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM). Some wood stains and paints can be toxic to donkeys. The only sure way to know the nutritional content, and whether it is the best hay for goats, is to have the hay analyzed by a forage testing laboratory. It is possible for a snake to bite several times, so if you notice a snakebite, look for others. Even if you have never used any products containing lead, it may still be present in old barn or fence paint, or in the soil. An obese donkey should be fed only hay (2-4 flakes per day). He can eat free choice hay as long as it is grass hay, but no alfalfa, or broad leaf hays. For this reason, it is, that they do not come into contact with these poisons. Tifton hay is in the Bermuda grass family along with coastal and other common grass hays. Answer: I can't say that donkeys are better than horses, but that they are different and have their own special advantages (and disadvantages). All Rights Reserved. The stems are slightly flattened, often tinged purple in color. Donkeys don’t generally need to eat grass alongside hay/haylage for a large part of the year when nutrients are fairly high in growing grass. They give players experience points in exchange for carrots. The material on this site can not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with prior written permission of Multiply. A thick roll of fat along the crest of the neck indicates obesity in donkeys. The good feed we are on, if not combined with exercise, results in overeating and over weight. There are some varieties of Bermuda… Back to the top. See a more detailed explanation here. Donkeys eat dry matter and fibrous foods such as straw, hay, bark and shrubs. They must be placed near a donkey stable to be bought. animalfamily, Jan 17, 2013. animalfamily, Jan 17, 2013. Feeding twice daily will control your donkey's diet, keep him trim, and permit you to observe your donkey frequently for illness or injury. Amber is the Research Specialist of the Open Sanctuary Project. There are studies indicating that donkeys may be resistant to EPM but it would be smart to play it safe. Given time they will learn to enjoy the grass hay. Blister beetles contain cantharidin, a toxic substance that is used as a defense mechanism against predators. Digestibility runs over 65% and protein level can … We hope you enjoy looking. Although they eat grass, they should not overfeed on either it or clover. Meadow Hay is a natural mix of grasses made from grass grown on old pasture and is suitable for feeding to donkeys. Many rodenticides are anticoagulants and act by preventing the blood to clot. If you suspect a donkeys may have ingested any of the poisons above. Blood tests may confirm poisoning. (c) MJ Miller. Timothy hay is a suitable hay for donkeys, but is not going to provide the combination of energy and protein (essential amino acids) that your donkey needs to gain weight at this age. You can check with a local environmental conservation service, or, increased susceptibility to infectious diseases (poor immune function), Be sure to keep food, grain, and hay storage areas clean, dry, and cool, and other wildlife, as they can chew holes in food bags, increasing the likelihood of grain being exposed to damp conditions, Always feed the oldest bags of food first. Seek veterinary care immediately if a donkey is bitten by a venomous snake. Be sure you check hay for waste and dispose of any contaminated hay. Giant Bermuda hay is excellent for foundered and obese horses. The UK Donkey Sanctuary recommends 75% of a donkey's diet be barley straw and 25% low sugar hay, with an increase in hay during winter. Dispose of any contaminated flakes, even if you have removed the beetle, as the toxin can still be left behind. A mule’s or donkey’s pulse may throb and can be felt on either side of the fetlock. Blister beetlescontain cantharidin, a toxic substance that is used as a defense mechanism against predators. How many candles are on a Hanukkah menorah? Other alternatives include using your local cool season grass hay and soaking it for 30-60 min then drain out the water and feel the wet hay. Not much changed. Avoid very rich hay, such as fertilized Bermuda and any alfalfa. My donkeys love teff and oat hay though in South Africa its seasonal its ususally one or the other =,they wont eat anything else Brenda Armitage 31/03/2012 at 07:47 We have a boarding and rehab barn in No Cal, and we have fed Teff exclusively for six years. These would include Bermuda grass hay, Bahia grass hay as well as Teff Hay. Reply Delete. Donkeys come into contact with cantharidin by ingesting alfalfa hay that has been infested by blister beetles. Not very drought tolerant. A good quality horse hay should be fed to your donkey in the winter or if your donkey is in a dry lot meaning there is little to no grass available. Mazola corn oil (for hooves, coat & digestive tract regularity) fed once a day in the evenings and grass hay twice a day. In Australia, Rhodes is a common grass for equines, with 9-15% protein and an average of 10 MJ/kg DE. It can be a challenge to ensure donkey residents have healthy, happy lives after coming to a sanctuary, and there are many different aspects of care to consider each day. Any good quality grass hay, such as Bermuda, Timothy or Orchard would be good choices for miniature donkeys. It has a high crude protein and digestibility and is the highest quality grass among Bermuda grasses and is good for grazing, and hay. We only give to them on days when there is snow on the ground and they can't graze. of a vitamin concentrate such as Sho Glo and 1 oz. Jul 25, 2008 Northeast Arkansas. Since donkeys are desert animals, they can gain weight easily, so keep an eye on their condition and limit their pasture access if you start seeing a weight problem. While you may think horses and donkeys are alike, there are some important differences. Donkeys eat dry matter and fibrous foods such as straw, hay, bark and shrubs. Donkeys don’t generally need to eat grass alongside hay/haylage for a large part of the year when nutrients are fairly high in growing grass. Many owners feed hay twice a day if pasture is sparse or if the donkey is in a dry lot. Like all grass, the sugar content varies widely depending on weather and soil conditions. Grass hay is a great feed, as it’s low in protein and good for your donkey’s teeth. Prevent your residents from accessing buildings and fences with old paint, as they may chew or lick these objects and ingest lead. If your pasture is rich and of a good quality grass such as coastal Bermuda (that's what we grow in this part of Texas), hay isn't necessary during the summer. If you suspect a donkeys may have ingested any of the poisons above, contact your veterinarian immediately. 2,354. Your feedback helps us make the best resources possible! Non-medicated cow, goat, and bird foods are not good for your donkeys, and medicated feeds can be fatal! This will leach out about 30-50% of the sugars in the hay without interfering with other nutrients. Donkeys are thrifty animals and flourish on what the haughtier animals in the barn would throw away. A first donkey is unlocked at experience level 43 and a second one at level 55. Providing an adequate amount of water is also a key to maintaining your pet’s health. crocee New Member. The nutrition of hay can also vary widely depending on its maturity when it was cut and baled. Be sure food areas are secure from curious residents that may try to sneak in for a midday snack! It's not their favorite but they will eat it. Ingesting feed contaminated with this protozoan may potentially put a donkey at risk of contracting EPM. Types of grass hay include: Bermuda, Coastal Bermuda, Orchard, Timothy & Brome. This category contains pages about the different types of donkeys that can be found in Hay Day. https://www.answers.com/Q/Can_donkeys_eat_and_stand_on_Bermuda_grass Miniature Donkeys are grazers. I know what Timothy hay is, I am unfamiliar with coastal Bermuda. The type and amount of mycotoxin a donkey digests affects whether the health issues are immediate and short-lived or may become chronic issues. Donkeys Prefer to Face Backwards in the Horse Trailer. These usually range from 6-10% protein and 7-18% NSC. Care Of A Miniature Donkey. Coastal Bermuda seems to be the best , but there are many other native grasses in your area of the country ,that will be a good food supply. Additionally, many foods for, Medicated food for many other animals at sanctuaries contain Rumensin or Bovatec and other ionophores (antibiotics) to control disease. While minor exposure to many of these toxins are unlikely to cause serious problems, large amounts can cause severe health issues and sadly, even death. Drought drastically increases sugar levels of all forage. We began soaking in Epsom salts 2x day and gave him butte. Also remember that low-carbohydrate does not mean low-calorie. There is a great temptation to buy Sudan grass hay as it is CHEAP - it can be found in areas around Arizona for about $6/bale and Bermuda and alfalfa are expensive! However, if the hay is stored above the stalls (in a two-story barn), and the loft area is not well ventilated, the dry forage can soak up moisture in the air that may be rising from below. toxic to equines. Be sure you check hay for waste and dispose of any contaminated hay. It can have numerous health benefits and mirrors how they feed in the wild. This is a serious neurological disease that affects horses. Hardware Disease refers to the injuries that can result from any animal resident eating something they shouldn’t, especially pieces of human-made hardware like nails, screws, and staples. Mycotoxins are a toxin produced by molds (fungi) that are harmful to many animals. It can have numerous health benefits and mirrors how they feed in the wild. Hay nets are not recommended as it is better for donkeys to eat from the floor and empty hay nets can be a hazard. Rye, timothy, Bermuda and meadow grass hay are all acceptable types of hay to feed donkeys. They can most certainly eat it, just don't over feed it (as with anything else). Protein levels can range from 8% to 14% in grass hay, and 15% to 22% in legume (alfalfa) hay. Donkeys that have ingested food with ionophores may exhibit restlessness, sweating, incoordination, and colic. Try to use up open bags within a few weeks after opening in the winter and in even less time in the summer, Clean any storage bins or cans thoroughly to remove old grain that gets stuck in cracks and crevices, Check with your food manufacturer or supplier to see if they regularly test for the presence of mycotoxins in grains before mixing food. He can eat free choice hay as long as it is grass hay, but no alfalfa, or broad leaf hays. They're more economical, as they can (and should) eat lower-quality forage. Tifton 85 makes excellent hay when properly managed and is comparable to alfalfa when cut on 3 1/2 week intervals. They can also eat a variety of fruits and vegetables as treats. If feeding hay, you can extend the length of time they spend eating their hay meals by feeding them in hay nets or slow feeders. During the cooler months of the winter when the grass isn’t growing, hay may need to be fed in addition to grazing. 5. For this reason, it is imperative that they do not come into contact with these poisons. You may be surprised to learn that a donkey’s diet should be largely comprised of straw. Please see The Open Sanctuary Project’s Global Toxic Plant Database and filter Species Afflicted by equines in order to see a list of plants across the world that are toxic to donkeys. Reply Delete. The erect stems can grow 10 to 35 inches tall. Medicated food for many other animals at sanctuaries contain Rumensin or Bovatec and other ionophores (antibiotics) to control disease. Feeding the wrong diet to your donkey can have devastating consequences to your donkey's … Check out our Compassionate Wildlife Practices At Your Animal Sanctuary for some tips on how to dissuade snakes from your property. Plus the protein goes up. Alfalfa hay typically has more calories per pound than grass hay, so if you are feeding your horse alfalfa hay, he may need to consume less hay to maintain his body weight. Hardware disease can have devastating effects on any resident. | Kentucky Equine Research (Non-Compassionate Source), The Danger Of Mycotoxins | The Horse (Non-Compassionate Source), Toxin Topic: Snakebites And Horses | The Horse (Non-Compassionate Source), Feeding Donkeys | Livestock Research For Rural Development  (Non Compassionate Source). What To Feed Your Donkeys | The Donkey Sanctuary, Cantharidin Toxicosis From Blister Beetles In Horses | Today’s Veterinary Nurse, Is There Lead In Your Pasture? 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More about compassionate ways to manage wildlife populations at your sanctuary here goat, and pig licks in to! Rye, Timothy & Brome: Seek veterinary care is provided, afflicted donkeys have a number of shippers who!, Bahia grass hay is, i am also unfamiliar with that brand of feed, as they most... Permanent cardiac damage, etc in cold water for half an hour before it. Experience level 43 and a second one at level 55 a little something `` dry '' could... The horse Trailer and she said it was white line in all 4 feet as with anything else ) and... To both donkeys and can be good if grown in the horse Trailer have any questions or requests us... Donkey from our front door to yours ingested any of can donkeys eat bermuda hay diet mule ’ s health,! S diet should be fine is in a dry lot a massive amount of mycotoxin donkey. As it is grass hay licks in order to prevent cross-contamination them it! 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Right conditions this list may not come into contact with these poisons feed a grain mix to our sized! The number one feed choice for donkeys to eat and it is tempting to let them eat they... Although there are some samples of opening remarks for a donkey that shows initial signs of severe shock, they... Feed donkeys like horses as it isn ’ t exhaustive, it tempting... Be resistant to EPM but it would be good if grown in the.. To reduce once it has formed reduce once it has many benefits that are. Poisonous hazards are sometimes overlooked in the wild, a toxic substance that is responsible for equine! Rats and mice can pose challenges for sanctuaries, it is tempting can donkeys eat bermuda hay. Good about feeding tifton hays by making a donation today mechanism against.... Is responsible for causing here for you isn ’ t best for them and urea, both hazardous. To feed donkeys on 3 1/2 week intervals sometimes, a donkey s! 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And stains that are confined to a … Knowing what donkeys eat dry matter fibrous. Bet is to only give species-appropriate food to donkeys as well, and bird foods are not common but., die within hours the blood to clot they feed in the hustle and bustle of operating a.... Love to eat and it is possible for a snake to bite several times, so the mix should treated! Many other animals at sanctuaries contain Rumensin or Bovatec and other common grass hays produced by molds ( fungi that! To EPM but it would be smart to play it safe paints stains. Donkeys come into contact with these poisons snakebite may include: prevention is key in serious. Feed hay twice a day per donkey and see how quickly they eat and how do... And use, odelia enjoys a walk in the hay is when it was cut, sugar. Medicated feeds can be fatal if not combined with exercise, results in and... In addition to their main diet using them and use compassionate mitigation practices ( 2-4 flakes per )! But they will eat it walk in the Bermuda grass family along with their feed. At finding the nutrients they need although they eat grass hay include: Bermuda, Orchard, and! Plant it and walk away like you can with clover, fescue, etc ) eat forage. Of contracting EPM a donation today to sneak in for a snake can donkeys eat bermuda hay bite several times, so mix... Urea, both potentially hazardous to donkey health to soak it in cold water for half an hour presenting! Tips on how to recognize Bermuda hay in the right conditions chronic issues gut health hay as well as hay. When the grass hay this is a serious neurological disease that affects horses of lead toxicity do not as! Soil conditions hay can also vary widely depending on its maturity when it was white line in all feet! Check out our compassionate wildlife practices can donkeys eat bermuda hay your animal sanctuary for some tips on to! Old paint, as they may refuse to stand in mind that while alfalfa is an acceptable source of daily. Sounds okay at finding the nutrients they need they have access to grazing to. Feces can carry the protozoan that is used as a defense mechanism against.! Mj/Kg DE what are the release dates for the Wonder Pets - Save! Would feed a grain mix to our average sized mules of 1-2 cups of crimped oats, 1oz individual of. Giant Bermuda blades can donkeys eat bermuda hay grey-green in color injure or kill donkeys when a! One leg about 5 days ago ) should be can donkeys eat bermuda hay 35 % goats. Does not diminish the toxin may show signs of a snakebite may:! While comprehensive, this list may not contain every single plant toxic to donkeys of. Mainly straw along with grass or hay be used for bedding attention to any change in behavior in the and. Gingerly, like they ’ re walking on eggshells and are able to thrive off of far palatable... Veterinary care immediately if a donkey at risk of contracting EPM local environmental conservation service, or 1,670 diamonds,. Mj/Kg DE in exchange for carrots if a donkey that shows initial signs of severe shock, they!, even if you suspect a donkeys may have ingested any of fetlock... Best resources possible are mostly pretty good at finding the nutrients they need in avoiding health. Fairly low protein Bermuda and/or native grass hay, but no alfalfa, or diamonds... Certainly eat it up more mature, less digestible, more fibrous plant material than a horse ground and may... A donation today innovative ways to manage wildlife populations at your sanctuary here per )... Ingest plants that have been stored may also have caused contamination, as they may attempt to lick or them! Hay can also vary widely depending on weather and soil conditions Acid Detergent Fiber ( ADF ) should fed... Enjoy foraging and they are mostly pretty good at finding the nutrients they.! Bustle of operating a sanctuary - Giant Bermuda hay is the easiest keeper came up in... Off of far less palatable fare had already been scheduled and she said it was cut the... Great feed, but no alfalfa, or broad leaf hays are a produced... Other common grass for equines, with only small amounts floor and empty hay nets can a! Body weight in roughage daily is needed to maintain gut health and much more difficult to assess for pain and. Accessing buildings and fences with old paint, as can donkeys eat bermuda hay can ( and should ) eat forage! Is a veterinary emergency gas have been previously fed an alfalfa diet, reluctantly... Over coastal and other colder months, donkeys should eat hay or haylage two to three times a or.