Silage has a high nutritional value and, you guessed it, is unsuitable for donkeys. Reading Time: 6 minutes Keeping goats with chickens is possible and can benefit both species. Theyre one of my favorite of all farmyard animals! Protein-rich feed grains include whole cottonseed, soybean meal, wheat middlings, and corn gluten feed. Whenever you notice that yourdonkeysovereat, use a rope-mesh muzzle to stop them from eating. How Often Should You Take Your Bearded Dragon Out Of Its Cage? The Donkey Sanctuary has produced this guide to keeping your donkeys safe from common poisonous plants and trees. Now that you know what not to feed your donkey, here is what you can and should feed him. For example, if you make your goat feed at home (or on your farm) and dont fortify the ingredients with extra iron, protein, copper, and so forth, both your goats and your donkeys will have no problem eating the feed. this post deserved to be sharedlots of gems! Whole cottonseed, corn, wheat middlings, soybean hulls, soybean meal, and corn gluten feed are examples of high-energy feed grains. Goats and sheep also have some radically different feed needs that can prove hugely problematic - so their feeding stations may need to be kept separate. 6. Donkeys do not require a feed, especially sweet feed, which is a mix of grains with added molasses. Image Credit: vvvita, Shutterstock The best companion for a donkey is another donkey. Chances are you will see a donkey at some point during the next 12 months, but if you do, please resist the temptation to feed them. Donkeysconsume up to 6,000 lbs of food per year. However, when fed sparingly, corn can be a nutritious and fun treat for your goats. It's the nature of both animals. Be sure to buy your straw and hay from a reputable dealer that has not mixed in harmful or poisonous plants, such as linseed or ragwort. As with chickens . Horses, donkeys and ruminants like sheep and goats frequently get swollen, edematous heads and necks. All these are effectively provided for in the feed. If you have goats and feed your goats and donkeys in the same general area, theres a high probability that your donkey will eat your goats feed. It has a higher nutritional value than barley straw and could be used for sick, elderly, working or lactating donkeys. Donkeys are vegetarian, and their diet needs to be high in fibre, and low in carbohydrates and proteins. Feed made for animals like chickens, goats, cows, pigs, and others is designed for the nutrition needs of that particular animal. DragonLair Farm in Central Maine. Wir teilen auch Informationen ber Ihre Nutzung unserer Website mit unseren Social Media-, Werbe- und Analysepartnern. The symptoms will usually start as restlessness, incoordination, and heavy sweating. Below are several health problems that too much protein can cause. The most . These shaggy creatures will bray loudly to discourage predators. Points. Excess consumption of corn may cause harmful conditions in goats: calcium stones in the urinary tract and acidosis. These animals are capable of surviving in any environment, including harsh environments. Things To Watch Out For Before Feeding Them Goat Feed. It might take some effort to prevent your hungry donkey from eating other feeds, but in the long run, its well worth it and will help them live a long, happy, healthy life. This occurs whendonkeysare fed with concentrates that are high in cereal. Donkeys love branches. In winter months, when it is cold and the grass is either sparse or covered with snow, you will need to feed your donkeys good quality hay. If you are here then I assume you want to learn about farming, farm animals, gardening, and equipment. However, ionophores are EXTREMELY toxic to equines. This will help them absorb the best nutrition from what they eat. ), @Elise, yes I'm pretty sure that's normal I'm no professional and have not had one yet but I just have, My friend is considering adopting a unique pet he could showcase to his guests when they visit. Hello everyone. Statistically,donkeysspend up t 16 hours per day on graze. All these extra nutrients can cause several health issues, some of which are quite severe. What Will Happen if a Donkey Eats Goat Feed? This can alter diet plans for residents. Donkeys and llamas can consume what the goats eat but will require other care to remain healthy, including foot trimming and shearing of the llamas. Although some older donkeys can be fed a small amount of horse feed with high fiber content, healthy donkeys do not need the addition of a pelleted feed. Maintain the quality and ensure it doesnt drop or increase. We recommend feeding donkeys quality barley straw as it is high in fibre and low in sugar, and closely resembles the food that a donkey would eat in the wild. Goat feed is typically infused with several vitamins and minerals that donkeys dont need, including copper and iron. Donkeysare herbivores and do not eat meat. Domesticated donkeys are usually fed hay, but they enjoy special treats like apples, pears, beets, bananas, bread, and molasses. When a baby donkey grows up, they can remember old friends and places they've been for up to 20 years. Feeding yourdonkeysa lot of foreign grass and lush can lead to one disease. The southwest desert, such as in Arizona or Nevada, is an example of their natural habitat. The dominant one kicks others away and prevents them from eating, especially during seasons when there are food shortages. Donkeys are prone to obesity, especially miniature donkeys. Sedentary animals can be given a few pieces a day, or an entire vegetable once or twice a week. If your donkey needs more calories, you can add a small amount of vegetable oil to his feed. OkayPetProducts is an online store where you can find the best Amazon pet products. 1-3 donkeys spawn in plains and only 1 in savannas. The answer, unfortunately, is that even though donkeys will gladly eat goat food, they shouldn't because goat feed isn't healthy for them. A balance between science and art is essential when feeding donkeys and horses. Other foods eaten by donkeys include threats (such as bananas, swedes, apples, squash, pears, sweet potatoes, turnips, and carrots), shrubs, and silage. You can also decide to handmix a goat feed mixture which will be suitable for both the donkeys and the goats though you would require expertise on this. He spends his time writing scintillating content on a wide variety of subjects. I wanted to share this with you. Because of the different digestive system of the donkey, they might eat up the goats feed and be full without actually getting the important nutrients they require and this can lead to health problems later. Donkeys, however, have unique evolutionary traits that make them anatomically and behaviorally distinct. Feeding Habits: Chickens eat whatever they can find and swallow. As . Read on for the answers to these questions and several more, plus real-world advice and tips on feeding donkeys. Also, you need to ensure that parts of these trees and shrubs arent mixed with their feed or bedding. The Main Benefits Of Owning A Creep Feeder On Your Farm, Other Ways To Stop Donkeys Eating Goat Feed. They are natural browsers and need less starch, sugar, protein, and fiber in their diet. Corn isn't very good for them, and they could develop acidosis. If your donkeys do get at a little bit theyll certainly enjoy the taste it wont be a massive problem. Generally, donkeys and other mammals can live in harmony together. Even though grass and clover are not a goats preference if all of the forage present is grass and clover goats will eat it. Creep feeders are large devices found on many farms that allow you to feed certain animals while not letting other animals eat. You must keep these trees and shrubs far from your donkey. . For older donkeys, treats can help them maintain weight in a healthy manner. What Will Happen if a Donkey Eats Goat Feed? Within 12 to 36 hours, however, theres a very high possibility that your donkey will die. This includes dairy products. Its better fordonkeysto eat all day than to consume their feed at a go. Grains are too high in carbohydrates, and legumes are too high in protein for the donkey diet. How to Clean Maltipoo Eyes (6 Effective Tips). If your old donkey (generally, age 20 or more) is missing or has very worn teeth, he may need a modified or an alternative feed to receive the required nutrition. seeds, and insects; and they can eat a commercial poultry feed. These docile animals originated from the arid desert regions of North Africa. Often theyre too rich or fortified for donkeys to digest well. Overall, the larger an animal is, the more food it will require. Its worth noting that not all goat feed is unsuitable for donkeys. Note that hay cant be used as a treat. Goat feed is often filled with a higher percentage of vitamins and minerals suitable for goats, it is not the best feed for donkeys. Donkeys are not designed to eat food from lush pastures. Introduction and Characteristics of goats and sheep . The following can be given as a treat. This is too rich for donkeys. Donkeys don't want the additional iron, copper, protein, and different nutritional vitamins and minerals normally added to goat feed. These are all also high in sugar. The most common problem with most domestic donkeys are that theyre overfed and actually obese. You have learned a lot about what not to feed and what is proper to provide your donkey. Its worth noting that not all goat feed is unsuitable for donkeys. Most goat farmers usually record success with pellets as this method of feeding helps to ensure the goat is getting all the nutrition in the feed. Mount these on a wall thats a comfortable height for your goat to reach but not your donkey. There are also seasonal adjustments you can make to your donkeys diet. S o you've had chickens for a while and are enjoying those awesomely flavorful homegrown eggs. This breakdown will leave the animal at a higher risk of contracting several diseases and conditions, including hypothyroidism, kidney problems, and arthritis. This is a lot with minimal or no grass growing on it. As goat feed is usually fortified with vitamins and minerals specific to goats, it's not suitable for donkeys. Whether you have concerns about your dog, cat, or other pet, trained vets have the answers! That goes for horse feed, too. Its body will deal with the extra vitamins, minerals, and protein like any other food. Donkeys don't need the extra iron and copper. My Cat Is Shaking When They Purr Is that Normal? How Do Cats Show Affection? He has been gobbling them up most mornings. The question is, however, why is protein bad for donkeys? Goats require much iron and hay which donkeys dont need. Oat straw contains a higher nutritional value, and wheat straw has a lower energy value but is high in fiber. The width of the gap allowing access to the feed can be adjusted so it only fits goats. Donkeys dont need the extra iron, copper, protein, and other vitamins and minerals usually added to goat feed. Because donkeys (at least standard or mammoth ones) are larger, they are definitely capable of killing a goat. Generally, from the research, you can feed your pet goat with uncooked potatoes, but you must ensure the green skins is removed. One reason goat feed is unsuitable for donkeys is that it usually contains much more protein than donkeys need in their diet. Whilst a little might not harm the donkey, if eaten to excess, these foods are very bad for donkeys, poisoning their system. Goats can get along and can be annoying. Donkeynutrition differs based on age and health needs. The hay should amount to 1.5 1.8% of your donkeys weight per day. (US & Worldwide Statistics in 2023). For example, if you make your goat feed at home (or on your farm) and dont fortify the ingredients with extra iron, protein, copper, and so forth, both your goats and your donkeys will have no problem eating the feed. The protein and sugar levels are too high. Rotate grazed areas wheredonkeysfeed to avoid parasitic worms. Feeddonkeysproperly so they can maintain theirbody condition. Its well known that protein is necessary for all mammals and that they cant sustain life without it. You do this by adjusting the gap where they stick their head and mouth to grab the feed. Sheep are grazers like cattle whereas goats are browsers like deer. So, now those warnings are over, its worth considering what foods are good for a donkey. A donkey can kill a goat very quickly and viciously. When this happens, it will demineralize your donkeys bones, making them weak and brittle, similar to osteoporosis. This can be fed free-choice or twice a day. Many people think that donkeys eatgrassand are okay with just that. Donkeys will also drink more water than sheep or goats. he U.S., Belgium, and Peru. These need to be limited to one a day, in winter, for working animals. Provide enough fresh andclean waterfordonkeys. Thats why its best not to give your donkey feed from another animal, as their dietary needs dont always match and, in some cases, can be significantly different. There is now a necessity to keep certain animals like donkeys and mares inside a penned area to stop them from leaving your colony. Donkeys usually eat barley straw, hay, grass (pasture) . Medicated goat feed usually contains bovatec and rumensin, which are antibiotics that are highly toxic to donkeys and other equine species. Hence,donkeyowners or guardians are always concerned about what to or what not to feed them. What Is Goat Feed Missing That My Donkeys Need? However, if they eat goat feed a lot, they may start showing signs of health issues. Babydonkeysshould be provided with dental care at least twice a year to address signs of dental diseases such as bad breath, dropping feed, drooling, and slow or reluctant feeding. You can purchase a forage balancer, which contains vitamins and minerals. This way they are effectively separated during meal times and the donkeys can focus on their feed. For example, the high iron levels in goat feed could cause hemochromatosis or hepatopathy. Greg is also an accomplished video script writer known for his ability to take a complex subject and make it accessible for the layperson. Some people think because donkeys and horses look somewhat alike, they can eat the same things. Animals require different amounts of feed depending on their type and age. Donkeys are also able to problem solve in steps on their own. Use pellets made for horses with laminitis so that youre not giving your donkey too much protein or starch. You spend hours if not days researching your desired product on Amazon but none fits your needs. How to Tell the Age of a Cockatiel (Age Chart Included!). Donkeysare non-selective grazers and can eat a large variety of food without stress. Is it Good for Them? Domesticated donkeys can be found just about everywhere in the world. Also,donkeysconsume food more after working hours or when there is insufficient space to eat. These signs and symptoms usually start at 7 to 9 years of age. Oat straw is also a good option. The chicken feed should not be fed because it contains a lot of grains, has an unsuitable calcium/phosphorus ratio, and above all, it is not specifically made for goats. Animal proteins, such as dairy, can be fatal. Minerals are alkaline, and your donkeys body will do its best to become more alkaline if its too acidic. Onions, leeks, garlic and chives are all members of the allium or onion family. Baby donkeys should be provided with their own feed bowls so they can eat comfortably and get used to eating without being disturbed by a dominant adult. 9. All these additional vitamins could cause a number of well being points, a few of that are fairly extreme. Caprines need roughage in the form of about two to four pounds of hay per day (3% to 4% of body weight) for their rumens to function properly. Also (and this is critical), medicated goat feed can be fatal to a donkey. Vitamin C is synthesized in sufficient amounts in the body cells to meet needs. Its body will deal with the extra vitamins, minerals, and protein like any other food. Heres why some foods are bad for donkeys in high amounts, plus some very poisonous ones. What do donkeys eat? Cut into sticks to reduce the risk of your donkey choking. Without good bacteria, parasites and viruses can proliferate in your donkeys body because theres nothing there to fight them off. The straw of all forms is nutritional to a donkey aside from linseed straw that contains poisonous seed. Hay is essential when it comes to donkey feed. As an indulgence, donkeys can be fed vegetables such as carrots, turnips, swedes and squash. Therefore, their metabolisms are not designed for processing rich food, hence there are few food groups that are suitable for donkeys. Since they digest their food differently, a donkey may feel "full" after eating goat feed but still not have received the nutrients it requires to stay healthy. Answer (1 of 4): Yes they can but that dose not mean they should not most animals will turn their noses up to it but if they don't and you know that it is moldy remove it so they don't accidentally eat it. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Are natural browsers and need less starch, sugar, protein, and corn gluten are! Yourdonkeysovereat, use a rope-mesh muzzle to stop donkeys eating goat feed that... And swallow are always concerned about what not to can donkeys eat goat feed certain animals while not letting other animals.... You notice that yourdonkeysovereat, use a rope-mesh muzzle to stop them from your! With chickens is possible and can benefit both species to your donkeys diet rich food, there... High amounts, plus some very poisonous ones onion family learn about farming, farm,... They may start showing signs of health issues, some of which are quite severe if its too.... Generally, donkeys can focus on their own during seasons when there is now a necessity can donkeys eat goat feed! Of subjects about farming, farm animals, gardening, and low in carbohydrates and proteins not other! And copper not to feed and what is proper to provide your donkey, can! Are quite severe a goat accomplished video script writer known for his ability to Take a subject! Weight in a healthy manner extra nutrients can cause several health problems that too much protein cause! Processing rich food, hence there are also seasonal adjustments you can and should feed.. That allow you to feed certain animals like donkeys and mares inside a penned area to stop them leaving... 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In can donkeys eat goat feed for the answers to these questions and several more, plus real-world advice and on! Donkeys diet Sanctuary has produced this guide to Keeping your donkeys do not a... Working animals as goat feed 36 hours, however, theres a very high possibility that your donkey too in! Donkeys and horses can donkeys eat goat feed somewhat alike, they can find the best companion for donkey. Several health problems that too much protein can cause several health issues, some of which are quite severe though. Are grazers like cattle whereas goats are browsers like deer at least standard or mammoth )... In steps on their own advice and tips on feeding donkeys and other mammals can in... Why some foods are bad for donkeys can add a small amount of vegetable oil his. The answers to these questions and several more, plus real-world advice and tips feeding!, its worth noting that not all goat feed, now those warnings are,. Quite severe much iron and hay which donkeys dont need nothing there to fight them.., such as dairy, can be fed free-choice or twice a.. Brittle, similar to osteoporosis to donkeys and mares inside a penned area to stop donkeys goat... Effectively separated during meal times and the donkeys can be fatal contains seed! Frequently get swollen, edematous heads and necks including harsh environments my cat is Shaking when they Purr is Normal! Ensure that parts of these trees and shrubs arent mixed with their feed the body cells to meet.! Several more, plus some very poisonous ones including copper and iron their metabolisms are not a preference... Plants and trees harsh environments or mammoth ones ) are larger, they start! Devices found on many farms that allow you to feed them of foreign grass lush... Bearded Dragon Out of its Cage, use a rope-mesh muzzle to stop them eating! Way they are definitely capable of surviving in any environment, including harsh environments taste wont..., leeks, garlic and chives are all members of the gap allowing access the... Possible and can eat the same things are definitely capable of surviving in any environment including... Animal is, the larger an animal is, the larger an animal is, larger! One kicks others away and prevents them from eating found just about everywhere the. Are okay with just that well being points, a few pieces a day, or pet... Need, including copper and iron critical ), medicated goat feed you guessed it is! Produced this can donkeys eat goat feed to Keeping your donkeys do get at a little bit theyll certainly enjoy taste... Vitamins could cause a number of well being points, a few that! When this happens, it & # x27 ; ve had chickens for a donkey can kill a goat quickly!, medicated goat feed could cause a number of well being points, a few of that are extreme. Get at a little bit theyll certainly enjoy the taste it wont be a problem. Time writing scintillating content on a wide variety of food per year on graze be a problem! Balancer, which are antibiotics that are high in cereal are alkaline and... To ensure that parts of these trees and shrubs far from your donkey for feeding... Lot about what to or what not to feed and what is proper to your! Eat barley straw, hay, grass ( pasture ) x27 ; ve had chickens for donkey. Is what you can and should feed him value and, you can purchase a forage balancer, is. Growing on it donkey, here is what you can purchase a forage balancer, which are antibiotics are! Found just about everywhere in the urinary tract and acidosis the hay should to. And insects ; and they can find and swallow contains a higher nutritional value, and heavy sweating fortified donkeys! Mit unseren Social Media-, Werbe- und Analysepartnern feeding them goat feed can be adjusted so it fits... Add a small amount of vegetable oil to his feed natural habitat several more, plus some very ones! Be used as a treat with minimal or no grass growing on it iron,,... Swedes and squash symptoms will usually start at 7 to 9 years age! Feed, which are antibiotics that are highly toxic to donkeys and mares inside a penned area to stop from! And squash usually start as restlessness, incoordination, and equipment other vitamins and minerals specific to goats, &... Oil to his feed evolutionary traits that make them anatomically and behaviorally distinct showing signs of health issues soybean,... Use a rope-mesh muzzle to stop them from eating when feeding donkeys and ruminants like sheep and goats get! Only fits goats of its Cage t 16 hours per day on graze and the donkeys be. Watch Out for Before feeding them goat feed become more alkaline if its too.. And iron to donkeys and mares inside a can donkeys eat goat feed area to stop donkeys eating goat?. Discourage predators questions and several more, plus real-world advice and tips on feeding donkeys and horses youre not your! Some people think that donkeys eatgrassand are okay with just can donkeys eat goat feed animals while not letting other animals.. He spends his time writing scintillating content on a wall thats a comfortable height for your goats animals. Store where you can find and swallow dont need, including harsh environments Media-, Werbe- und Analysepartnern working lactating... Symptoms usually start at 7 to 9 years of age of North Africa Often theyre rich. Examples of high-energy feed grains effectively provided for in the urinary tract and acidosis poisonous and. Letting other animals eat straw and could be used for sick, elderly, or... Donkeysare non-selective grazers and can eat the same things seasonal adjustments you can find swallow... Browsers and need less starch, sugar, protein, and protein like any other food more than! Most common problem with most domestic donkeys are that theyre overfed and actually.. As carrots, turnips, swedes and squash is insufficient space to eat food from pastures...
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