Turnips are a nutrient-dense vegetable that’s very low in calories, making it an ideal treat for donkeys. One cup of cut up turnips has only 36 calories and is a great source of vitamin C and vitamin K (source).
Can donkeys eat turnips?
Carrots, apples, bananas, pears, turnips and swedes are all safe and usually very popular with donkeys.
Can you feed donkeys parsnips?
Yes, donkeys can definitely eat parsnips. A maximum of a small handful per day can be a nice treat and has several health benefits. And donkeys usually love them!
What are healthy treats for donkeys?
Treats
- Basic treats like carrots, apples, peppermints, bananas, watermelon, oranges, pears, grapes, celery, strawberries, and pumpkin are all safe for donkeys.
- Donkeys like sweet flavors, like raspberry.
What is the best grain to feed donkeys?
barley straw
The donkey diet should consist of mainly good quality barley straw or oat straw (barley straw is best) and carefully restricted access to grass. Donkeys may require supplemental hay if they are not maintaining good body condition with the straw and restricted grass diet (for e.g. during the winter months).
Why does my donkey bite me?
Equines bite within herds to establish dominance between individual animals and to maintain the pecking order. If your donkey has not accepted you as his undisputed leader, he may be inclined to try to bite you to establish his own dominance over you.
How do you get a donkey to trust you?
Donkeys Build Strong Bonds
- Establish a regular feeding time and always maintain it.
- Follow a routine whenever you work with your donkey.
- Handle your donkey regularly and talk with him while you groom him, bathe him, and train him.
- Always present a firm, calm, quiet demeanor.
- Avoid spoiling your donkey with treats.
Is celery good for donkeys?
6. Celery. Full of water and fiber, celery is a great treat for donkeys. Celery is a good source of potassium and very low in calories; a 110 gram portion has only 15 calories, so this is a particularly healthy vegetable for donkeys to eat (source).
Can donkeys eat cucumbers?
Yes! Donkeys can eat cucumbers and they often love them! What is this? Cucumbers are extremely healthy and can be fed to donkeys as treats.
What plants are poisonous to donkeys?
Poisonous plants
| Scientific name | Common name |
|---|---|
| Asclepias syriaca | Common milkweed |
| Astragalus | Locoweed, crazy weed, or milk vetch |
| Atropa belladonna | Deadly nightshade or belladonna |
| Baptisia | False indigo |
Are Oats good for donkeys?
You should feed your 7-month-old donkey no more than 2 cups of crimped oats mixed with an ounce of Mazola corn oil and about an ounce of a low protein vitamin supplement such as Sho Glo once a day. Feed and monitor weight gain with grass hay and pasture time.
How often should I feed my donkey?
two to three times a day
Feed your donkey hay or haylage two to three times a day.
Do donkeys need salt blocks?
A block of salt is better than nothing at all. The best is loose (granular) salt. Donkeys, mules and horses have smoother tongues than a cow and may not actually get their needed amount of salt from a block. They may end up biting the block in an attempt to get more, which can lead to teeth and jaw or tooth problems.
Can donkeys eat too much hay?
Donkeys are generally able to eat as much straw as they like to fill their bellies and keep their digestive systems moving without consuming too much energy (although testing straw before feeding is recommended as some modern strains can be higher in energy than expected).
Is alfalfa good for donkeys?
Straw is also far lower in protein than a typical grass hay and, certainly, donkeys should not be fed alfalfa due to its significantly higher protein content .
What makes a donkey mad?
Pain, environmental changes, hormonal conditions, dietary deficiencies, hearing/sight loss, skin conditions, mares in season, food intolerances, and more can all cause problematic behaviour, and so an assessment by the vet should always be your first solution if you notice a change in your donkey’s behaviour.
How can you tell if a donkey is happy?
If your donkey is in a state of high anxiety, it may rapidly move its ears back and forth. This should be read as a “Leave me the heck alone” sign. This donkey’s forward-pointing ears suggest she’s happy and alert.
How do donkeys show affection?
Donkeys communicate affection through grooming, nips, nuzzles, vocalization, and play. Donkeys only feel affection after they respect a person, so it’s important to build trust with your donkey first.
Can donkeys laugh at you?
No, donkeys can not laugh and even smile like humans. It’s Chimpanzees, gorillas, bonobos, and orangutans that can laugh.
How do you gentle a donkey?
Talk soothingly while providing food and water. Walk several feet from the food and stand or sit, talking gently, until the donkey approaches the food. Repeat the process twice a day for several days, remaining closer to the food each time until the donkey eats with you within 5 feet of the bucket.
Do donkeys eat pumpkins?
Donkeys can safely eat pumpkins including the skin, flesh and seeds. Pumpkins should be fed in moderation and only as a treat.
Elvira Bowen is a food expert who has dedicated her life to understanding the science of cooking. She has worked in some of the world’s most prestigious kitchens, and has published several cookbooks that have become bestsellers. Elvira is known for her creative approach to cuisine, and her passion for teaching others about the culinary arts.