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Donkey Care Instructions
We’ve created these basic care instructions outlining the practices we use for our donkey herd. This is not a comprehensive list, as needs can vary by region. Depending on where you live, different disease prevention methods and vaccines may be necessary. Consider this a general guideline based on our herd’s routine. For the best results, consult with a trusted local veterinarian and adjust the plan to fit your specific needs.
SHELTER:
Although donkeys are hardy animals, they still need access to proper shelter year-round. Unlike horses, donkeys do not have a naturally waterproof coat. Their hair tends to absorb water rather than shed it, making them more susceptible to becoming chilled during cold, wet weather.
Your donkey should always have access to a three-sided shelter, loafing shed, or barn where it can get out of the rain, snow, wind, and intense summer sun. The shelter should be large enough for all donkeys in the herd to comfortably stand inside at the same time without one animal preventing another from entering.
A dry place to lie down is just as important as protection from the weather. Bedding such as straw or shavings can help keep the shelter clean, dry, and comfortable, especially during wet or muddy seasons.
In the winter, shelter protects donkeys from cold winds and freezing precipitation. While healthy donkeys grow a thick winter coat and tolerate cold temperatures well, they still need a dry place to escape harsh weather. During the summer, shade is equally important to help prevent overheating and provide relief from the hot afternoon sun.
Donkeys should also have access to fresh, clean water at all times. In freezing temperatures, be sure their water source stays thawed so they can continue drinking throughout the day.
A simple, dry shelter, plenty of fresh water, and good ventilation go a long way toward keeping your donkey healthy and comfortable in every season.
FEED:
Donkey Nutrition Basics
Although donkeys and horses are both members of the equine family, their digestive systems are not the same, and they have very different nutritional needs. Donkeys evolved in harsh, desert environments where food was scarce and often low in quality. Because of this, they developed an incredibly efficient digestive system that allows them to extract the maximum amount of nutrition from rough forage.
This efficiency means that what is healthy for a horse can actually be too rich for a donkey. High-protein feeds, rich pasture, grain, alfalfa, and sugary treats can quickly cause a donkey to become overweight. Excess weight doesn't just affect their appearance—it can lead to serious health problems such as laminitis (founder), metabolic disorders, and strain on their joints and hooves.
Donkeys do best on a simple, high-fiber diet made up primarily of good-quality grass hay with fresh, clean water and free-choice loose minerals formulated for equines. Treats should be given sparingly, and body condition should be monitored regularly. Remember: a healthy donkey should be fit, not fat. When in doubt, it is almost always better to feed a donkey less rather than more.
At Evans Acres, our donkeys are raised on a forage-based diet, and we encourage new owners to continue feeding them accordingly to help them live long, healthy lives.
Hay/Straw:
We feed our donkeys free-choice wheat straw in slow-feed hay nets. Straw provides fiber while being much lower in calories than hay, allowing donkeys to satisfy their natural desire to graze throughout the day without consuming excessive calories. Using slow-feed nets also helps extend eating time, reducing boredom and mimicking a more natural grazing pattern.
In addition to straw, we feed good-quality grass hay once each day. During Utah's cold winter months, we increase the amount of grass hay to provide additional calories needed to help maintain body condition and stay warm.
As a general guideline, donkeys should consume approximately 2% of their body weight in forage each day. An average adult miniature donkey weighs around 250 pounds, so their total daily forage intake should be about 5 pounds.
For most healthy adult miniature donkeys, that daily forage consists of:
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Free-choice wheat straw available throughout the day in a slow-feed net.
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Approximately 2½ pounds of grass hay daily, adjusting the amount as needed to maintain a healthy body condition.
Every donkey is an individual. Age, activity level, pregnancy, lactation, health, and climate can all affect nutritional needs. The balance between straw and grass hay can be increased or decreased as needed to keep your donkey at an ideal weight. The goal is a donkey that is well-conditioned—not too thin and not overweight.
One of the easiest ways to monitor your donkey's body condition is by feeling along the top of its neck. A healthy donkey's neck should feel firm and muscular, not soft or squishy. As donkeys begin to gain excess weight, they often develop a fatty crest along the top of the neck. This is one of the earliest signs that your donkey is consuming more calories than it needs.
Make it a habit to run your hand along the crest of your donkey's neck every week or two. If you notice the neck becoming thicker or developing a soft, fatty feel, it's time to reduce calories by cutting back on grass hay, rich pasture, or treats. Continuing to offer free-choice straw while adjusting the richer forage is often an effective way to help your donkey return to a healthy body condition.
Remember, it's much easier—and healthier—to prevent obesity than it is to help an overweight donkey lose weight. A lean donkey is a healthier donkey.
Understanding donkey body condition scoring (BCS) is a valuable tool to determine whether your animals are receiving too much or too little feed.
Grains and Treats:
For most healthy donkeys, grain is unnecessary and should generally be avoided. Unlike horses, donkeys do not need oats, sweet feed, textured grain mixes, or other high-calorie concentrates for everyday maintenance. Feeding these products can quickly lead to obesity and increase the risk of serious health problems, including laminitis.
If you'd like to spoil your donkey a little, treats are perfectly fine—in moderation. We occasionally give our donkeys apple-flavored horse treats, and they absolutely love them! Just remember that treats should be an occasional reward, not a regular part of their diet. A few treats at a time is plenty.
During Utah's cold winter months, we will occasionally scatter a small amount of whole corn for our donkeys. This is done sparingly and only as an occasional source of extra calories during periods of extreme cold. Whole corn should not become a daily feed or replace a forage-based diet.
The healthiest diet for a donkey is a simple one: plenty of fiber, very little grain, and treats only in moderation.
MINERALS:
A trace mineral block with selenium should be available to your donkeys year-round. Mineral needs can vary depending on your region, so it’s a good idea to ask your local feed store or veterinarian about common deficiencies in your area and adjust supplementation accordingly.
HOOF CARE:
Routine hoof care is one of the most important parts of keeping your donkey healthy. Like horses, a donkey's hooves grow continuously and must be trimmed regularly to maintain proper balance and prevent lameness.
Hoof trimming can be done by a qualified local farrier, or many owners choose to learn to do it themselves. With some self-education, practice, and the help of quality instructional resources (including YouTube videos), many donkey owners become comfortable maintaining their own donkeys' feet.
How often a donkey needs a trim depends on the individual, their age, activity level, the terrain they live on, and how quickly their hooves grow. As a general guideline, miniature donkeys need their hooves trimmed approximately every 3–4 months. Some may need trims a little sooner, while others can comfortably go a bit longer.
It's a good idea to pick up and inspect your donkey's feet regularly. Watch for overgrowth, cracks, loose stones, or signs of soreness. Keeping up with routine trims is much easier—and healthier—than trying to correct severely overgrown hooves.
VACCINES:
Vaccinations are an important part of keeping your donkey healthy and protecting them from preventable diseases. We recommend working with your veterinarian to develop a vaccination schedule that fits your area and your donkey's individual risk factors, including:
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Tetanus – Protects against tetanus ("lockjaw"), a potentially fatal disease that enters the body through wounds.
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Eastern & Western Equine Encephalomyelitis (EEE/WEE) – Mosquito-borne diseases that affect the nervous system.
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West Nile Virus – Another mosquito-borne disease that can cause severe neurological illness.
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Rabies – Protects both your donkey and the people and animals around them.
These vaccines are commonly administered together as part of an annual veterinary wellness visit.
Depending on your location and your donkey's exposure to other equines, your veterinarian may also recommend:
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Equine Influenza
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Equine Herpesvirus (Rhinopneumonitis/EHV-1 & EHV-4)
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Strangles
DEWORMING:
While many veterinarians now recommend using fecal egg counts to determine when deworming is needed, we have chosen to keep our herd on a simple, consistent schedule by deworming at every hoof trim. Since our donkeys are typically trimmed every 3–4 months, this creates an easy routine that helps us stay on track.
We rotate between the following dewormers:
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Ivermectin
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Fenbendazole
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Pyrantel Pamoate
Rotating dewormers helps reduce the risk of parasite resistance while targeting a broader range of internal parasites. These are the products our veterinarian recommends for our herd and our region.
Every farm is different. Climate, stocking density, pasture management, and local parasite pressures all influence the best deworming program. Be sure to work with your local veterinarian to develop a parasite control plan that is appropriate for your donkeys and your area.
LOVE & ATTENTION:
The most important part! If there's one thing we've learned from raising donkeys, it's this: donkeys need hugs!
Donkeys are incredibly social, affectionate animals that thrive on companionship and interaction. They don't just tolerate people—they genuinely enjoy spending time with them. Don't be surprised if your donkey meets you at the gate, follows you around the pasture, or leans in for scratches and hugs. They love being part of whatever you're doing.
Spend time with your donkey beyond feeding and chores. Brush them, take them for walks, scratch their favorite itchy spots, or simply sit with them in the pasture. These little moments build trust and strengthen the bond between you.
Of course, donkeys should also have the companionship of another donkey or compatible equine, as they are herd animals and do not do well living alone. But there is something special about the relationship they develop with their people.
We often tell people that while your donkey will appreciate the hugs, you'll be the one who benefits the most. There's just something about the quiet, gentle nature of a donkey that has a way of making every day a little better. They truly are nature's anti-depressant.
Welcome to the wonderful world of donkey ownership—we're excited for you and your new long-eared friend!
The information in this guide is intended to provide a solid foundation for caring for your miniature donkey, but it is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. There are many successful ways to care for donkeys, and you'll likely find what works best for your herd through experience.
One of the best things you can do as a new donkey owner is to build a support team. Connect with experienced donkey owners in your area, establish a relationship with a trusted large-animal veterinarian, and don't hesitate to ask questions at your local feed store. These resources, combined with careful observation of your own animals, will help you develop a care program that fits your herd, your management style, and your local conditions.
At Evans Acres, we are always happy to answer questions about the donkeys you've purchased from us. We want every donkey to thrive in its new home and are here to help if you need us.
