Donkey

Donkey (Equusasinus)

Phylum —chordata
Class — mammalia
Order — perissodactyla
Family — equidae

Genus – equus

Appearance

Depending on the breed, donkeys can be 90-163 cm tall. The weight of adult animals is from 200 to 400 kg. The color depends on the breed.The donkey has a tail with a tassel at the end, like a cow`s one.

Behavior

Donkeys understand the limit of their physical capabilities and do not allow a person to cross it, piling an impossible burden, or forcing the donkey to work until complete exhaustion. Therefore, animals are consideredto be stubborn. When a person deserves the trust of donkeys, they can become a friendly partner and very reliable in their work. Although research on their behavior and intelligence is fairly sparse, donkeys are thought to be quite intelligent, cautious, friendly, playful, and eager to learn.

Diet

A donkey feeds grassy and shrubby vegetation.

Reproduction

The breeding season for domestic donkeysis  most often in spring and early summer, but it does not have a clear timeline. Normal pregnancy is considered to last from 11 to 14 months. Most often one foal is born, rarely two. The donkey eats milk up to 6-9 months, and begins to taste grass two weeks after birth.

Life expectancy can range from 30 to 50 years.

Care

Much like horses, donkeys prefer a farm-like setting with fields of grass for grazing. It's recommended to keep one donkey per one acre of land. Donkeys are expected to escape that`s why secure fencing is essential. Donkeys need a sheltered stall to get out of the weather, feel protected and as a safe place to sleep. Donkeys do not like to get their feet wet and should not be kept in stagnant water. The floor of their stall should be dirty and covered with a layer of insulating straw in the winter. Cleaning is easier with a dirt floor; only the droppings need daily removal as urine soaks into the ground.

Prior to domestication, donkeys walked many miles daily to fulfill their nutritional needs. They often become obese in the lazy life of captivity. Pet donkeys should have regular exercise, along with their fulfilling diet. An overweight donkey may contract laminitis, causing chronic veterinary issues and possibly death. To keep track of your pet's weight, purchase a weigh band from the local feed store. Many foods are harmful for donkeys and should be kept out of reach. These deadly foods include chicken feed, bread, rotting fruit, horse nuts, pellet pet foods and grains. Donkeys need fresh water and often drink 6 to 8 gallons a day. Pet owners often use a refillable tub or barrel for water. Donkeys require mineral supplements in the form of a mineral-lick, placed near their water supply.

Donkeys need regular grooming and also frequent farrier and veterinary attention. Your donkey's hooves grow continuously and his feet need trimming every 12 weeks. Donkeys contract a variety of internal worms from the fecally contaminated grasses they eat and should be wormed quarterly. Your farrier, or veterinarian, can worm your donkey using worming paste. Your pet donkey's teeth need to be examined by an equine dentists every two years. Donkeys are always at risk for a lice infestation. Delousing powder should be used every three weeks. If it is in vane, even after delousing, call your veterinarian. Flies cause a lot of problems for your donkey and equine fly repellent should be used regularly, avoiding his eyes. Roll on repellent can be used around sensitive areas.