It makes good bedding too! Wed need an acre per pig to be compliant with our local laws. 1. A backyard farm must have chickens! Before determining which exact minerals your miniature donkey needs to thrive, consult a veterinarian who specializes in equines. Thats probably why you found this article, right? Salt in block form is also imperative for strong miniature donkey health and well-being. Stick with these basics, converse with your veterinarian or nutritionist, and get to know the individual residents within your care. While donkeys produce some of the vitamins they need during the digestive process, most others are accessible in forage. As weve been building our backyard homestead, weve quickly realized that space is the limiting factor. Then, I look at how the various species would interact together. Cons to Keeping 2+ Species of Livestock Together. In this article you'll learn: Why donkeys shouldn't eat goat feed Donkeys, like dogs, and other animals, can even reproduce with similar species. As always, develop diet plans or make diet changes under the counsel of your veterinarian or equine nutritionist. To ensure you are getting an accurate amount of concentrates to feed, fill the designated scoop and weigh it, then subtract the weight of the empty scoop from the total weight (or tare the scale with an empty scoop on it). They will chew on your fences, trees, and barns, and are pushy, mouthy, and needy. In our area, we cant have pigs we dont have enough space. Learning from your own experience is important, but learning from others is also smart. Just know it takes an awful lot of planning, so it may be too much work for your liking. These differences can be partially explained by the donkey's unique physiology. Chaff is just pre-chopped forage (a mix of straw and hay). One important note this chart is not small. Straw is low in protein and can be a good source of forage for donkeys as they are able to digest it and pull more nutrients from it than is generally possible. After it has been soaked, it needs to be used within 24 hours. The only modern donkeys that might have come close are the American Mammoth Jacks - male donkeys that are unusually large. You can choose to pair them with cows, other cattle, donkeys, or llamas for a flerding plus reaping more produce from the same little paddock situation. Horses are amazing, beautiful creatures. However, our backyard homestead is 0.5 acres which means we cannot keep pigs at all. However, be sure to look for high fiber pellets designed for laminitic individuals (low in sugar) or other feed that your veterinarian or equine nutritionist may recommend for certain health issues. If donkeys arent provided with large amounts of forage throughout the day, it can have psychological effects in addition to physical ones. Otherwise, a small handful as a treat now and then may be okay. So you can raise different breeds of cows together. However, other populations may require some sort of concentrate in their diet. Introduction The donkey is a herbivore. Youll notice that I did give you answers on keeping an animal with itself. Llamas can be great guard animals for other types of livestock, while alpacas can give soft, amazing fiber that makes some amazing blankets and clothing. So far, weve kept 12 chickens and 2 Nigerian dwarf goats. But there are two things to watch out for: hooves and feed-stealing. Water is an important part of keeping resident donkeys healthy. It can be concluded that copper toxicity does occur in horses and may arise from several sources and/or be associated with predisposing dietary factors. Signs Of Concern With ForageIf forage is damp, yellow, brown or gray or black, musty smelling, full of weeds, poisonous plants, blister beetles, inedible objects, or has fully matured hay or straw seeds, do not feed it to residents! Although cows and their calves don't appear to need protection from coyotes or roving canines, they do. Weather conditions tend to influence the cutting season - late May to July. And, according to my research, its totally safe for the chickens, as long as the cows havent been recently dewormed. Not only are their feed and water requirements totally different, but I have heard stories about mallards who get too fond of hens, and the hens dont survive. If my plans cant keep both animals reasonably safe, then Ill scrap the plan and start over. How much asparagus can donkeys eat? What are the preferred eating habits and styles of this animal? This changes to 50% straw and 25% hay or haylage in winter. Sudden changes in diet can lead to serious health issues, such as colic and laminitis. It also doesnt make good bedding like barley straw does. While I would be warier keeping goats and sheep together, Id also be fine keeping alpacas or llamas with sheep or goats. Just remember that goats are like the acrobatic escape artists of the animal world. Sometimes this is fed in place of long-stemmed hay and straw. The Green, Blue and Grey Water Footprint of Farm Animals and Animal Products., A Whole Llama Fun: Alpacas And Llamas As Pets.. Harm can occur intentionally or unintentionally and directly or indirectly. But even so, its a piggy trait that also needs to be a known factor before you house pigs with other animals. Now, one other thing to notice about the columns. Legume hays, such as alfalfa and clover, are too high in protein to feed to healthy adult donkeys, though you may be able to offer as a treat or mix a small amount with grass hay, if recommended by a veterinarian or equine nutritionist. Concerns About ConcentratesThere is a correlation between diets high in concentrates and gastric ulcers, wood chewing/cribbing, colic, and laminitis. Given the growing number of cases, the . Ducks are the perfect addition if you prefer chemical-free insect control in the wetter sections of your pasture. What is especially alarming is that some cases are preventable. Daily time spent in pasture (assuming there is forage in the pasture), Lick-It hanging treats due to the high amount of sugar. They reported to me that the cow ended up loving the rabbits and would even groom them! Your veterinarian can help you decide which minerals are necessary for your animal. Camelids (like llamas and alpacas) are another amazing group of animals. Personally, Id keep any horses in a separate pasture and use pasture rotation if I could. Pigs can live with other types of animals in theory, yes. Remember: These are treats, and should be given sparingly! This results in a lower need for protein in their diet. My biggest tips are these: keep the goats out of the chicken feed and keep everyones water clean. You let the species with the highest nutrient needs go in first, followed by those who are less picky. Special populations may require more or less of certain minerals. The joys of technology, right? Llamas could also work. They also poop everywhere, so make sure you know what to expect about goats, poop, and hygiene.CowHensRabbitGoatSheepHorseLlamaAlpacaDuckPig**GoatsYesYesCR*CR*CR*YesCR*CR*YesYes. You can have donkeys, horses, and llamas do the same thing. Donkeys can mate with zebras and . Could one animal species accidentally or purposely hurt the other one? Personally, I dont think Id try it, though. You can have donkeys, horses, and llamas do the same thing. We would recommend feeding only one handful-sized portion maximum per day. Goat Forage Preference . We are compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies at no extra cost to you, our readers. While carbohydrates can be broken down into fiber, starches, and sugars, fiber (straw, hay, and grass) is definitely the carbohydrate donkeys need in a greater quantity. 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. Be sure to regularly check the body condition and weight of your donkey residents so you will be able to notice changes and adjust their diet accordingly. Id be more hesitant to keep alpacas with them, simply because theyre about 10-15% of the weight of a horse. Welcome to Copper Star Miniature Donkeys. BackyardHomesteadHQ.com participates in select affiliate advertising programs, including the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. Non-Compassionate Source?If a source includes the (Non-Compassionate Source) tag, it means that we do not endorse that particular sources views about animals, even if some of their insights are valuable from a care perspective. Donkeys have an impressive ability to internally recycle nitrogen, which is part of amino acids consumed in protein sources. We dont recommend legume hays as part of a diet for donkeys, though an equine nutritionist or veterinarian may recommend some for certain individuals for health-related reasons. Are there any care issues between the species that could be a problem? Once you know all of that information, you can then make an informed decision (or guess) as to whether or not it would be safe to keep those two animals together. However, donkey residents should have continuous access to clean water sources. If I think that I can keep both species together with a minimal-to-reasonable amount of accommodations, then Ill go ahead and draw up plans for keeping them together. Despite your best efforts, its possible that some animals just cant play nicely with others. Prevent deficiencies from happening by making sure your miniature donkey always has minerals in his surroundings, whether in loose or block form. Based on my research, cows are not usually affected by goat-specific parasites, so cows and goats can be kept together. Beneficial microorganisms in a donkeys hindgut are able to break down all that structural fiber and turn it into an excellent source of energy. When a donkey mates with a horse, together they create a mule. Provide only small amounts of treats such as certain fruits and veggies. Managing livestock using animal behavior: mixed-species stocking and flerds., BeefTalk: Sheep and Cows: Some Do and Some Do Not., Grazing Strategies: Meat & Livestock Australia., How to Reduce Heat Stress in Dairy Cattle., Mekonnen, M.M., and A.Y. Oh, and just in case youre wondering if you should get male, gelded male, or female camelids? Skip the intact males unless youre aiming to breed. Zinc helps keep hair in optimal condition. An experienced veterinarian or equine nutritionist will be able to guide your choices and recommend certain dietary guidelines for individuals based on the factors present for that donkey. Providing donkey-safe browse in the form of leafy branches and shrubs and hanging them or placing them around their living space can encourage those natural browsing behaviors. They also do not like waterlogged housing or heat-stress. So given that information, lets look at some reasons to keep different animals together. Weve got our half of an acre and we love it. In my area of Utah, Id need at least an acre per pig in my backyard. Does this animal carry a parasite that could harm the other species? Be on the lookout for a change in behavior or other signs of a health issue, as their diet may be a contributing factor. However, the more animals you add to the mix, then the more this becomes less and less true. The donkey is a domesticated equine. Rotation or Rest-Rotation grazing animals are rotated through pastures in single-species or mixed-species groups, with some pastures (or parts of pastures) being empty to rest and regrow. You really do have to be thoughtful, deliberate, and intentional about how you do things. This, of course, will vary between individuals and should be discussed with an equine nutritionist or veterinarian. Visit any farm with donkeys on it, and eventually, you'll see a baby donkey or two running around. When figuring out your miniature donkeys diet, recruit the trusty assistance of your veterinarian. Ducks and chickens can be kept together, but it is a risk. Youre always welcome to prove to be the exception. They also go well with most ruminants and other animals in most regards. Copper Star Farm's vision is to breed donkeys with correct conformation, various colors, sweet personalities, and a high pedigree. Forage high in protein and/or sugar should be avoided as it causes health issues. Daily Diet, Treats, & Supplements For Donkeys, Add a header to begin generating the table of contents. If not using mineral blocks, salt licks can be provided for them to seek out as they see fit. A diet high in concentrates can lead to a number of health issues, most notably. This is to let you know that different breeds of the same animal are generally compatible together. I also like to ask myself this question: Does this individual animal have any behavior issues that would make living with other animals (of the same or different species) impossible? Of course, it does depend on how many cows youve got. Cows, in general, get along with other cows the best! Finally, they also go well with most other species of livestock. A diet low in forage is sure to cause a host of. Test forage for nutritional analysis. Just be smart about who you put into a pasture or shelter with your camelids.CowHensRabbitGoatSheepHorseLlamaAlpacaDuckPig**LlamaYesCR*CR*CR*CR*YesYesYesCR*YesAlpacasYesCR*CR*CR*CR*YesYesYesCR*Yes. Donkeys are browsers as well as grazers. The average height of donkeys today is 130cm (51 inches/12 hands). Goats are amazing animals. With the risk of parasites, it may be safest to rotate pastures if youre getting sheep and you have enough space. A healthy adult donkeys diet should generally be composed of about 75% straw and 25% of hay/haylage or grass during the summer and changes to 50% straw and 50% hay/ haylage in the winter. Make sure the supplementation caters to equines, period. Personally, Im not a huge fan of keeping ducks because theyre a lot messier than chickens. For a bigger list of things toxic to donkeys, check out our resource here. Apples provide donkeys with calcium which will help their bone and tooth formation and development. If given concentrates, meals should be split into smaller portions, given throughout the day to prevent colic. But just in case you have to know which animals Im scared of thanks to movies, its pigs and sharks. However, in my research, I did find some homesteaders in countries outside the USA who kept rabbits and cows together safely. You may find yourself in an area or time without straw, and while this would be unfortunate, you can talk to a nutritionist or vet about the best hay to feed them that would allow them to trickle feed as much as possible without causing levels of protein and sugar that are unhealthy to your residents. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. So lets look at some of the pros and cons of keeping different livestock together. Additionally, some donkeys are more likely to chew and savor the flavors, while others will inhale treats, making them a potential choking hazard. However, other personalities might not ever be safe around one another, especially dogs who are more prone to chasing or aggression, which could stress out the donkey, cause injuries, or worse. Dont get too stressed though! Haylage is chopped forage that has been cut, chopped, baled, and wrapped in plastic while the moisture content is higher. Beet pulp can come in concentrated cubes and shreds, and must be thoroughly soaked before being given to residents. Absolutely DO NOT give donkey residents mineral blocks intended for other species as they may contain toxic levels of certain minerals. They're stoical, pragmatic, intelligent, and they have astonishing memories. Add to Favorites Jesus Mary and Joseph and the Wee Donkey Mug, Funny Quote Mug, TV Mug, Irish Saying Mug, Bent Coppers . There are two general ways to adopt a . Keeping chickens with sheep shouldnt be too different. Donkeys synthesize B and K(2) vitamins. It is advisable to have water heaters during freezing temperatures, as it allows continuous access to water and also encourages them to drink more. . However, pigs can also hurt chickens. It should never be fed to residents as a replacement for straw and hay. If you can keep them out of the other animals water source, then the risk goes down a ton. If providing mineral licks, be sure that they dont contain molasses and know that it can be difficult to determine if everyone is getting enough. Every donkey is different, and a variety of factors can influence how much forage is consumed, how much additional hay should be given, and how much, if any, concentrates should be a part of an individuals diet. Chaff products can also contain varying types of hays, so it is important look for products suitable for equines with laminitis. However, if I had to keep horses with any other animals, then other horses, cows, and goats are probably some of the safest options. Despite this, it can provide a nutritious, fibrous supplement to tempt sick residents to eat. Make sure you read these articles Ive researched and written for answers. Forage that is lacking in certain nutrients can be supplemented with a good forage balancer recommended by your veterinarian. Hemera Technologies/PhotoObjects.net/Getty Images, Contents of Trace Mineral & Salt Blocks for Horses. These differences are important to know as they impact how you will feed your donkey residents! But first, let me explain to you how to read it. Thats why I wouldnt keep rabbits with horses. This should be discussed with your veterinarian. This is a symbiotic relation.. The one that really shocked me as being safe to keep with cows was rabbits. The right plan can even keep predators at bay. Of course, forage varies in quality, so its important to have pasture and other forage tested to ensure it provides all the necessary nutrients for residents, not too few or too many. However, I did take a step back and realize that my standards are perhaps a little bit different than some worldwide standards for keeping different species together. In my research, I found that pigs can also be a decent companions for horses. Pasture rotation works better than sharing. You may need to prevent access entirely, depending on the health and advice of your veterinarian. Were trying to add alpacas to our backyard homestead and alpacas need clean, poop-free water. For example, its usually okay and safe to keep a couple of breeds of cows together (as long as you dont mind some cross-breeding).

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