Anne Ford

I wish there were replies to this post, as I am wondering the same thing.
We have overweight mini donks, and I'd love for them to be able to run freely through our pasture, but everything I'm reading online says to limit grass consumption.
There is also conflicting advice on whether to feed them hay in the summer. While some say they shouldn't be eating the rich grass as their main diet, others say foraging and grazing in the summer is enough and we shouldn't supplement with hay.
Also confusing to me is my donks seem to prefer the hay to the pasture grass. 🤷‍♀️

Hello all!
We planted a new apple tree sapling about 3 weeks ago and it has been growing very well. This past week I noticed the leaves curling in and upwards.
Anyone know what the cause is? There are no parasites or fungus that can be seen, and although we had a good 2 week drought, I did water it daily. I live in northern Illinois.

I did it! I got Walter's lead on! I had it in my hand, and he knew it, but I kept talking to him and giving him sugar cubes.
Then I reached under his chin and clicked it on. He bolted, to the left, then to the right, tried to run out of the barn. I just stood still and held my ground,  all the while talking to him.
He abruptly stopped fighting me, then accepted another sugar cube. I immediately removed the lead then and praised and praised him. Whew!
I was worried he would be "traumatized" from our lesson and would be angry with me, but when I left and returned to his pasture, he came running over just like before. Double whew!
I have no idea what I'm doing, but I hope its a method that works.

Thank you, Cady.
I am learning as I work with them every day what draws them in, and what makes them shy away. They love watching us do projects in their pasture and are so curious. It feels like it has been a very slow progress with them, and sometimes I think they will never get used to people or like our company. I don't think they have had much positive interactions with humans before they came to us.  But then they will surprise me and let me.....touch their ears for the first time, or come running to me when they see me instead of ignoring my arrival.. I still can't get them used to the kind of handling they will need for foot trimming or the vet, but I hope I can get them there before their feet grow out.
They definitely set their own timeline; they like attention until they don't. I've found they even have a preference for what time of the day I interact with them, so I try to use that to my advantage.  I try not to push them and let them set their own pace and make every interaction really enjoyable for them.
I am going to try to attach a lead to Walter's halter tonight, (with treats galore!), and let him see that nothing horrible is happening to him. Wish me luck!  Baby steps.

Thanks for your reply! I will keep an eye on it.

And thank you for the handling tips. I have now been trying to get his halter back ON, because we have a vet appointment in a couple weeks.
Of course , as soon as he sees the lead or halter in my hands, he bolts. So my tactic has been to get a chair and sit in the pasture, WITH the halter in my lap. He is curious and watchs me.
Eventually he approaches, and I praise him and pet him, all the while with the halter in plain view. I keep the halter in my hands as I give him treats. I'm hoping soon he will allow me to slip it over his head.
He has worn halters his whole life, so he knows exactly what it is I'm trying to do. Hope this works.

Thanks everyone. This bare area on Walter's rump started a few weeks ago, and I thought it was just matted fur at 1st, but now its obvious he's lost quite a bit of hair. Is this normal winter shedding, or a type of mange or parasite? I'd love to know what you think.

Could anyone tell me how to upload a photo on this site? My donkey has some kind of skin condition developing, and I was hoping someone out there might offer suggestions as to what it could be.

Thanks Thomas. We will!

Hi Thomas.
Thank you for your reply. We adopted these geldings just as pets and enjoyment. I wish I knew what their history was. I tried to tie a lead to one of their halters a couple weeks ago, and he is still mad at me. Lol.
So far, one of them has let me pet him over his back and down 1 leg for about 20 seconds before he moves away. Hopefully I keep making progress before they need any medical attention or trimming!