Post by horsesupnorth2 on Oct 1, 2013 23:07:29 GMT
I board at a small (10 horses) barn where the BO also has 3 donkeys. She and I were looking over the oldest donkey a week ago and we both agree he seems down in weight. First I just want to say that she is very, very careful about feeding her longears- our vet is so impressed that these guys are not pudgy as so many tend to get.
They are all small standards. They get timothy hay 2xday ( 2 large flakes each AM, 1-2 large flakes each PM), no grain, daily turnout from early morning to early evening in a big drylot, and occasional grazing in a small pasture, always have plenty of fresh water. They all get their annual vet checks and teeth done, and get wormers as needed.
So the boy we're concerned about is in his mid-20's best as can be told. His vision is impaired so he doesn't run around as much as the two younger ones but he walks a lot in the turnout. We both agree that he looks to have lost weight, especially in his chest area and rear end. The other two don't bully him as he has a dandy kick so he's eating his fair share. He just seems thin and pointy, not ribby. Hope that makes sense.
Since most people worry about keeping weight off a donkey, I was wondering if anyone has successfully put some weight on an older donkey? His teeth are fine. The BO is going to weight tape to keep track. Our idea was to to leave him in later in the morning and bring him in earlier (the 3 share a big stall) and increase his hay with two extra flakes of higher quality hay per day. What neither of us was sure about is if he would benefit from the addition of a small amount of senior feed? If so, approx. how much to start and build up to? Appreciate any ideas you folks have- thanks!
They are all small standards. They get timothy hay 2xday ( 2 large flakes each AM, 1-2 large flakes each PM), no grain, daily turnout from early morning to early evening in a big drylot, and occasional grazing in a small pasture, always have plenty of fresh water. They all get their annual vet checks and teeth done, and get wormers as needed.
So the boy we're concerned about is in his mid-20's best as can be told. His vision is impaired so he doesn't run around as much as the two younger ones but he walks a lot in the turnout. We both agree that he looks to have lost weight, especially in his chest area and rear end. The other two don't bully him as he has a dandy kick so he's eating his fair share. He just seems thin and pointy, not ribby. Hope that makes sense.
Since most people worry about keeping weight off a donkey, I was wondering if anyone has successfully put some weight on an older donkey? His teeth are fine. The BO is going to weight tape to keep track. Our idea was to to leave him in later in the morning and bring him in earlier (the 3 share a big stall) and increase his hay with two extra flakes of higher quality hay per day. What neither of us was sure about is if he would benefit from the addition of a small amount of senior feed? If so, approx. how much to start and build up to? Appreciate any ideas you folks have- thanks!
