Donkeys
Donkeys belong to the Equidae family, as do horses. There are many similarities between donkeys and horses, but there are also many differences. They are more similar to ponies than horses in terms of their metabolism and diseases. We have veterinarians with special interest and experience in horses but we also see donkeys! Like horses, donkeys are herd animals and prefer to be kept in small groups. They will usually pine when a herd member is removed and fret when by themselves. Donkeys live for a long time, often longer than horses. They can live up to 40-50 years provided they remain healthy. The key to a healthy donkey (or any animal) is preventative care. Please see our Donkey Handout for good tips on how to keep your donkey healthy. If you have any questions in regards to caring for your donkey or your donkey appears unwell, don’t hesitate to contact us.
One of our clients, Linda Jay, is part of the Donkey Society of Victoria and has written a good article about the Donkey Festival that was held in Wesburn. To read her article, click here.