Overview

Donkeys are among the most misunderstood animals kept in human care. Too often they are treated as simplified horses, low-maintenance livestock, or rustic ornaments-assumptions that quietly lead to neglect, preventable illness, and abandonment. Keeping Donkeys as Pets was written to correct those misunderstandings and to offer a clear, welfare-centered approach to donkey guardianship. This comprehensive guide presents donkey care as it truly is: a long-term commitment grounded in biology, behavior, and ethical responsibility. Drawing on current welfare principles and donkey-specific management practices, the book walks readers through every stage of responsible ownership-from the decision to acquire a donkey, through daily care and health management, to aging, special needs, and end-of-life considerations. Inside, readers will learn how donkeys differ fundamentally from horses, why overfeeding is the leading cause of serious illness, how to design safe housing and grazing systems, and how to recognize the subtle signs of pain and stress that donkeys instinctively conceal. Detailed chapters address nutrition, hoof care, veterinary planning, parasite control, handling and training, enrichment and mental well-being, companionship needs, and the ethical realities of breeding and sterilization. Written for first-time owners, experienced keepers, sanctuaries, and anyone considering donkeys as companion animals, this guide emphasizes restraint over excess, prevention over crisis, and understanding over assumption. It challenges novelty ownership while empowering readers to provide calm, competent, and compassionate care.

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