Strong, intelligent, dependable, friendly, and extremely versatile, donkeys are the perfect farm companion. Whether you use your animal to pull carts, till fields, or protect livestock, you’ll benefit from this practical and inspirational guide to working with and caring for your donkey. Providing expert advice on selecting the right breed for your needs, daily maintenance, training, and first aid, Sue Weaver also includes plenty of fun facts and charming donkey anecdotes. Raise a happy and healthy donkey!
Sue Weaver has written hundreds of magazine articles and many books about livestock, horses, and chickens, includingThe Backyard Cow, The Backyard Goat, The Backyard Sheep, StoreyandThe Donkey Companion. Weaver and her husband share their ridgetop farmette in the southern Ozarks with an array of animal friends.
Preface: Why Keep Donkeys?
Acknowledgments
Part 1: Donkey Primer
1 Meet the Donkey
A Basic Brayer Lexicon * Donkeys Aren't Horses * Out of Africa * Brayers on the Move * Donkeys in Myth
2 Born to Be Wild
The African Wild Ass * The Asiatic Wild Ass * The Kiang
3 The Breed You Need
Which Breed? * Closing In * Popular North American Breeds * Evaluating Donkeys
4 A Donkey of Your Own
Finding a Veterinarian * Finding Breeders * Adopting a Wild Burro * Adopting a Rescued Donkey * Transporting Donkeys
5 Donkey Behavior
Donkey Behaviors, A to Z * Donkey Whispering
Part 2: Donkey Care
6 Tack and Shelter
Halters * Leads * Shelter Options * Gimme Water * Fencing Makes Good Neighbors
7 Feeding Your Donkey
Hay * Grass and Browse * Nosebag Know-How
8 Grooming and Hoof Care
The Tools of the Trade * Grooming Overview * Bathing * Sheath Cleaning * Freeze Factor * Finding and Keeping a Top-Notch Farrier * Can This Hoof Be Saved?
9 Parasite Control
Internal Parasites *l3á
![The Donkey Companion: Selecting, Training, Breeding, Enjoying Caring for Donkeys [Paperback]](/itemImage/2/1/6/5/2_5471763.jpg "The Donkey Companion: Selecting, Training, Breeding, Enjoying Caring for Donkeys [Paperback]")