Fundamentals
The donkey is frugal, (only on food quantity, not in terms of feed quality or attitude), patient, persevering brave, gentle and calm - in short, a friendly creature.
Many say the donkey is stupid and stubborn. Such stubbornness lies rather on the grounds that the donkey tries to have his way with the utmost determination. Again, this is on its origin and instinctive due to its intelligence.
The donkey, unlike the horse, has less faith in authority and needs therefore a lot of conviction, human sense and a good a relationship in order to cooperate with people.
History
The first findings of donkeys come from archaeological records and ancient art. In the Egyptian tomb of King Tutankhamen, archaeologists found depictions of donkey hunts. Donkeys were used for many purposes in the ancient times. Not only were these animals hunted but they were also domesticated. They provided a means of transportation for agricultural goods and humans themselves.
The
domesticated donkey is believed to be the descendent of the wild ass, Equss africanus. More specifically,donkeys come from the Somali and
Nubian wild asses. The
first captivity of the wild ass was in Egypt and western Asia dated back as
early as 2800 B.C. to 2500 B.C. It was not until 1000 B.C. that the donkey
became the common means of transportation through Egypt, Asia , and parts of
Europe.
Donkeys even found their way to the New World through the voyage of Christopher Columbus. He aided in the migration of these animals when he brought four males and two females to America. Once in the Americas, they were bred and produced mule offspring. The mules were used by the Spanish throughout their conquests. It was not until the gold rush thatdonkeys become increasingly important in America. During this time, donkeys were used for hauling gold around the mountainous mines.
The domestication of donkeys continues to be important today. They are used for transportation of agricultural goods, building materials, and people all over the world.
Worth knowing
The life expectancy is with appropriate care about 35-40 years. In Switzerland, the average life expectancy is due to bad attitude and lack of knowledge, unfortunately, only about 16 years.
Fully grown and resilient is the donkey with about 4-5 years. With 8 years many donkeys are getting quiet in temperament.
Height:
Miniature donkeys up to 105cm
Donkeys up to 120cm
Big ass from 121cm upwards
Keeping
Donkeys need summer and winter a stable. It offers protection against rain, snow, heat, extreme cold and flies. The movement area in front of the barn should consist of dry soil, as the donkey is a desert animal. to Moist and soft ground can damage the hooves.
The hooves must be cared of. Regular cut (approximately every 8 weeks) by a hoof carer is essential.
Coat and skin should be checked regularly for fungus and parasites.
At least 4 times a year a donkey should be dewormed.
The donkey can withstand the dry cold quite well. By contrast, it harms longer wet cold.
Donkeys are herd animals. They need contact with fellows. The herd provides them security and teaches them social behavior.
Uttilization
Reiten - 1/5 des Körpergewichts des Esel
Fahren - das zweifache des Körpergewichts
Zucht - Bedeckung ab 3.Lebensjahr, dann alle 2 Jahre
Ø The donkey has a complete different look and attitude. It drinks the water in a different way and reacts different in case of danger
Ø Its nutrition habits and its metabolism are different.
Earlier mules were especially often used for load transport through the Alps. A cargo handling was before the time of the tunnels and trucks without these animals unthinkable.
The mule is a cross between a male donkey [jack] and a female horse [mare]
The hinny is also called a mule, but is crossed between a male horse [stallion]
and a female donkey [jenny, or jennet]