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Donkeys require 4-8 gallons of UNFROZEN water per day.
An equine's requirement for water does NOT decrease in cold weather and may increase as they expend more energy shivering to stay warm.
A 5-gallon bucket once or twice a day is NOT sufficient in winter as it may freeze in an hour or less.
Most donkeys/mules/horses will NOT break the ice with their sensitive noses.
A dehydrated equine may not drink even if dehydrated. It will become
fussy with its food and eventually stop eating all together.
A large animal owner should locate and store their supply of hay for the year in summer and early fall. They will save in money and worry come next February!
Horses often require additional grain, concentrate and/or alfalfa hay.
A normal, non-nursing adult donkey doesn't need these extra types of protein supplements.
Each animal is an individual. Contact a local vet for the dietary requirements
of a particular animal.
A heater will cost about $25.
Plumbing a close-by frost-free hydrant (faucet) and/or wiring for a
close-by electrical outlet will be the best investment for the comfort
of the animals AND owner, come the bitter winter winds!
It may be necessary to reconfigure fence lines so power and water are within reach. (It may be cheaper than actually installing the water and power.) BE CREATIVE.
Dump and refill tanks on weekends (every 7 to 10 days). Clean water is IMPORTANT!
If power is off and the water tank freezes, keep a 5-gallon bucket brigade going 4-5 times a day to the animals. It is the price that is paid for the privilege of owning a large animal.
Draining a hose in winter can be a problem. A short hose can be cleared by simply blowing hard into one end. If an air compressor is available, put it to use clearing longer hoses. Then roll up and store the hose in an above-freezing location.
Slipping the hose up over a close-by tree limb so it rests 50/50 on each side of the limb is an easy way to keep a hose clear. Shake out the end so droplets don't clog the lines. Leave it there until you need to use it again.
Or, install a large screw eye on your barn wall, pole or tree. Place it roughly 1/2 as high as your hose. Run a clothesline which is about 3 times as long as your hose, through the "eye" and attach a large hook or clip to one end. Slide the clip along the hose until it is at the hose's midpoint. Pull on the opposite end of the clothesline until the hose is hoisted to the screw eye and the hose is draining.
Tie off the free end where it can be reached by human hands but not by mischievous lips.
B.R.R.R.O. welcomes all donkeys, in any condition, and will provide a safe, comfortable home with proper veterinary and farrier care, at no cost to its former owner.
Healthy donkeys are found homes with screened adopters. Aged, ailing and lame animals have a permanent home.
All contributions are tax deductible and go directly to the care, feed and housing of these indomitable long-eared equines.
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