The Search For a Better Way

It has been a joy and a privilege to share our lives with the animals on our farm.
They teach us not only about themselves,
but also about us... on a daily basis.


We strive to provide a good life for our two and four legged friends...
in meeting not only their physical needs, but their emotional needs as well.

We have received as much in return as we have given.

We could spend less time managing our animals lives,
and they would do just fine...
but just fine never seems good enough to me, and so we strive to make their lives great...
which definitely ties us down to a rather rigid schedule...
but, to us... it is a fair exchange.

We cannot fix all that is wrong with the world and its inhabitants,
but we can strive to make our little corner of the world a peaceful,
safe, and comfortable place for our critters.

You might be aware that we have been trying to help our donkeys shed a little weight.
Soaking their hay, and limiting their grazing through the use of a grazing muzzle
has definitely helped... but not enough to suit me.
And on top of that, the donkeys have been eating their fence...
a sure sign that they need more tough fiber in their diet.


After doing a little research, we found a suggestion to feed donkeys
barley straw rather than hay.
After all, donkeys come from arid, hot countries where they have to scrounge for food...
usually only finding dry, crunchy vegetation.
They are not built for the lush green grasses of our area...
which is why they get fat so easily in this part of the world.


Over the past two weeks we have been slowly introducing more barley straw
and less hay into their diets.
They are tolerating it quite well and even seem to prefer the straw.
We give them a little rinsed hay daily to top off their diet,
allow them some grazing time daily,
and a pelleted vitamin/mineral supplement daily.
They have access to a mineral salt block as well.


We carefully watched their manure as we were switching them...
making sure that the quantity and consistency were normal.
I will say... they quantity has increased while the consistency has remained the same.... 
all a good sign that they are tolerating this diet change.
They are drinking more water... which would be expected with a dryer foodstuff.


If they do not gain any weight on the barley straw (which they shouldn't)...
they will be allowed free access to it.
Having something available to chew on at all times helps to decrease boredom
as well.
I feed the straw in a low tub in the corner of their house... eating from the ground is healthiest for them.... rather than an elevated feeder.

I also read an article that says more research is being done into donkeys as well.
Apparently, they are not as well equipped to handle colder climates as horses.
This would explain why my girls prefer to remain in their shed
on rainy, snowing, and windy days...
whereas the horses don't even seem to notice the changes in weather.


In contrast, when it is hot and sunny out, the horses seek shade and the donkeys
stand in the blazing sun.

I installed a heat lamp in the donkey's shed to provide a little additional warm for winter.
They seem to enjoy basking in the glow of the lamp.


Heat lamps are a tricky thing.
They are a common cause of barn fires...
but my feeling is that this is due to improper installation and lack of attention
to safety details.
When I install a heat lamp it is always secured in at least three ways...
with fail-safe back-ups so that it can never be knocked to the ground, or against 
surface that could catch fire.
This particular lamp is secured by the lamp itself, the wire leading up to the lamp,
and also the clamp that comes with the lamp.
Nothing could knock this lamp to the ground.
And it is covered with a safety cage.
My motto has always been...Take no chances!


I am happy with the current donkey accommodations...
but will never stop searching for the best way.
I owe these girls that much...
and still... they have given me so much more in return!

Comments

Louise Stopford said…
Gorgeous girls .... and your animals certainly want for nothing. Imagine if there were more people in the world with your view - that would make this world a much, much better place for everyone (especially animals). You continue to inspire and remain positive and happy (and that happiness surely rubs off when reading your wonderful blogs - and for that I thank you).
Interesting facts about donkey digestion!
daisy g said…
Thank you for sharing your research with us. I find it fascinating! So glad that they may be able to free range on the straw. I'd be right there with them in their shed under those lamps.

Does anyone make solar or LED heat lamps? I'm just thinking they might be safer, although I know you take great pains to see that your lamps are safe.

Have a fabulous fall day!
Dee J. Hartman said…
I think I need you to help me shed a few pounds, too, Bev! Dieting and eating the right foods and the right portions go a long way toward better health. Your animals are so beautiful!!! Always looking forward to how your day has gone! It is wonderful to read good things happening in this sometimes crazy world!
This N That said…
There's always a better way !!Your girls are lucky to have you to find it.
jaz@octoberfarm said…
we should all be so lucky as to end up as a creature on bev's farm!