Synopses & Reviews
Friendly, dependable, intelligent, and easy to care for, donkeys are increasingly prized by small-scale farmers, horse lovers, and animal enthusiasts. Already, there are hundreds of thousands of donkeys and mules in the U.S., and their population is growing steadily. Donkeys not only pull carts, carry riders, and tote gear for hikers, but they also make terrific stable companions and livestock guardians, and they are renowned for their skills in transport, raising water, milling, and farm tillage. They're also gentle with children and the elderly, making them a popular therapy animal and family pet.
Readers will come to understand this versatile animal, and through understanding will become skilled, satisfied owners. The Donkey Companion offers detailed information about different breeds and types; provides tips for finding and selecting the right animal; explains donkeys' daily care and health requirements; and guides readers through the nuances of training, riding, driving, and breeding. The book is enhanced with fun facts, training tips, quotes, photographs, illustrations, and additional resources. From foaling to first aid, and from grooming to professional showing, this extensive guide offers everything a donkey owner needs to get the most out of this gentle, hardworking animal.
Review
"The Donkey Companion is the most complete, up-to-date reference of its kind. The book offers readers a walk through the wonder and capabilities of this equine species, with keen insight into the differences between donkey and horse."
Sir ReadALot.org
Synopsis
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
Synopsis
In The Donkey Companion, Sue Weaver provides everything a donkey owner needs to know. She offers detailed information about different breeds and types of donkeys; explains how to find and select the right animal; addresses daily care and health requirements; and guides readers through the nuances of training, riding, driving, and breeding. The book is enhanced with fun facts, training tips, quotes, photographs, illustrations, and information on additional resources. From foaling to first aid, from grooming to professional showing, this extensive guide has everything a donkey owner needs to get the most out of this gentle, hardworking animal.
Synopsis
Friendly, dependable, and intelligent, donkeys are wonderfully adept at protecting livestock and pulling loads yet make spirited racing partners and gentle stable companions. And their heart-felt braying, ever-alert ears, and expressive brown eyes earn them special status as beloved farm pets.
Give your donkey the best possible care, admire his place in history, and laugh at his charms. Training tips, valuable advice, fun facts, quotes, and colorful anecdotes are all included in this comprehensive, up-to-date guide to the versatile donkey.
About the Author
Sue Weaver sold her first freelance article in 1969. Since then she’s marketed material to major horse periodicals including
The Western Horseman,
Horse Illustrated, and
Chronicleof the Horse, Flying Changes, Horseman’s Market, Arabian Horse Times, The Appaloosa News, The Quarter Horse Journal, Horse’n Around, and The Brayer. In 2003 she began writing solely for Hobby Farms magazine and BowTie Press horse publications.
Table of Contents
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 * Demystifying Dewormers * Lice * Mites * Mosquitoes * Horse- and Deerflies * Blackflies * No-see-ums * Ticks
10 Health Care
Health Care Pointers * To Be Your Own Vet (Or Not) * 22 Classic Donkey Maladies * Medicating Your Donkey * Don't Wait, Vaccinate!
11 The Holistic Donkey
Herbs * Flower Essences * Homeopathy
Part 3: Donkey Fun
12 Clicker Training
What Is Clicker Training? * Why Click?
13 Donkey Riding
Donkey Dos and Don'ts * Why Ride a Donkey? * Donkey Tack 101 * Training Your Donkey to Ride * On the Trail
14 Donkey Driving
Getting Started * Driving Gear * Choosing Harness * Teaching a Donkey to Drive * Drive Safely
15 Fun with Donkeys
Showing * Packing * Pack Burro Racing
Part 4: Donkey Business
16 Breeding Donkeys
Breeding Q&A * A Jack for Your Jenny * Getting Ready for Breeding * Preparing for Foaling * Give Me a Sign * Here Comes Baby! * After the Birth * Bringing Up Baby * Socializing Baby * Very Basic Training
17 Those Mules
Origins * Today's Mules (and Hinnies)
18 Making Money with Donkeys (Maybe)
Breeding to Sell * Marketing Donkey Milk * Manufacture Donkey Equipment * Donkey Trekking * Be a Traveling Photographer * Portray Sinterklaas * Throw a Donkey Party
19 Donkey Marketing Mojo
Web Sites * Do It Yourself! * Effective Web Design * The Rest of the Story * Business Cards * Flyers and Brochures * Show Off Your Stock * Penny-Wise Promotion
Appendixes
A: ADMS Code of Ethics
B: Donkeys as Livestock Guardians
C: Weighing and Body Scoring Donkeys
D: Emergency Euthanasia
Glossary
Resources
Index
Photography Credits