Q: We’re thinking of rescuing a donkey. Can ponies and donkeys live well together, or will I need to separate them?
A: Ponies and donkeys can live very happily together, but you need to make sure you know about donkeys’ specific needs before making your final decision, as the needs of ponies and donkeys are not quite the same!
Did you know?
It is always best to rehome two donkeys rather than one, as donkeys form powerful pair-bonds. When they can form these pair-bonds, their health and well-being improve.
If you decide to get a donkey and home him with your ponies, you need to ensure that you introduce them all slowly, just as you would any new equine. We would advise turning them out in adjacent paddocks, to begin with, rather than just putting them all in together. When the time comes to add the donkey in with your ponies, you will need to closely monitor the herd. Donkeys do not have the same flight instincts as ponies and may not respond when a pony’s body language asks them to move away. This can increase the risk of conflict and injury in the group.
A bray with friends
It is also worth noting that a donkey’s bray can be very scary to horses and ponies. New donkeys tend not to bray when settling in, but horses and ponies can be a little upset when they do start to vocalise!
