Mama (right), 25yo, and her daughter Panpan 13 yo. They’ve been home with me for a month. Previously I worked with them where I help out at the equine therapy barn in Rapid City, SD. Brought in as rescues due to severe neglect, they were overly loved by the elder who could no longer care for them due to infirmity. Their hooves, diet, and body conditions were deplorable. Still working through a good care plan now that I am their full time caregiver. Overall they are happy, have a good living environment and most importantly I have the time to be their educated provider. Oh and I have been studying donkey care for 5 years, and recently took several university courses on equine care which only means I am a beginner. So much to learn just by spending time with them! I do know they love have their hooves properly managed. The diet? They just don’t appreciate how the high fiber, low sugar is good for them since it is now spring. Haha. They love to play with their treat ball (even with no treats) and play a soccer like game with each other. Thanks Megan for bringing us all together here.

I have had great success with just sitting with them singing, talking or just reading my book. Also, grooming has always been another excellent bond activity for me. The 2 mini donkeys I just brought home from the therapy barn where I help, a mother and daughter bonded pair, are so easy to work with. We are getting even closer since they just love their revised grass hay diet, with California Trace Minerals Plus, and more exercise. We walk. I halter the daughter and mom comes along the track we prepared around the 20 acres. They’ve been home a month now. I also designed their space so they could easily hang around while I clean their space. Good luck finding what works for you! Time well spent!