|
|
Post by windymtnman on Jun 20, 2015 1:00:15 GMT
I'm considering adopting a couple Burros from the BLM. Aside from just having a couple cuties braying in the pasture, I would like to train them to pack. I've heard they do fine with horses, however I have a couple concerns. First, I'm very concerned they might attack our Border Collie. Our dog is completely bonded with our horses, and might be vunerable to attack if a Burro went after her. (?) The other concern I have, is diet related. We have about 40 acres of dry, short pasture that would be fine, however our horses get most of their sustenance from hay that's about 15% alfalfa (max), and the balance grasses. Not wanting to segregate Burros from the horses to feed, but I've heard the worst thing you can do, is let a Burro get fat. I've been told they need a much less rich diet. In that we have an automatic waterer, I'd prefer not to segregate the Burros, as we'd have to then water them separately as well, and that is just a hassle in the Winter, when we have a heated fountain for the horses.
So, wondering if others have gotten along well, or had good results letting their Burro's run with the horses, and eat what they eat? |
|
|
|
Post by FamilyHorses on Jun 24, 2015 4:45:08 GMT
I regularly bring in wild burros and have only ever had one go after my dogs (Australian Shepherds) and that was because the dog was herding goats at my command. My dogs are otherwise in and out of the burro pens at will BUT they do not herd, chase or bark at them ever.
I don't house my burros routinely with horses but the only thing I can say is if the burro gets fat you wouod have to separate it. But then you would do the same if you had a horse in the same situation getting obese. My recommendations if you added a couple of burros would be to NOT increase the amount of alfalfa fed at all and see how everyone does weight wise. Adjust as needed.
|
|
|
|
Post by migrantmother on Aug 17, 2015 17:23:20 GMT
My domestic donkey would kill my dogs if they were to get in the pasture with him. I have not tried to get him used to the dogs, some people say that you can. I suspect it might vary with the animals and your level of training. I feed my donkey with the horses in the morning, separate in the barn at night. There is a little bit of short grass in their pasture. They primarily eat good quaility grass hay. My donkey does best on first cutting hay. Weight is a problem on the better hay. If I don't watch him, he can get fat rolls on his neck. I am adopting a BLM burro off the Internet, pick up in September. I will be curious how he is with the dogs. I am not optimistic.
|
|
