Origins

The donkey is a medium sized mammal, closely linked to Man since the remote Neolithic times.
The oldest evidence for its domestication dates back to the Ancient Egypt. 
It is believed that donkeys appeared in Europe 5.000 BC, and became widespread across the whole subcontinent.

In the Portuguese traditional rural world, of small scale agriculture, with low levels of production and small enclosed properties, farming communities have been dependant on the donkey for their livelihood. These animals used to be the main method of transport and general beast of burden, employed in several agricultural chores, as well being used for the breeding of mules.

However, the growing mechanisation of agriculture and the development of modern farming methods deprived the donkeys of their traditional role.
Seen as second rate in comparison to the horse, these animals have been ignored by protection policies and these days they are facing extinction in some parts of the country, especially the West Country.

Donkey Care

Although this animal is originated from semi-desert regions, well adapted to live under the most varied conditions, climates, landscape and environments, he still needs basic care.
It should be also taken into consideration that donkeys are gregarious animals, not suitable to live on their own, ideally living with its own kind.
However, in case this is not a viable arrangement, he could enjoy the company of an animal of a different species (horse, goat, sheep etc).

Living Quarters

In order to offer donkeys the best living conditions to ensure their well-being, it is recommended the provision of an area under cover (stable or shelter), combined with access to an outdoor area, safely fenced.   

The area under cover should be well ventilated, as well designed to keep draughts and rain at bay. On the other hand, the stable or shelter must be regularly cleaned and manure removed, an essential task for the promotion of a hygienic environment and illness prevention. Not to forget that floors must not be slippery and there should be an area covered with bedding material, like straw or shavings.

Additionally, the stable or shelter should comply with other requirements, namely installation of mangers raised above the ground (about 1 meter), cleaned regularly of dust, dirt and leftover feeds; for the supply of fresh, clean water all day, it is recommended an automatic
drinker; a salt lick, natural source of essential mineral salts.

Under the right conditions, the stable should have a direct access and be left open to an outdoor area adequately fenced; barbed wire should avoided at all costs as it poses a danger to the animals (it is recommended an electric fence). This area should be large enough for the animals to move freely and to roll on the ground. 

Feeding

A healthy diet should have plenty of nutrients, vitamins, mineral salts and fibre, adequate and adjusted to each animal, taking into account diverse factors like age, weight, condition (case of mares in foal and young stock), and specific needs, veterinary advise should be sought.

In general, the donkey's diet ought to be abundant and varied, comprising hay or good quality straw (natural source of fibre), available all day, cereal/forage based feed suitable for equines (considering the factors listed above), grazing if possible or fresh produce (natural sources of vitamins and important for the correct intestinal function); a small addition of
vegetal oil in small amounts is also advised, especially in the winter..

Feeding times should be regular, preferably serving 2-3 meals a day.

It is important to stress that contrary to the widespread belief in Portugal, grazing on its own is not enough as a source of food, hence the need to supplement it with hay and cereal feed.

In some particular cases (expectant or lactate mares, youngsters, convalescent or very old donkeys), need adequate dietary supplements to their condition.  

Hygiene

Regular hygienic care of the animals is paramount to their well-being.
Grooming a donkey simulates part of the equine herd innate behavior in herd, deepening the bond between the animal and his handler. On the other hand, these cleaning habits allow any eventual problems to be detected on time and the right action taken. Besides, a hygiene routine is the foundation for a healthy life.

The main hygienic chores are: hair grooming, eyes cleansing and hoof cleaning.

Animals' coat should be brushed on weekly basis. In the case of outdoor donkeys, this should be avoided more often, under the risk of stripping the coat off its natural oils, which protect the animal against climate agents.
When brushing a donkey, the brush should follow the direction of the hair, starting on the neck and sliding towards the hindquarters. 

It is also recommended the use of the different brushes by the following order: curry brush in circular movements, releasing the most dirt, followed by the dandy brush in descending movements to brush off any loose hairs.
The head is a delicate part of the body and it should be cleaned just with a small, soft brush. These tools are easy to find at any tack shop.  

In the case of elderly donkeys, the tear channel is often blocked, with fluid discharges. The cleansing procedure is easier and it should be part of the animal's hygiene routine; simply wipping the eyes with a cotton wool dampened in rosewater or in physiological serum.

Finally, hoof picking is also a very important task, removing all debris and manure. This is a vital task to maintain healthy hooves, a complement to hoof trimming, also allowing the early detection of irregular conditions, like infections or even abscesses.

Hoof trimming

In the past times, donkeys used to work hard as beasts of burden, which made them wear down their hooves and need to be shod as a result.
However, today, the decline of ancestral agriculture changed the uses of the donkey, basically becoming an animal for leisure activities or just used to perform light chores.

In the face of the facts, shoeing donkeys is no longer justified, although they still need special care, in order to maintain their well-being and mobility.

Hence, their hooves should be attended and trimmed regularly by an experienced, qualified trimmer, on average every 2 months, although this may change upon living condition or the rate of hoof growth.

It is never enough to stress the serious consequences that hoof trimmed, when conducted by unqualified people can have for the animal. The same applies to negligence as regards basic hoof care. Just as an example, 90% of the donkeys that come to the Shelter present hoof problems, in some cases these are irreversibly damaged and with chronic conditions, affecting seriously the animal's mobility, all result of years of deficient trimmings or owners negligence.

Veterinary Care

Health and welfare of the donkey depend on the combination of good living conditions, suitable diet and veterinary care.

Veterinary care are of two kinds: regular care, a type of preventive care, crucial for an healthy kept donkey, and casual care, provided at the first signs of illness.

Within the kind of regular care, there is yearly vaccination, as a prevention against equine flu and tetanus, which should be given by a vet.
On the other hand, the animal ought to be de-wormed every 3 months with an appropriate substance, having the attention to rotate wide spectrum de-wormers with others more specific. 

Another regular health care treatment is the yearly dental check, to be conducted by a vet expert in dental care or an EDT. Some dental treatments comprise teeth floating, teeth extraction or the cuts of points, amongst others. Elderly donkeys or donkeys with dental problems may need more than a check-up a year.

As regards casual care, at the first signs of illness, the vet should be called. Skin problems, usually seasonal, which occur in seasonal changes (winter/spring or summer/autumn), pneumonias, or the unexpected colic (these can occur at any time, and the causes are varied, although the most frequent are sudden changes in diet) are some of the most common
illnesses in donkeys,