What do donkeys do for work

Donkeys are valued for their gentleness and work ethic. They are remarkably hardy and take on many roles. Keepers of the field: Infamously known for their guarding abilities, donkeys frequently take on the role of protector. Many barn owners place a donkey in their pasture to ward off coyotes, dogs, and other predators. They usually get along with horses, goats, sheep, and smaller barn critters.

If you have a donkey, then you can rest assure that your field is well protected! Donkeys are patient and forgiving. They handle situations rationally! Your child can learn how to brush and lead their very own farm animal. Talk about a lesson in responsibility! Hard working: Donkeys work as pack animals, in vineyards, agriculture, and petting zoos.

They can carry equipment and supplies for day trips or overnight camping expeditions. Furthermore, some pull carts or plow small fields for farmers. In many countries, donkeys are very valuable for their working abilities.

People depend on them for their livelihood! Some of the miniature ones are even taken into schools and hospitals. Inexpensive and hardy: In general, donkeys rarely get sick. Many foals live alongside their mothers who go back to work soon after giving birth. This one waited outside the mine each time his mother went in to collect coal.

Facebook Twitter. In the Chakwal district of Pakistan, nearly 8, donkeys work in around mines like this one. Very few mines have mechanical trolleys for transporting the coal, so miners and their animals work day and night, carrying coal from up to 5,ft down in the mines, through narrow tunnels. As well as the coal used for fuel, workers and donkeys have to carry out the waste, dumping it around the huge sites.

However, this outside work brings a welcome break from being inside the mines - thick clouds of coal-filled air causes breathing problems, and animals regularly have accidents in the narrow tunnels. Donkeys are often chosen for work over horses, because of their increased power to weight ratio — a donkey can pull more than a horse of the same size.

However they still suffer from similar ailments, and overloading can cause long-term problems. A construction area on the outskirts of New Delhi, during the heatwave at the end of May Donkeys should willingly participate in the preparation for an event and the event itself. They must not be forced or coerced.

This requires appropriate training and experience gained over time through the use of techniques based on positive reinforcement. Aversive training techniques based on punishment or compulsion should not be used either before or during the event. Donkeys and mules are different in their natures to other equines with a much less easily engaged flight response. Successful training will be considerate of this unique nature and should ensure that donkeys are not kicked, whipped or shouted at either by riders or followers.

Donkeys should be at least four years of age. The owner should be confident that they physically fit and able to undertake the planned activity without undue distress or suffering. Historically 8 stone 50 kg has been used as a maximum guideline for an average UK donkey used for entertainment or leisure activities.

In reality this should be the maximum load for a fit, larger than average donkey and only when the rider is able to stay balanced and react to the movements of the donkey.

Riders should be experienced or well-informed of how to behave prior to mounting. Inexperienced riders must be closely supervised throughout the ride. All tack used should be clean, well-maintained and appropriately fitted to the individual donkey.

The donkey needs to be introduced and become accustomed to the tack during the training period. All donkeys attending an event need to be accustomed to loading confidently in a variety of situations and familiar with the type of vehicle being used. It should be remembered that equine transport is tiring for the animals continually needing to keep their balance. All vehicles used should be checked to ensure that they are safe for donkeys. For example, semi solid horse partitions risk trapping donkeys that lie down and trailer breast bars can often be positioned too high.

Drivers should be experienced in transporting horses or donkeys and aware that donkeys may not be as accustomed to road journeys. Greater care around bends or on uneven surfaces is recommended. Anyone transporting animals should be familiar with the requirements of the Welfare of Animals Transport Order Donkeys that are remaining on site for any length of time will need safe holding accommodation. This accommodation should provide protection from the elements, fresh clean water ad lib, appropriate feed generally good quality barley straw with limited hay and a comfortable clean area in which to lie down.

At busy high-profile events this area should be away from the main activity yet supervised to avoid accidents, inappropriate feeding and to protect the donkeys from constant noise and stress. The names and contact details of the owner and people responsible for the donkeys should be clearly displayed to those attending the event or site where the donkeys are working.