Donkeys have a reputation for being cute, hardworking, and easy to care for, but owning one comes with challenges that catch many first-time owners off guard.
From unexpected behaviours to costly upkeep, these animals demand more attention and resources than most people realize.
Before you bring a donkey home, it helps to know what you’re really signing up for.
This article is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional veterinary or animal care advice.
Always consult with an experienced equine vet or donkey specialist before making decisions about animal ownership.
1. They Need Constant Companionship Or They’ll Get Depressed
Donkeys are herd animals by nature, which means they crave the company of other donkeys or livestock.
Leaving one alone for extended periods can lead to severe loneliness, stress, and even depression.
A sad donkey may refuse to eat, bray excessively, or develop destructive habits.
You’ll need at least two donkeys or compatible companions like goats or horses to keep them mentally healthy and content.
2. Their Hooves Require Regular Trimming Every Six To Eight Weeks
Unlike horses, donkeys evolved in dry, rocky terrain where their hooves naturally wore down.
In softer, wetter climates, their hooves grow too long and can crack, split, or cause painful lameness.
Professional farrier visits every six to eight weeks are essential, and each session can cost between fifty and one hundred dollars.
Skipping these appointments puts your donkey at serious risk for infection and mobility issues.
3. Donkeys Are Incredibly Stubborn And Hard To Train
That famous donkey stubbornness isn’t just a myth.
These animals are highly intelligent and won’t do something unless they see a good reason for it.
Training a donkey takes patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement, but even then, they might refuse to budge if they sense danger or discomfort.
First-time owners often feel frustrated when their donkey simply stops moving mid-walk.
4. They Eat Far More Than You’d Think And Need Specialized Diets
Donkeys are efficient eaters, but that doesn’t mean they’re cheap to feed.
They need high-fibre, low-protein diets to avoid obesity and a painful condition called laminitis.
Rich pasture grass, which seems perfect for livestock, can actually make donkeys dangerously overweight.
You’ll need to manage grazing carefully, provide quality hay, and possibly invest in grazing muzzles or restricted turnout schedules year-round.
5. Veterinary Care Is Expensive And Specialists Are Hard To Find
Not all vets are trained to treat donkeys, and finding an experienced equine specialist can be challenging depending on where you live.
Routine care like vaccinations, deworming, and dental work adds up quickly.
Emergency treatments for colic, hoof abscesses, or injuries can easily run into the thousands.
Without proper insurance or savings, unexpected vet bills can become a financial nightmare for unprepared owners.
6. Their Loud Braying Can Upset Neighbours And Violate Noise Bylaws
Donkeys communicate through loud, piercing brays that can carry for miles, especially early in the morning or late at night.
If you live in a suburban or semi-rural area, this noise can quickly become a source of tension with neighbours.
Some municipalities have noise ordinances that could result in fines or complaints.
A bored or anxious donkey will bray even more frequently, making the problem worse.
7. They Can Live For Over Thirty Years, Which Is A Huge Commitment
Many people don’t realize that donkeys can live well into their thirties or even forties with proper care.
That’s decades of daily feeding, hoof trimming, vet visits, and companionship.
Life circumstances change, and rehoming a donkey isn’t always easy since they bond deeply with their environment and caretakers.
This long lifespan means you’re committing to a lifetime responsibility, not just a fun farm addition.
