shall I try and feed the donkey from a flat hand. Donkey is nice but bitey and pushy?

Question

will he take my hand off? he is a biter. he bites my clothes and mouthes at my hand. He gives me a shove in the leg now for more treats.

Answer 1

i dont know but sicne i cant email you i will tell you through here my new email is [e-mail]

Answer 2

He's already got spoiled syndrome.... Don't feed him any more treats!



This aggressive (some one said it's not aggressive for a donkey to bite and bully you which is a crock, because that IS aggressive) behavior needs to be stopped for your saftey and everyone elses... you don't want him to bite the hand of a small child, or rear up on, or start kicking people because they aren't "Serving" him.



I know, because my dad bought a Donkey like this from people that continued to spoil him a little bit beyond the point that this donkey is at. And one day I was in his corral cleaning it..Everything was fine until he wanted treats that I didn't have.. and he tried to kick the crap out of me. Rearing and striking out with his front hooves, and biting at me like I was another Donkey.



It took several MONTHS of intense "no food treats" and behavior correction to get him into a managable condition.. You NEED to start teaching him that petting is just as good as a carrot or an apple or sweet grain.....If you don't... expect to get hell on four legs ATTACKING YOU!



Donkeys are extremely smart and know how to take advantage of situations. If you want a lovable friend/companion lay off on the treats. And once he becomes well mannered, put his once in a while treats in a bucket, or include everyday treats with his regular feed. That way he takes his aggression out on the feeder and not you when he gets pissed..

Answer 3

Donkeys like to push for attention. And mine likes to grab an article of clothes too.

But this one is a mini and pretty easy to handle. I also have a standard jack that I would not allow to bite or grab at all. I can hand feed him, but I know how to be safe around him.



So if this is a little jenny or small gelded jack, it is doubtful if those behaviors are dangerous or aggressive. If it is a standard donkey or an ungelded male, a jack, pet, brush, etc. instead. Don't hand feed those without experience.



Always flat handed.

Answer 4

A lot of people will tell you to feed him from a feed bucket and that is the best idea because horses and donkeys can develope bad habits from being hand-fed too much. Is this even your donkey though because in your previous question, it sounded like it wasn't yours. If it isn't yours be sure to take to the owners before feeding it in case they have some allergies.

Answer 5

This happens sometimes when you hand feed treats.

I am sure you enjoy giving treats but this is only going to make him worse. Quit all treats for awhile.. maybe 30 days until he forgets, then you can start giving them again but always put them in a feed dish. If he is out on pasture put them on the ground.

Answer 6

you should feed the donkey from at flat hand just like horses because donkeys and horses are similar.he won't take you hand off but he may if your not careful take your fingers off.don't be alarmed when he licks your hand.It seems he may be looking for attention when he bumps your leg from time to time maybe try not giving him treats when he bumps you see how it works.

Answer 7

Remember those behavioral issues I spoke of in your previous question!

Bitey and pushy, yes, those are signs!

I would only feed your donkey treats from a feed bowl, this will stop him "harassing" you for treats. Like I said, feed from a feed bowl!!!

Answer 8

I totally agree with everyone who said, "No, don't do it." You seem to just be reinforcing the bad habits (biting and pushing and being demanding) that he already has, and are in the process of teaching him more. If you really want to bond more with him, forget the treats, halter him, teach him to respect you and your space and groom him. If you just can't forget the treats, at least don't feed them by hand.

Answer 9

How is he nice if he bites and is pushy? No, you should not feed this donkey treats of any kind. It will only make these probems worse.

Answer 10

Equines can develop those bad habits from being hand fed, try feeding it out of a bucket instead from now on.

Answer 11

donkeys normally bite at cloths and such but won't normally bite your hand when feeding them. i think it would be fine to feed him with your FLAT hand, no worries mate.

Answer 12

Very bad idea...Also if he shoves you do not give him anything, this could get dangerous.