Poitou Donkey: Footage, Care Information, Temperament & Traits

The “woolly mammoth of donkeys” is an ideal moniker for the Poitou donkey, a uncommon breed that sports activities a protracted, shaggy coat. It is among the largest donkey breeds and was developed within the Poitou area of western France. These candy, calm, and docile animals are additionally referred to as Poitevin or Baudet du Poitou.

This beast has a sort and mild nature, and it types sturdy bonds with its keepers and different farm mates. It’s also an animal with a life expectancy between 30 and 40 years. Subsequently, its adoption is synonymous with nice duty.

However as pleasant because the breed is, it’s not for everybody. It’s a critically endangered breed,¹ so anybody contemplating getting concerned with Poitou donkeys ought to do in depth analysis to search out out precisely what sort of dedication shall be required to be a accountable proprietor.

Here’s what you’ll want to know concerning the peaceable and spectacular Poitou donkey.

Poitou Foals

3 Little-Identified Details In regards to the Poitou Donkey

1. The Poitou Donkey Is At present Endangered

Their inhabitants is fewer than 500. Nevertheless, conservation efforts previously many years appear to have paid off, as in 1977,² there have been solely round 40 of those donkeys left worldwide.

Right this moment, Poitou conservation efforts proceed and embrace cautious report retaining of donkey genetics and breeding matches.

2. The Poitou Donkey Is a Breed That Dates Again to Center Ages

These donkeys are recognized to have existed in France in the course of the Center Ages. They had been described in 1717 in a memoir of the adviser to King Louis XV. At the moment, donkeys had been primarily utilized in agriculture to plow fields and harvest crops.

It was not till the nineteenth century that Poitou donkeys had been despatched from France to the USA.

3. The Poitou Donkey Is a Nationwide Treasure in France

France has lengthy thought of Poitou donkeys as nationwide treasures due to their many qualities and above all, their rarity. In French, Baudet means “sire of mules.”³

Temperament & Intelligence of the Poitou Donkey

The Poitou is among the most docile, affectionate, and lovely creatures, regardless of its imposing stature. Furthermore, an important facet of a Poitou donkey’s character is its nice sociability. For those who don’t have the means or house to maintain a Poitou with a farm mate (ideally of the identical species), your donkey shall be unhappy and depressed, which may have a direct impression on its well being.

Are These Donkeys Good for Households?

This animal is among the largest donkey breeds on the planet. Regardless of their dimension, they’re docile and sociable and wish loads of love and a spotlight. Poitou donkeys make nice household “pets,” even when their wants are fairly completely different from these of a Labrador canine or Siamese cat!

Does This Breed Get Alongside With Different Pets?

It isn’t advisable to maintain only one Poitou donkey, however since discovering one accessible on the market is a problem in itself, you could want to think about discovering one other farm good friend for it.

In case you have canines, remember that donkeys are usually not notably predisposed to get together with these pets, besides in circumstances the place the animals have been raised collectively from a younger age.

Issues to Know When Proudly owning a Poitou Donkey

In case you are trying to purchase certainly one of these distinctive donkeys, understand that not all shaggy donkeys are Poitous. Some donkeys will be offered as purebreds, and unsuspecting house owners purchase these animals at nice expense, solely to search out out later that what they’ve shouldn’t be the true deal. So, make sure to do thorough analysis earlier than deciding on a specific breeder.

Meals & Weight-reduction plan Necessities

The food plan of donkeys is completely different from that of horses, as they’ll higher make the most of the vitamins of their meals. Subsequently, their meals ought to be excessive in fiber and low in energy, as they’re notably susceptible to changing into chubby when stored in captivity. Barley or oat straw, hay, and grass are the mainstays of the Poitou donkey food plan. You possibly can supply treats sometimes, resembling apples or carrot chunks, however don’t overdo it.

Train

Like several donkey, the Poitou wants day by day train, as this allows it to take care of a standard weight. Donkeys rapidly acquire weight if they’re overfed, which might trigger a wide range of illnesses.

It takes a considerable amount of house to accommodate a Poitou donkey, given its dimension. Their enclosure ought to be sufficiently big for them to roam freely, and they’re going to want shelter resembling a barn or secure in the course of the colder months.

Coaching

It’s attainable to coach a Poitou donkey — for instance, to maneuver ahead on demand, to simply accept a halter, and to be tethered. Nevertheless, you could first construct belief along with your donkey; be agency however light, affected person, and protracted. Additionally, it’s finest to reward your donkey with reward moderately than treats.

Grooming

A novel attribute of Poitou donkeys is that they seem like they’re lined in dreadlocks! This superb trait comes at a worth, nonetheless: Grooming these beasts isn’t any stroll within the park. In reality, some donkey house owners in France by no means groom their Poitous; their hair is just left to kind curls and mats.

For those who do determine to groom yours, know that it’s going to take time however shall be a substantial amount of enjoyable, and most donkeys take pleasure in it.

Well being & Circumstances

Poitou donkeys are hardy animals, however they’re susceptible to widespread donkey well being issues, resembling gastrointestinal illnesses, colic, laminitis, and hyperlipemia. The commonest drawback that U.Ok. breeders have with this breed is dermatitis. Nevertheless, this pores and skin difficulty is resolved fairly simply with correct remedy.

Male vs. Feminine

Male donkeys are referred to as jacks, females are jennies, and child donkeys are foals. Jacks are usually bigger than females, however there aren’t any different notable variations between the 2 sexes in look or habits.

Closing Ideas

The Poitou is probably not a donkey for everybody, though everybody appears to fall in love with it. Sadly, there are usually not many left on the planet, however conservation efforts might hopefully repopulate the species within the years to return. For those who can’t personal one, take into account supporting the conservation initiatives to make these magnificent animals extra accessible to donkey lovers.

Featured Picture Credit score: vieleineinerhuelle, Pixabay