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Post by janie on Sept 3, 2015 17:08:59 GMT
Hi to you all
I am in total shock I bought a Jenny donkey ( from a reputable breeder - or so I thought) about 4 months ago. I thought she was beginning to look a bit fat and her tummy looked pregnant. Vet has taken a blood test and I have just found out that she is pregnant.
I have no idea how far she is or what she is pregnant to ( standard / miniature or a horse) as they had all of those and any one could have covered her.
I have no idea of what to do. I will arrange for the vet to scan her to give me some estimation of when I may expect the new arrival. She is producing milk do any of you know if that is an indication that delivery could be immanent.
Do I feed her if so on what? Do I bring her in or leave her out with the others. Any information would be much appreciated. I have had a quick look on the internet but have not found anything as yet.
What sort of person sells a pregnant donkey without telling the purchaser.
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Post by Ruth on Sept 3, 2015 20:13:33 GMT
This unfotunately is a common occurance. It does sound as if she may be very close to foaling. I would recommend seperating her sooner rather than later, but try to keep her where she can see and possibly nose the others, otherwise she may become very stressed.
Let's hope she was mated with a donkey, and you have a beautiful baby soon, that will keep you enthralled.
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Post by yvonne on Sept 4, 2015 12:06:38 GMT
Oh gosh! That must have been a hell of a shock for you! Have you contacted the breeder yet to ask who the sire could be? They must have an idea who she was turned out with. You should bring her in away from the others but as Ruth said,still within sight/sound of them to prevent stress. I would feed extra hay only.No grain.Donkeys don't need it.When the foal is old enough,you can turn them both out on the grass for a good leg stretch  Don't panic! You will enjoy your new foal when you've got over the shock!  |
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Post by janie on Sept 4, 2015 13:12:00 GMT
Thanks for your replies.
I have found some very useful advice on line regarding signs of impending foaling. Breeder not interested - I am so mad but thats another story. I just have to get on with it as best I can.
Seems I need to sort her out a stable with straw ( which I need to source quickly), bring her into a smaller safe paddock on her own while still being able to see the others.
Signs of impending birth are bagging up, soft vulva, red vaginal area, concavity around her hips.
You advise not to feed concentrates only hay. Very confusing there seems to be so much conflicting advice. Do you suggest feeding concentrates after birth?
Seems I am on a very steep learning curve here, still I know more today than I did yesterday - best advice though is DON'T PANIC.
Was such a big shock yesterday now getting better. Will feel much more confident when I have the stable ready (inc heat lamp as turned very cold) and things in place. I have a friend who breeds horses and is willing to help me as well as my vet.
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Post by Ruth on Sept 4, 2015 19:02:09 GMT
When my jenny had her foal she received no extra feed at all, in fact did not even need hay. She may however need something xtra, all really dependant on how good her grazing is. If she i in goo condition and is able to feed the foal well after birth, then just make sure she continues to provide adequate milk you can tell by how the foal is, full of life basically and looking well. My Elly did not have a stable and, as long as they have shelter available it is not necessary, just nice.
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Post by landroverroy on Sept 4, 2015 19:08:30 GMT
Don't worry - she'll be fine! Donkeys usually foal unaided and without any complications.
You definitely don't want to give her concentrates because 1) As yvonne says, she doesn't need them, and 2) You don't know how far pregnant she is, or what she's pregnant to, and feeding unnecessary concentrates, especially in the later stages of pregnancy, could result in an overbig foal and birth complications.
Under normal circumstances the production of milk indicates that birth is fairly imminent, but recently I had a jenny produce milk about 6 months before she actually foaled, brought on again I assume by stimulation from another jenny's foal. So your's could actually be producing it because she's never really dried up properly from a previous pregnancy. (Though unlikely as I see you've had her 4 months.)
The signs of birth you've been given are pretty accurate. You will notice the changes as they occur.
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Post by yvonne on Sept 4, 2015 22:10:49 GMT
Just remember that in the wild,jennies don't have access to concentrates! Nature has ensured that donks are able to extract all the vitamins & minerals that they need from roughage & fibre alone.Concentrates can cause more harm than good in donkeys.They are very different in their dietary requirements than horses.
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Post by janie on Dec 14, 2015 21:47:00 GMT
Still no baby donkey no sign as yet although she does seem to be getting bigger now also there was some milk a couple of days ago but none since and has not 'bagged up'. The shape of her belly seems to have changed though what looks like lines along both sides no change in vulva colour or shape.
I am convinced it will be Christmas day although no idea really - very worrying not having any idea.
Have my 'birthing box' ready and friend 'on call'
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Post by yvonne on Dec 15, 2015 10:31:58 GMT
A Christmas foal,how wonderful! You must post pics for us all to coo over when your little furry bundle arrives |
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Post by Ruth on Dec 15, 2015 17:44:17 GMT
Sounds as if she is very close now, a lovely Christmas Foal. |
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Post by suzy on Dec 27, 2015 11:02:52 GMT
Any news yet ?!
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Post by yvonne on Dec 28, 2015 19:29:35 GMT
Any pics to share yet? |
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Post by janie on Jan 9, 2016 10:36:04 GMT
Still waiting thought she was going to do something day before Christmas eve but she changed her mind!!!
She is now huge and plodding around the paddock reminds me of pregnant ladies when they are overdue.
She has in the last couple of days 'bagged up' so I do not think it will be long the book says anything from 3-6 wks once this happens but I have given up with what the book says.
I think she will have it when she wants the weather is set to get really cold with snow and ice forecast - just right for a new baby - not
Still at least I have two heat lamps in the stable and ready with my husbands jumper
Will keep you all posted.
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Post by Ruth on Jan 10, 2016 17:15:45 GMT
How exciting
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Post by yvonne on Jan 12, 2016 9:57:29 GMT
I am eagerly waiting for news!........ |
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Post by janie on Jan 19, 2016 10:37:58 GMT
Still nothing - udder getting bigger but no other signs. Seeing movement in tum every now and then but no change in shape.
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Post by Ruth on Jan 19, 2016 18:03:50 GMT
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Post by janie on Jan 24, 2016 11:43:39 GMT
still waiting - I am beginning to think it is wind!!!!
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Post by Ruth on Jan 24, 2016 15:39:24 GMT
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Post by celiastuart on Jan 27, 2016 17:46:12 GMT
Oh gosh, we are all waiting for news.......  |
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Post by yvonne on Jan 28, 2016 10:32:53 GMT
still waiting - I am beginning to think it is wind!!!! Stand well clear of the tail end.........just in case! |
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Post by janie on Jan 29, 2016 9:13:17 GMT
still no baby donk. She is so big she looks like the blueberry boy ( from Willy Wonka's chocolate factory!!) she looks so fed up. Much bigger udder cannot see any plugs on the end of teats though.
Surely it cannot be much longer --------- can it?
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Post by Ruth on Jan 29, 2016 17:31:24 GMT
Hope not, poor soul.
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Post by yvonne on Jan 30, 2016 10:04:16 GMT
Poor girlie,I really feel for her! It won't be long now |
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Post by janie on Feb 8, 2016 13:20:07 GMT
Still no baby even bigger udder!!! I took her for a walk let her nibble some nice long grass still no go so I am off to buy castor oil give her a nice hot bath and a vegetarian curry ( only joking) getting desperate as well as very impatient.
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Post by Ruth on Feb 8, 2016 17:26:30 GMT
It will arrive in it's own good time.
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Post by yvonne on Feb 9, 2016 10:17:26 GMT
Baby is still cooking in the oven They pop out when they're ready!Try not to worry,it won't be long.You will probably come down one morning to find she's done it! You sound like one of those nervous expectant fathers |
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Post by Ruth on Feb 9, 2016 16:11:15 GMT
I thought Elly would keep me hanging on and on, then, when I least expected it, I arrived very early one morning, to find a little tiny black foal with stunning blue eyes, Pebbles. They can take as long as 13 months, very common, not that you actually have a known date, just signs. Her belly will probably change shape and the "lump" move backards
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