Visiting a donkey farm: Tips for a relaxing family visit

Contents

1. Before the visit
2. How to approach a donkey properly
3. Feeding: only with permission
4. With children at the donkey farm
5. When is the best time?
6. What you can learn on the farm
7. Our visits to partner farms
8. Frequently Asked Questions

At a donkey farm, the most important rule applies: The donkey sets the pace. Those who remain calm, only feed with permission, and respect the animals' signals will experience curious, friendly donkeys. Here are all the tips for a relaxed visit – with and without children.

Before the visit

• Book: Many donkey farms are family-run businesses with fixed visiting hours or guided tours.
• Check the offers: Guided tours, donkey hikes, children's birthdays, or farm café – the offers vary greatly.
• Dogs: Check beforehand whether dogs are allowed. Many donkeys react suspiciously to unfamiliar dogs.
• Clothing: Sturdy, closed-toe shoes and clothes that can get dirty.

How to approach a donkey properly

1. Arrive calmly: Do not run, do not shout – donkeys like calm behavior.
2. From the front side: This is how the donkey sees you. Never stand directly behind a donkey.
3. Let it sniff: Hold out your hand loosely and wait.
4. Pet it on the neck: Many donkeys like it on the neck and withers, less so on the head.
5. Pay attention to signals: Ears pinned back or hindquarters turned means: keep your distance.

More in Understanding donkey body language.

Feeding: only with permission

Donkeys have a sensitive digestive tract. What seems harmless to us can be problematic for them. Therefore:

• Only feed if the farm expressly allows it – preferably with the feed provided by the farm.
• No bread, no cookies, no kitchen scraps. More in Can donkeys eat bread?
• Offer the feed on a flat hand, fingers together.

With children at the donkey farm

• Children stay by the hand or in close proximity to adults.
• Speak quietly, do not shout and do not run around.
• Do not touch donkeys on the ears or tail.
• Only observe foals from a distance, as long as the mother does not show otherwise.

Children learn a lot about animals on the farm as well. A good introduction is the donkey profile.

When is the best time?

In spring and summer, there are good chances of seeing foals. More in Donkey foals: the first weeks. In winter, many farms are quieter – in return, you experience the donkeys with their thick winter coat. More in Donkeys in winter.

What you can learn on the farm

• how donkeys live in a group
• why they prefer to stand on dry ground
• how hooves are cared for
• how a donkey with a foal produces milk

Our visits to partner farms

We regularly visit donkey farms and show on Instagram how donkeys live and how donkey milk is produced: hand-milked, only in small quantities and always with the foal nearby. More in How is donkey milk produced?

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I feed donkeys carrots?

Only if the farm allows it, and then in small pieces. More in Can donkeys eat carrots?

Do donkeys bite or kick?

Donkeys can bite and kick if they feel cornered. With calm, respectful behavior, this rarely happens.

Can you ride on a donkey farm?

That depends on the farm. Donkey hikes are more commonly offered, where the donkey carries luggage. More in Hiking with a donkey.

What do I do if a donkey calls?

Nothing – donkeys call to maintain contact or because they expect something. More in Why do donkeys scream?