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What does a typical day look like on a farm where donkeys are milked? It revolves around set routines: caring for the animals, keeping an eye on the foals, milking small amounts by hand, and cooling the milk immediately. There isn't much machinery involved, but plenty of manual work and routine. In this post, we follow a typical day on the farm from morning to evening – so you can see how much work goes into a single bottle of donkey milk.
Early morning: rounds and feeding
The day begins with rounds. Anyone who keeps donkeys checks on every animal in the morning: Are they all eating? Are they moving as usual? Is everything okay with the donkeys that have foals? Donkeys often only show signs of discomfort reluctantly. That is why a trained eye is important.
After that, they are fed. Donkeys are easy to please and eat mainly hay, straw, and grass. They do not tolerate overly high-energy feed well. Fresh water must always be available. If you would like to know more about feeding, read our post Donkey Feed: Hay or Straw?.
Morning: stable work and turnout
After feeding comes the stable work. Bedding areas are cleaned and freshly strewn. Donkeys originally come from dry regions. Their coats are less water-repellent than those of horses, and their hooves need dry ground. That is why shelter and paved, dry areas are part of everyday life on many farms.
The herd spends the day in the pasture or turnout area. Donkeys are herd animals and form close bonds with certain companions. Many farms make sure that established groups stay together.
Milking time: manual work in small batches
Donkeys are only milked when they have a foal. The foal stays with its mother and drinks first. On many farms, foals and their mothers are kept within sight and earshot but separated for a while before milking, so that some milk can accumulate. After that, they are together again.
A donkey's udder is small. That is why it is milked by hand or in small amounts, often several times a day. Each donkey produces about 1–2 liters a day. This explains why donkey milk is rare. You can read more about this in the post Why Donkey Milk Is So Rare.
Immediately after milking: cooling and freezing
The freshly milked milk is cooled without delay and then deep-frozen. At −18 °C, it remains in a consistent state until delivery. Cleanliness plays a role in every step: milking equipment, containers, and the workspace are cleaned after each batch.
At DON DONKEY'S, the donkey milk is sourced from European farms, laboratory-tested in Germany, and shipped to you frozen. Shipping takes place on Mondays and Wednesdays.
Afternoon and evening: care and checks
The afternoon is time for care. This includes coat care, checking the hooves, and minor inspections. Donkey hooves grow back and are regularly trimmed by professionals. A second feeding follows, and calm returns in the evening. Before finishing for the day, the owners check on all the animals once more.
These routines are repeated every day, including weekends and holidays. Animals always need to be cared for. This is one reason why donkey milk has its price.
What this farm routine means for you
- Small quantities: Donkey milk cannot be increased at will. It is best to plan your supply in advance.
- Deep-frozen storage: Store the milk at home at −18 °C and thaw it slowly in the refrigerator at 2–7 °C.
- Regular supply: Anyone who wants to include donkey milk in their regular routine will find our Vital Program.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often is a donkey milked per day?
Because the udder is small, it is milked in small amounts, several times a day on many farms. Each donkey produces about 1–2 liters in total.
What do dairy donkeys eat?
Mainly hay, straw, and grass. Donkeys are easy to please and do not tolerate overly high-energy feed well.
Does the foal stay with its mother?
Yes. The foal drinks first. Only part of the milk is taken.
How does the milk get from the farm to me?
It is deep-frozen, laboratory-tested in Germany, and shipped frozen. Please follow the instructions on the label.
