How to Raise a Zebra

While simply keeping a zebra alive and healthy is a goal, so is trainability, integration to a herd and ease of handling. Consider safety of the keeper and animal in all zebra handling. Closely related to horses and donkeys, zebras exhibit some similar behaviors, but definite traits specific to zebras cause more wild behaviors. Observation of interaction among groups of zebras helps to understand bonding and foal behavior and stallion behavior versus filly behavior.

Things You'll Need

Secure pasture
Building
High-quality hay

Instructions

- 1
  
  Strong fencing is needed for zebra pasture.
  
  Build strong fencing, eight feet high for males and six feet high for females, for pasturing to keep zebras safely enclosed. Use care in choosing fencing not allowing a zebra's head to tangle in openings. Electric wire strands at the top and bottom increases security.
- 2
  
  A zebra nursing her foal has lasting effects.
  
  Allow the mother to nurse the foal until weaned to raise an easier to handle animal. Bottle-feed a baby zebra only if absolutely necessary. Foals act very disrespectful to the mare and challenge her dominance. If you place yourself in the role of "mother" you set yourself up for a dangerous animal when grown.
- 3
  
  Allow zebras to graze on grass.
  
  Feed good quality hay and allow for grazing on grass pasture. Young zebras will naturally nibble on grass and hay, no enticement needed. Provide access to clean water at all times.
- 4
  
  Good husbandry helps a zebra live a long, healthy life.
  
  Provide a heated building for temperatures below 50 degrees and inclement weather. Provide ventilation and drainage in indoor buildings. A possible 20-year life expectancy of zebras in captivity, with good husbandry and care, surpasses wild zebra life expectancies. Husbandry includes all aspects of zebra care including veterinary care, housing and diet.