How to Tame a Donkey Foal

You can tame a donkey foal, but it will take longer than a horse because the former is less intelligent and more independent. However, a donkey has a better memory so it can retain more information. The Bureau of Land Management advises that adopting a wild foal requires patience because it has had no exposure to humans. But Donkey Sanctuary UK explains training a donkey from its birth on a farm helps significantly, since you can begin to tame it as soon as it has entered the world.

Things You'll Need

  • Donkey pen
  • Wooden pole
  • Rope and muzzle
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Instructions

    • 1

      Place the donkey foal, with its mother, in a fenced off area at least 20 square feet. Visit the pen regularly so the foal gets used to your presence. Conduct normal tasks like raking the grass or painting the fencing. Donkeys are inquisitive and will investigate this activity. The foal will gradually learn to not be startled.

    • 2

      Feed the donkey a handful of hay once it three weeks old and is used to you being around you. You will know this point because it will not look fearful, but be more curious-- it may approach you or look at you. Put a handful of hay on the ground in the front of the foal, or place hay under a chair in the corner of the pen. Sit on the chair and wait for the donkey to come to you.

    • 3

      Stand away from the donkey and stroke it with a wooden pole to accustom the foal to being touched and groomed. Over the course of the taming process, get closer to the donkey foal so it does not bolt when you are standing directly by its side.

    • 4

      Reward good behaviour of the donkey with donkey treats, such as a carrot or pellet feed. Also, scratch or rub his rump firmly and talk to it with a kind voice. The foal needs to be imprinted with positive attention so it does not feel threatened by you. This will enabled it to be tamed more quickly.

    • 5

      Put a rope and muzzle on the donkey to start leading it. Do this as soon as you can get close to it without it being afraid. Gently tug on the rope and say "walk on." When it walks and halts correctly, give the foal a friendly scratch on the neck or back as a reward.