Fortunately, the Mule Train provides that extra hay, mixed with alfalfa Alfalfa, also called lucerne and called Medicago sativa in binomial nomenclature, is a perennial flowering plant in the legume family Fabaceae. It is cultivated as an important forage crop in many countries around the world. It is used for grazing, hay, and silage, as well as a green manure and c…Alfalfa
What do you feed your mules?
Mules have very few feeding problems :they do not get colic and laminitis as easily as horses and require very little grain feed, subsisting beautifully just on forage. Their hay does not need to be top range, often second cut or older hay is fine.
What is the best hay for mules?
I have found that mules will thrive on a good quality grass hay along with a salt block. In 1998 I started experimenting with Lakin Lite pellets. Lakin Milling is located here in Arizona and distributes to parts of New Mexico and Colorado.
Can you feed two mules for the same money one horse?
I have told people for years that you can feed two mules for the same amount of money it takes to feed one horse. I have proven my theory with my own tests done over the years. I have found that mules will thrive on a good quality grass hay along with a salt block. In 1998 I started experimenting with Lakin Lite pellets.
What do you wear with mules in the winter?
Style your mules with a cozy sweater and flowy dress for an evening look that feels just fancy enough. Jeans make a dress and mules much more appropriate for chilly weather. Try layering tights with jeans and mules to add an extra layer of warmth.
What should you feed mules?
Generally, mules can graze all day on hay or grains, and they can eat anything horses can eat. You can provide treats such as apples, carrots and other fruits or vegetables. Fresh water should always be available. Do not allow mules to go longer than 8 hours without food.
Is sweet feed good for mules?
We vaccinate in the spring and fall. Consult your veterinarian for the types of vaccines you will need for your area. You should never feed Longears (donkeys, or mules) any pre-mixed sweet feeds, or products high in alfalfa.
Do mules need blankets in the winter?
Don't Blanket Me Unless I Need it. In fact we suffer more from the heat than we do freezing temperatures. Our natural winter coat traps an insulating layer of warm air next to the skin and is extremely good at retaining our body heat as long as you give us reasonable shelter from the elements especially wind and rain.
Do mules need salt?
The only thing that is lacking in the diet is salt, so if you do not already have salt available, I would recommend that you at least have a white salt block for your mule to use when he chooses.
Can mules eat horse feed?
Mules and donkeys should not be fed the same way as horses. Mules and donkeys are members of the equine family, along with horses, ponies and zebras. Most people think you can feed them a diet similar to horses, but in lower quantity.
Can mules eat corn?
They can get hyper just like kids who eat TOO MUCH sugar. Corn is good feed to be fed along with good hay and/or grass. It is also more economical usually. Most of the negative stories you hear are due to the way corn is fed NOT due to it just being fed period.
Can mules survive winter?
Unfortunately, even mules don't live forever, but we can do our best to ensure they live as long and comfortably as possible. There have been a few winters where my mules seemed to be one of the few elements keeping me content and sane until spring, so I make sure they receive the loving care they deserve.
How can you tell if a horse is cold?
Common signs of your horse being too cold are:Shivering. Horses, like people, shiver when they're cold. ... A tucked tail can also indicate that a horse is trying to warm up. To confirm, spot-check her body temperature.Direct touch is a good way to tell how cold a horse is.
Do rain sheets keep horses warm?
Putting a rain sheet on in cold weather may not be a good idea. While it will block the wind, it will also mat down the hair, preventing the piloerection of the coat that keeps a horse naturally warm, without having any insulating properties of its own.
Do mules eat weeds?
Mules require no fancy hay—just plain, clean, fresh hay suitable for equines. People who buy cheaper weedy hay find that their mules clean out the weeds first. Mules eat less than horses do. Mules that are not working usually don't need grain at all.
Are rolled oats good for donkeys?
Youngsters under the age of two and older donkeys that are more than 20-years-old have been found to do well on rolled oats or a 50 per cent rolled oat and 50 per cent rolled barley mix. Adult donkeys over the age of two years do well on good quality, clean whole oats.
How long do mules live for?
between 35 and 40 yearsAlthough the average lifespan for mules is between 35 and 40 years, some mules have been known to live until 50, especially if well looked after.
What is sweet feed good for?
Sweet feeds designed for maintenance of mature horses tend to have low levels of pellet inclusion. These feeds are typically low in protein and essential vitamins and minerals.
Should you feed a horse sweet feed?
Sweet feed is bad for horses—it's nothing but sugar.”
What is sweet feed used for?
Sweet Feed is the name of a grain mixture used to feed horses and other livestock. The combination of grains and molasses makes a great grain bill for Whiskey. Premixed Sweet Feed bags can be found at Tractor Supply and other similar places.
Does sweet feed make horses hot?
But it's a myth that only certain feeds, like corn or sweet feed, are responsible for causing those excessive energy spikes (silly, stupid behavior) in horses. While there's no denying the change in behavior that can happen after a feed dump, the issue isn't always the type of feed, it's the amount.
What did Ann do for Norman at Bishop's Mule Days?
Ann spent most days in the saddle. As with any colt, she was feeding him good alfalfa hay and some grain to keep his energy level up. She also added some grass hay.
Why should grass clippings not be fed?
Grass clippings should not be fed for a multitude of reasons but mostly because they have weed killers and fungicides that can be toxic to mules or horses. Grass clippings are prone to cause choking because the animals do not have to chew in order to swallow.
What are the pellets used in mule riding?
Some pellets include grains, corn, wheat bran, cottonseed meal, etc. These types of pellets are necessary for hard working animals. If the animal is not fed enough grain, he will first burn body fat for energy and then burn muscular tissue and this will result in a thin and less effective riding mule.
How much protein do mules need?
Foals and weanlings need around 16% protein while mature mules can get by on 8% protein. It is very difficult to know just what vitamins you are getting from a bale of hay. With pellets you just read the label. For instance selenium in the soil varies greatly from place to place.
How many days a week do mules and horses eat?
Most mules and horses stand around five days a week. They eat, drink, and sleep — and get ready for the next meal (just like most Americans these days). The good feed we are on, if not combined with exercise, results in overeating and over weight.
What was the name of the trail Ann went on?
When October came and it cooled off, Ann decided to go out on a nice trail ride. A short time into the ride she renamed the trail: “Monster Trail.”. Behind every bush and every rock was a mule eater. Once Norman found the first mule eater (a black rock behind the bush), he decided to take control of the situation.
What is true about trail riding in Arizona?
I’m sure you’ve heard the stories. It’s so hot we fry eggs on the sidewalk! That’s almost true. What is true is that only the true diehard trail riders ride in the valley during the summer. Ann may have rode a dozen times over the next few months. When October came and it cooled off, Ann decided to go out on a nice trail ride. A short time into the ride she renamed the trail: “Monster Trail.” Behind every bush and every rock was a mule eater.
Why do donkeys die?
Hyperlipidemia —excess fat in the blood—is a health issue in donkeys that can be fatal. It is the main cause of death in donkeys. It can occur when an animal goes off feed and goes into “negative energy balance,” where more energy is being used than what is being consumed.
What is the difference between a donkey and a horse?
The major difference is that they are more efficient animals. For example, donkeys are considered to be browsers and are selective about the forage they consume.
What supplements are good for mules?
Mules in training or heavy exercise may thrive on special dietary attention and supplementation to support athleticism, muscle recovery and longevity including the addition of alfalfa, flax oil, joint-supporting nutrients, probiotics and ulcer support formulas and antioxidants like vitamin E and selenium.
Why do donkeys need more energy?
Winter and cold weather may increase caloric needs and higher hay levels may be used. Some donkeys may require higher energy levels to support growth , pregnancy, lactation, performance or work-load needs.
Why do donkeys need less protein than horses?
Donkeys also require less protein than horses as they have an enhanced ability to recycle nitrogen via the reabsorption of urea —up to 80 percent—created during protein metabolism.
What is the best supplement for donkeys?
Supplements. A comprehensive vitamin and mineral supplement that is nutrient dense but low in carbohydrates to safely balance the diet. Omega-3 fatty acids , an essential fat with a wide spectrum of health benefits, especially important for donkeys not on pasture.
What is the best way to keep a donkey?
Keeping donkeys at an ideal body weight is proactive health care and may help to prevent metabolic issues. Using a Body Condition Score (BCS) chart specifically for donkeys, based on 1 to 5 versus the 1 to 9 scale used for horses, can be a great tool for identifying when dietary adjustments are needed. Although they are famously “easy keepers,” ...
Why are mules considered a working animal?
The mule is regularly chosen as a working animal due to its great temperament, sturdiness and sure footed abilities. Their hooves and coats are extremely hardy. Mules are strong animals who can work in all conditions and weather. Often more intelligent than their parents, mules tend to enjoy social interaction.
How much weight can a mule carry?
As a general rule they can carry or haul approximately 30% of their body weight. Mules are essentially sterile: the males cannot sire young and it is unusual for the mares to have estrus cycles. However, the occasional female mule that is capable of estrus is called a "Molly.".
What is a mule in the parade?
The event also hosts the biggest non-motorized parade in the US. Mules are cross between a male donkey, a "Jack" and the female horse, a mare. They are classed as an Equine but are very different to horses, the build and characteristics of the mule largely coming from the "dam" or mother.
How much does a mule weigh?
Mule Physiology. The average weight for a mule is between 750 -1000 lbs. Mules, much like their donkey sires, tend to require less food than a horse. The mule has a short, thick head, very long ears, relatively thin limbs, small sturdy hooves and a short thick mane - very similar to a donkey.
Why is it called "stubborn as a mule"?
The saying "stubborn as a mule,“ rarely applies. A mule will work hard, but this saying likely comes from the ability of the mule to resist abuse.
What is the difference between a mule and a horse?
In other words, horses are far more forgiving about mediocre training whereas mules can become permanently difficult when trained improperly.
What do you know about mules?
What You Must Know About Keeping Mules. You probably know the expression, "Stubborn as a Mule.". Mules, the result of crossing a male Donkey and a female horse are renowned for being somewhat obstinate. However, this isn't necessarily the case when you know how to handle a mule correctly.
Why can't mules beat into submission?
That's only because a mule can't be beat into submission the way a horse can. A mule will also remember the rudeness/meanness that a person deals them. They are not anymore pushy or in my personal space than any horse I have is and that is because they are not allowed to be.
Is grass clippings bad for horses?
I'm not sure where you're getting your information but grass clippings are bad for horses because they'll founder and mules can too but they also don't need that much compressed feed.#N#We just keep ours out on decent pasture (not lawn, which has little nutritional value) when we have pasture and in the winter, they're fed with the cows.#N#You have to watch the information you're getting because it comes from various locations and often people forget that a cold climate changes feeding rules. Two flakes of hay might work nice in Florida, but it's not going to keep mine alive when it's -40.
Is it healthy to cut grass short every week?
The thing I'd worry about with lawn clippings is that grass cut short every week is very stressed grass, and can produce some toxins to try to discourage such frequent grazing. (It doesn't know that the lawn mower has no taste buds.) If you let your grass grow to 6" or so before mowing, like rotational grazing recommendations say, it should be less stressed and more healthy to feed than trimmings off a well manicured lawn.
