GEKEC: Donkey Care and Husbandry

Modules

• Module 1: A suitable environment
• Module 2: Healthy equids
• Module 3: Looking after different equids
• Module 4: Train the trainer

Learning outcomes

•  Explain key factors in providing a suitable environment for an equid, including housing and shelter, bedding, cleanliness, water access, hazard prevention, and enrichment, and describe how each factor contributes to the animal’s welfare in a practical setting.
• Describe the key components of routine care for healthy equids, including daily checks and regular grooming. Learners will be able to demonstrate how to take an equid’s vital signs, perform a basic grooming routine, and safely pick out hooves, following best practices to ensure both handler and animal safety.
• Assess and implement appropriate management and environmental adjustments for donkeys at different life stages, ensuring their evolving health, welfare, and behavioural needs are met.
• Deliver a session to a community or project team, covering key aspects of donkey care and husbandry, using accessible language and locally relevant examples. They will also be able to address cultural misconceptions and encourage positive behaviour change through effective community engagement strategies.

Time needed for course completion

• 3 hours