Mule Care

Have you ever considered the differences between donkeys and mules? In some ways, the two are comparable, while in others they are completely different. Many mule fans feel they mix the best characteristics of both species. They’re not entirely wrong. Mules are as strong and patient as donkeys, but they are also nimble like horses. They are hardy and swift, and have traditionally been employed as working animals, but they are also becoming popular among equestrians. In fact, they do dressage! A local vet discusses mules in this article.

What Is The Difference Between A Mule And A Donkey?

Mules are crossbred horses and donkeys. The donkey is the sire, whereas the horse is the dam.

Mules aren’t the only equine hybrids, though. There’s also the hinny, a horse/donkey hybrid with the horse as sire and the donkey as dam. Then there’s the zorse, which is a hybrid between a male zebra and a female horse, and the zonkey, which is a male zebra crossed with a female donkey. We also have the zedonk, which is a hybrid between a male donkey and a female zebra.

What Do Mules Look Like?

The mule’s most distinguishing characteristic is likely its long ears, which they inherited from their donkey sires. They also have larger skulls and slightly narrower hooves than horses. These are the items that are most noticeable to the naked eye. There are several more differences, which we will discuss shortly.

Mules can vary greatly in size and color, as these factors are heavily influenced by their parents. A mule with a draft horse dam may be considerably larger than one whose mother was a pony! They can wear any color or pattern found in horses or donkeys. However, most have brownish-grey coats. Additionally, their fur is coarser than horses’.

What Should You Feed a Mule?

Mule diets are close but not identical to horse diets. Mules, like their parents, are herbivores. Their diets should consist primarily of pasture, hay, and grain, with the occasional treat.

Here are a few essential factors about their nutritional requirements:

·       Your mules will require a high-fiber diet. You should limit their consumption of hydrolyzable carbohydrates (HC) such starch, sucrose, maltose, lactose, and galactose, which are digested in the small intestine.

·       Mules, unlike horses, can be fed straw. However, in general, hay is a superior option.

·       Make sure to include a salt lick!

·       Overall, mules eat less than horses. However, they require copious amounts of water. In fact, they can use up to 15 gallons each day! This is something they got from the donkey, which is accustomed to desert environments. You might want to acquire a trough because otherwise you’ll be continually filling buckets.

·       Mules can easily gain weight, so portion sizes should be kept in check. They are also susceptible to acquiring laminitis.

·       In terms of forage, you may want to have your grass evaluated. Some forage is too rich and/or sweet for mules. As you may be aware, excessive sweet grass consumption can result in laminitis. Fescue grass is also unsafe.

·       Mules will benefit from vitamins and minerals. Ask your Exeter, CA vet for specifics.

·       Like the rest of our patients, mules love treats! Safe fruits and veggies, such as apples and carrots, are a good bet.

·       Never feed your mule sweet feed. Alfalfa is also a no.

Is It True That Mules Are Stubborn?

You’ve probably heard the adage about being stubborn as a mule. That is undoubtedly true: these people have a reputation for being rather headstrong. So, why is that? It could be an indicator of intellect. Though further research is needed, studies have shown that mules are smarter than the normal equine. That could explain why they occasionally refuse to complete tasks they dislike. They also learn stuff quickly.

What Are Mules Like?

Mules are typically stoic, although they can be spicy. We normally advocate castration for males, as they are calmer and easier to handle afterwards. Nonetheless, they can be entertaining and affectionate.

Why Can’t Mules Reproduce?

Mules are sterile hybrids. Horses and donkeys have different chromosomes, which accounts for this. Horses have 64 chromosomes and donkeys have 62. Mules get 63. That odd number disrupts cell division, rendering the animal sterile.

What Have Mules Been Used For Historically?

Mules were originally used as beasts of burden. They have been employed as pack animals for millennia. By the twentieth century, cars had taken over much of the work that mules had previously performed in the Western world. However, they are still utilized as working animals today.

What Health Issues Do Mules Face?

Mules are generally hardy, which is why they are commonly utilized as beasts of burden. They are, in general, stronger and less prone to health problems than horses. They also don’t typically inherit hereditary illnesses. However, they are prone to a number of difficulties, including lesions, limb deformities, and ectoparasites. They may also develop many of the same ailments that older horses do, such as dental difficulties, arthritis, and PPID (Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction), and are also prone to conformation problems.

Potential owners should be warned that mules’ stoicism makes it difficult to identify signs of disease. If you’re thinking of getting a mule, consider this.

How Do You Take Care Of A Mule?

Mules require similar care to horses. This includes clean, comfortable stalls, fresh water, a nutritious diet, and frequent veterinarian treatment. There are a few notable distinctions, however.

While turnout time is always vital for horses, it is critically necessary for mules. These boys simply do not like being cooped up for long periods of time!

Mule teeth are slightly different from those of horses. Make sure to have your mule’s choppers inspected on a regular basis and floated if needed. You’ll also want to pay special attention to this as your hooved companion ages.

Parasites affect both mules and horses, but there is some variance in this regard. Mules are highly vulnerable to lungworms and other worms. Continue your deworming regimen.

Mules and horses do not digest medications in the same way. They will have various reactions to anesthetics and medicines. Before administering anything, always check with your Exeter, CA veterinarian.

Mules frequently require blankets to keep warm in cold weather.

Ask your Exeter, CA veterinarians for specific advice on your mule’s nutritional needs.

Make An Appointment At Our Exeter, CA Pet Hospital

Are you looking for a great equine vet? Please do not hesitate to reach out to us. As your Exeter, CA animal hospital, we are here to help!