A Wildlife Article from All-Creatures.org

Marvelous Mules: Special Care Considerations

From The Open Sanctuary Project
September 2023

There are care considerations that will deviate from the care given to horse or donkey residents. In addition to anatomical differences, there are physiological, nutritional, and behavioral differences that make mules unique. Often general equine care guides only cover horses or only briefly mention donkeys and, rarely, mules.

Pony mule, Hiccup, takes a break by lounging on a boulder. Photo courtesy of Little Longears Minature Donkey Rescue

Caring for equine residents can be both rewarding and challenging. If you care for different species of equines, understanding the differences between them is vital to providing the best care for them. Just as donkeys aren’t horses, mules aren’t either donkeys OR horses either. This means there are care considerations that will deviate from the care given to horse or donkey residents. In addition to anatomical differences, there are physiological, nutritional, and behavioral differences that make mules unique. Often general equine care guides only cover horses or only briefly mention donkeys and, rarely, mules.

In this resource we will look at some of these key differences and how they impact mule resident care. This resource isn’t intended to be an exhaustive guide on all things mules but rather an introduction for caregivers on their unique differences from other equines.

Mules are the offspring of a female horse and a male donkey.

Topics include:

• Anatomical Differences
• Hooves
• Nasal Passages
• Coats
• Physiological Differences
• Gut Motility
• Water Compartmentalization And Conservation
• Metabolism
• Hematological Differences
• Nutritional Differences
• Behavioral Differences
• Stoicism
• Prudent Nature
• Fight and Flight

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Please read the ENTIRE ARTICLE HERE.

Marvelous Mules Infograph by Amber D Barnes

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