Pumpkin post-Hallowe’en snacks for equines

Trick or treating is not just for us! Donkeys at the Donkey Sanctuary in Manchester enjoy a cheeky Hallowe’en treat, too!

The donkeys at Abbey Hey in Manchester are going to be enjoying a yummy treat once the pumpkins have finished being on display around the centre because the spooktacularly carved pumpkins will be used as treats for the resident donkeys to enjoy!

The flesh of the pumpkins will be cut into bite-sized pieces and offered in the form of string kebabs, along with other vegetables and fruit, which are then hung up for the donkeys to reach up and nibble on for enrichment. The hollowed shell of the pumpkin can also be used to contain other enrichment foliage, including fresh herbs such as mint, coriander and parsley which the herd will love investigating.

As with all new foods, feeding in moderation and under supervision is key, and thanks to the team at Manchester, the donkeys will have the opportunity to try something a bit different while exhibiting their natural behaviour.

Don’t let the donkeys have all the fun, though, if you’re looking for a great way to get rid of your pumpkins, let your pony have them as a treat, too! As with any treat, give him pumpkin in small amounts and introduce it gradually just as you would do with any new feed. To encourage foraging behaviour, you could hide parts of the pumpkin in your pony’s haynet or around the field to turn it into a treasure hunt!

For more information, visit thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk