Molly and Lilly’s weight loss journey

Molly and Lilly’s owners had initially contacted our Welfare team for support with rehoming. However, when Donkey Welfare Adviser Emily Collins arrived at the home she was immediately concerned about Molly and Lilly’s weight.

While the average donkey should generally weigh between 180-200kg, depending on their breed and height, Molly and Lilly tipped the scales at 300kg and 255kg respectively.

During the search for Molly and Lilly’s new home, the mares were put on a weight management plan and received farriery treatment for their long hooves.

Due to Molly and Lilly’s excess weight, they were checked and cleared for signs of laminitis, a painful hoof condition often triggered by overconsumption of rich foods like grass and grain.

By the time a new home had been found in County Westmeath by Donkey Welfare Adviser Eva Ellis, Molly and Lilly had each lost more than seven kilograms.

With Eva’s support, Molly and Lilly’s new owners have been doing an incredible job to improve their weight.

They have constructed a new track system to boost activity levels and introduced ad-lib feeding of straw. This feeding method, which gives donkeys constant access to straw, is essential for all donkeys regardless of their weight.

Barley or wheat straw has a low-calorie content and provides necessary fibre, which helps to optimise gut health and mental wellbeing without weight gain.

To date, Molly and Lilly’s weight loss journey has seen them shed more than 60kg combined.

We were delighted to receive this recent update from the home: “Lilly and Molly are very settled and are well loved. They’re loving, confident and kind donkeys.

“The journey was not without obstacles, but with plenty of patience and kindness, Molly
and Lilly are now happy and easy to handle.

“Weight management will be an important part of their life. It is clear to us how important the correct diet and setup is for donkeys to be healthy and happy.”