Summer move for adoption donkey Percy

Percy, one of our popular Sidmouth adoption donkeys, has moved from his previous home at Buffalo Barn to a more central location in the heart of the sanctuary.

Why has Percy moved?

Our team at Slade House Farm continuously review our donkeys’ living arrangements, ensuring that every donkey’s location best meets their current health and lifestyle needs and allows them to live their lives to the fullest.

Grooms recently noticed that adoption donkey Percy began showing signs of discomfort on his feet. After investigatory work from our veterinary team, a diagnosis confirmed Percy had a case of laminitis, an inflammation of the sensitive soft tissue structure inside the hoof.

As part of his treatment for laminitis, Percy went onto a period of box rest, where thick pads were applied to his feet and he had access to a bed of deep shavings to help alleviate his discomfort.

Leyla Anstee, Slade House Farm Manager, says: “Percy didn’t have a special companion at the time, so some of his stable mates joined him to keep him company.”

Following this period of treatment, our expert team made the decision to move Percy to a new location at the sanctuary to help further manage his condition, and limit his access to sugar-rich grass, which is linked to laminitis.

Over the summer months, Percy can be found roaming between Shelters 5 and 6, which he now calls home alongside other donkey and mule companions. We will keep a close eye on Percy to see how he settles in and how the rest of the group interact to establish who has formed close friendships with who. This will ensure that friends are not separated when our team review who will be living together in Shelters 5 and 6 after the summer.

What happens when donkeys move to a new shelter?

At first, it may take a few days to establish the herd’s new dynamics. This is perfectly normal and expected, and our dedicated team are on hand to monitor and support the movers in settling into their new surroundings.

During the initial phase, donkeys are introduced as slowly and gently as possible. Percy first got to know his new companions by interacting over a fence for a short period, before being fully introduced in a shared space.

On the outcome of Percy’s move, Leyla continues: “When we put them together properly, there were no signs of stress and they all got on really well.”

What does this mean for my adoption?

If you adopt Percy and are planning to visit him at the sanctuary, you can now find him on our main shelter walk. This central location promises to provide more up-close viewing opportunities for visitors hoping to see Percy.

For more news on Percy’s move over the coming months, keep an eye on our social media channels.