Mule Care 

Happy Holidays! If you put a manger under your tree, you may very well have a little donkey figurine. But have you ever wondered about the differences between donkeys and mules? The two are quite similar in some ways, but very different in others. In this article from Hassayampa Veterinary Services, serving Wickenburg and the surrounding communities, a local Wickenburg, AZ vet talks about mules.

What Is The Difference Between A Mule And A Donkey?

Donkeys are equids, as are horses, zebras, kiang, onagers, and asses. Mules are crosses between horses and donkeys. With mules, the donkey is the sire and the horse is the dam. Many of their fans believe that they combine the best traits of both species. They aren’t exactly wrong. Mules do tend to be very strong and patient, as donkeys are, but are also agile, like horses. Hardy and fast, they have traditionally been used as working animals, but are becoming quite popular among equestrians. In fact, they now even compete in dressage!

As hybrids, mules are sterile, and cannot produce offspring of their own. Mules aren’t the only equid hybrid. There is also the hinny, which is also a horse/donkey cross, but with the horse as sire and donkey as dam. Then there’s the zorse, which is the offspring of 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, a cross between a male donkey and female zebra.

And if you were wondering, the beloved Eeyore from Winnie The Pooh was a donkey, not a mule.

Why Can’t Mules Reproduce?

This is because of differences in the chromosomes of horses and donkeys. Horses have 64 chromosomes, while donkeys have 62. Mules end up with 63. That odd number interferes with cell division, which will generally render the animal sterile. 

What Were Mules Used For Historically?

Mules have traditionally been used as beasts of burden. They have been used as pack animals for thousands of years. In fact, even the ancient Romans and Egyptians used them! They were even depicted as pulling chariots in Egyptian art. American settlers also used them to haul supplies and mine coal. By the 20^th century, cars had taken over much of the work that had traditionally been done by mules in the Western world. However, they are still used as working animals in many places today.

What Is The Main Physical Difference Between Horses And Mules?

The mule’s most defining feature is probably those long ears, which they get from their donkey sires. They also tend to have bigger heads and somewhat narrower hooves than horses. Those are the things that are most visible to the naked eye. There are other differences as well, which we’ll get to shortly. 

Mule Basics

Mules can vary quite a bit as far as size and color go, as these things really depend on the parent. A mule with a draft horse dam may be quite a bit larger than one whose mom was a pony! As for color, they can sport any color or pattern that you may find in horses or donkeys. However, most have brownish-grey coats. They also have coarser fur than horses.

Are Mules Really Stubborn?

You’ve likely heard that saying about being as stubborn as a mule. There is definitely some truth to that: these guys do have a reputation for being quite headstrong. Why is that? It could be a sign of intelligence. Though more research is needed, studies do indicate that mules are smarter than the average equine. That may explain why they sometimes simply refuse to do things they don’t want to do. They also tend to learn things quite fast.

What Are Mule Personalities Like?

Mules tend to be fairly stoic, though they can be a bit spicy. We generally recommend castrating the males, as they will be calmer and easier to handle after. That said, they can also be quite fun and affectionate. 

What Health Issues Do Mules Face?

Mules tend to be pretty hardy, which is one reason they are so often used as beasts of burden. They are, in general, somewhat sturdier and less prone to health issues than horses. They also don’t usually inherit genetic diseases. However, they are prone to a few issues, such as lesions, limb deformity, and ectoparasites. They also may develop many of the same problems often seen in older horses, such as dental problems, arthritis, and PPID, or Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction. Mules also are susceptible to conformation issues.

One thing that potential owners should be aware of is the fact that, because mules tend to be so stoic, it can be hard to detect signs of illness. If you are considering getting a mule, you’ll need to keep this in mind.

How Do You Care For A Mule?

For the most part, mules need very similar care as horses. That entails clean, comfy stalls, fresh water, a proper diet, and regular veterinary care. There are a few key differences, though.

• While turnout time is always important for horses, it’s absolutely critical for mules. These guys just don’t do well with being cooped up too much!
• Mule teeth are a bit different from horses’. Be sure to have your mule’s choppers examined regularly, and get them floated as needed. You’ll also want to pay extra attention to this as your hooved buddy ages.
• Mules and horses are both susceptible to parasites, but there is some variation here as well. Mules are particularly at risk from lungworm and other worms. Keep up with deworming.
• Mules do not metabolize medication the same way horses do. They will react differently to anesthesia and painkillers. Always check with your Wickenburg, AZ vet before administering something.
• Mules often need blankets to keep them warm in cold weather.

What Do You Feed A Mule?

Mule diets are similar, but not identical, to horse diets. Like their parents, mules are herbivores. Their diets should consist of forage, hay, and grain, with the occasional treat.

Here are a few key points on their nutritional needs: 

• Overall, mules need less food than horses. They do need lots and lots of water, though. In fact, they can drink up to 15 gallons each day! This is something they inherited from the donkey, which is adapted to desert climates. You may want to consider getting a trough, as otherwise you’ll be constantly filling buckets.
• Be careful about portion sizes, as mules can gain weight easily. They are also prone to developing laminitis.
• Your mule will need a high-fiber diet. You’ll want to limit their intake of hydrolyzable carbohydrates (HC), such as starch, sucrose, maltose, lactose, and galactose, which are processed in the small intestine. 
• It’s worth noting that, unlike with horses, mules can be fed straw. However, hay is generally the better option. 
• Be sure to provide a salt lick!
• As far as forage, you may need to get your grass tested. Some types of forage are too rich and/or sugary for mules. As you may know, too much sweet grass can lead to laminitis. Fescue grass is also unsafe. 
• Mules will benefit from vitamins and minerals. Ask your Wickenburg, AZ 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. 

Ask your Wickenburg, AZ veterinarians for specific advice on your mule’s nutritional needs. 

Make An Appointment At Our Wickenburg, AZ Pet Hospital 

Are you looking for a great equine vet? Please do not hesitate to reach out to Hassayampa Veterinary Services, serving Wickenburg and the surrounding communities. As your Wickenburg, AZ animal hospital, we are here to help!