News stories
Please support our Long Life Appeal
From Austin to Humphrey, Redwings gives a life-long caring home to equines of all ages.
Austin is one of Redwings' youngest residents - he was born at our vet centre at the end of May. His mum wasn't at all well and her difficult behaviour was a clear indication that she had been mistreated before Redwings rescued her.
She had to be sedated so that our vet team could help with her foaling, and once Austin was safely born, she showed immediate signs that she was going to reject him. Redwings' vet team had to step in and help Austin urgently, and there were a few very anxious moments during his first night, when it really was 'touch and go' and Austin had to be given his mother's first milk using a feeding tube.
For the first few days Austin had to be bottle-fed by hand and even now we have to feed him powdered milk substitute every two hours, both day and night. He is now a healthy, delightful little foal and Redwings will be happy to provide Austin with everything he needs to be happy and healthy for the rest of his life, whether that's in our care or in a Guardian home as part of our re-homing scheme.
Austin
Meanwhile, at 42, Humphrey is Redwings' most senior citizen. He's been with us since 1990 and now lives at our Oxhill Rescue Centre in Warwickshire where he's kept company by some of our other special donkey residents, including Joseph, Caroline and adoption favourite Felicity.
Donkeys differ from horses in many ways and need lots of special care and attention. At Redwings we respect that donkeys are different, and provide for them accordingly. For example, donkeys have thick hair that can protect them from cold nights but unlike horses their coats are not waterproof. They therefore don't cope well with rain or snow and every Redwings donkey has access to a shelter it can use when the weather turns British!
Humphrey
Donkeys can also live a long time, up to 50 years old. But just because they can live much longer than horses and ponies, it doesn't mean they don't get poorly. There are a few specific conditions that only affect donkeys and Redwings' vet team is experienced in catching the early signs of illness.
Humphrey enjoys good health for his advanced years although he is starting to show some signs of stiffness in his joints when he walks. He may need a little medication when the weather turns colder, but you can be sure he'll be in very good hands.
Redwings is dedicated to giving a life-long caring home to Austin, Humphrey and more than 1100 horses, ponies, donkeys and mules. If you'd like to help Redwings provide permanent specialised sanctuary care for all its equines, for all their lives, please give to our Long Life Appeal today.
Click here to Donate now.
