TOBIAS

When Tobias appeared in the Solstice Carol he was an immediate hit. Tobias demonstrated a natural ability for acting and stole every scene in which he appeared. To the sadness of many, Tobias departed at the end of the show. Many Xenites wait with the hope that the cute and charming Tobias will return and become a continuing member of the series. In that event, full consideration should be given to his care.

Tobias is a highly intelligent animal who will not be commanded blindly into a situation of danger like some horses. Donkeys like Tobias have an ill founded reputation for being stubborn and stupid. This almost certainly reflects his original handlers' characteristics, as it was often the less successful tradesmen, who could not afford to keep the more expensive horse, that had donkeys. Once Gabrielle learned to cooperate with Tobias, he will cooperated with her. The first and foremost attraction to small donkeys like Tobias is there their loving personalities. They demand attention! They form close attachments to their owners and to other animals. Because of their laid-back, easy going personalities, they make wonderful pets. It should be remembered, that donkeys herd animals and one lone donkey is a very lonely donkey. Ideally Tobias should have company of his own kind but as this is not possible Argo will make and excellent companion. However, Tobias will suffer great stress is caused companionship with Argo is again ended. Action should be taken to keep the pair together with Xena and Gaberielle in long term arrangement.

Grooming

Grooming is an important social activity in the life of Tobias and he will find great pleasure in being groomed by Gabs. Tobias has a naturally rough coat during the winter months which will benefit from a brush with either a curry comb or a stiff-bristled dandy brush. For a brief period in the summer he will lose the harsh winter coat and have a sleek, shiny, shorthaired appearance. This will reward a little effort on the Gabrielle's part with a soft body brush by positively gleaming - although any gleam will only last until the next visit to the "rolling patch". Tobias' eyes and nostrils should be wiped daily with clean water and cotton wool swabs, making sure that a clean one is used for each area to guard against passing on any infection. His feet should be cleaned out with a hoofpick on a daily basis to remove any compacted mud and stones. This task will prepare Tobias don for the day.

A steady diet of grass should be sufficient to feed Tobias during the summer. During the winter this will have to be replaced with good quality hay and straw. Eight pounds (about 3.5 kilos) of hay mixed with a similar quantity of good clean barley or oat straw and fed split into two feeds per day will be about right for the average non-working animal. The working donkey, young and still-growing donkey, and elderly donkey may benefit from extra feed in the form of proprietary cereals manufactured specifically for feeding to Argo. This should not be fed in vast bucketfuls, but just one or two pounds per day.

Tobias is extremely fastidious drinkers and require a constant supply of clean, fresh water. In frosty conditions special provision must be made. Tobias, like most donkeys can survive on good quality hay alone. High quality hay is not mandatory. But clean hay is. Donkeys are very efficient digesters of roughage. A good hay to feed Tobias consists of a mixture of 1/4 alfalfa and 3/4 grass. Pure alfalfa is too rich a feed for him and does not set well with his digestive systems. Grain for Tobias is not essential. A little for a treat or to mix supplements in is on the average about all that needs to be fed. If severe droughts occur in different parts of the country, sometimes only poor quality hay is available and in this case, Tobias should be supplemented with a 10-12% protein equine sweet feed. Donkeys are termed as "easy keepers" meaning they utilize their feed very efficiently and Gabrielle must be careful that Tobias does not get fat. Fat donkeys will develop a "crest" - or fat roll - on their necks that will be there for life once it develops.

When Xena and Gabs are visiting friends and family, Tobias can easily be kept on less than an acre of land. This however doesn't mean he could live off pasture grasses. If needed he could live comfortably being fed hay year round. Tobias does need a pasture large enough to run and play in to receive enough exercise for him to remain healthy. Tobias is well suited for a life a travel with Xena, Gabrielle, and Argo, his human and equine companions on the trail.

Salt licks are important, whether fed in loose or block form. Grazing animals, like Tobias, are lucky in that they never have to watch how much 'table salt' they ingest! Donkeys should have access to salt year round. Probably the most important thing for Tobias is water. Clean, fresh water is essential for life. On a hot day, an average donkey could drink up to 8 gallons or more a day. If the winters are harsh and cold, having unfrozen water for Tobias is a priority