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Donkey Information
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What can a Miniature Donkey do?
Miniature donkeys are sold as investment livestock. They are easily trained to carry a pack saddle, or pull a cart. You can show them or take them to fairs. They are an excellent animal to use for therapy in nursing homes or with handicapped people because of their gentle temperament. They make an excellent reason for a school class trip to your farm. They are also good therapy for your soul. Many times when we may be feeling blue or discouraged, we go out with the donkeys and those long ears, big, soulful eyes and gentle personalities melt your heart and make all right with the world again.
Are donkeys really stubborn?
Donkeys, due to their origins on the steep, rough mountains of their native land, are keen on self preservation and are very cautious. They do not get themselves into the trouble that a horse would. A horse's instinct is flight, whereas the donkey's is to look the situation over and determine the best approach. Their ability to stop and assess a situation is what has earned them their reputation for being stubborn. You could call it being "on donkey time".
What other animals do Miniature Donkeys get along with?
Miniature donkeys can get along with goats, sheep, horses, cats, dogs, llamas...all it takes is common sense. Although miniature donkeys do not like canine predators, they will adapt to a dog that is yours, but if another dog were to come onto the property your donkey would defend it's territory.
What is a Miniature Donkey's personality like?
Miniature donkeys are one of the most affectionate and friendly animals of their kind. They are tame, gentle, loyal, playful, and affectionate. They are very social animals who like to give and receive a great deal of attention. They are very easy to train, learning quickly and wanting to please their owner. If you want a friend for life, a miniature donkey is a wonderful choice.
Can Miniature Donkeys be house pets?
No, miniature donkeys cannot be house pets. They are livestock and as such require a barn or three sided shelter to give them protection from the elements. While they might like to come and visit you on your front steps, they cannot (to our knowledge) be housetrained so you would set yourself up for some very large messes!
What kind of health care do Miniature Donkeys require?
There are four aspects to your donkeys health: grooming, hoof care, deworming and vaccinations.
Donkeys can be groomed like their equine counterparts. Brush them with a stiff brush, going with the direction that the hair grows. Be gentle around their face and ears. To get rid of the shaggy winter coats, you can purchase a shedding blade, or a kitchen block, much like pumice, that is used to clean out wooden stoves. By rubbing it gently on your donkey, it sheds out the old, shaggy hair, leaving a shiny coat in its place. You can buy these stones at any store specializing in wooden stoves. For show they can be clipped to give a nice clean look. Just remember to have a blanket for them if the weather turns inclement. Most tack shops will be happy to custom make blankets to fit your miniature donkey.
In the summer, however, there is not much need for brushing and grooming as the donkeys prefer to take dust baths. This is their natural method of bathing.
Donkey hooves are very elastic and do not wear down like those of other equines. If they are left to grow out, they grow quite long and can lead to permanent damage. Ideally hooves should be trimmed every six to eight weeks depending, of course, on how rapidly your donkeys hooves grow.
Deworming is another important aspect of your donkeys health. You may use any one of the equine wormers on the market. When in doubt, check with your veterinarian. Worming should be done three to six times a year. If internal parasites are not removed by regular deworming, your donkey may suffer internal tissue damage which may considerably shorten their life span. A good idea when worming is to vary your type of worming medicine each time you worm. For example use ivermectin brand the first worming of the year and Panacure brand the next time and so on.
Vaccinations are the last, important step. Your donkey should be given an annual injection of a three-way equine vaccine and a rhino/influenza vaccine each spring. Do remember, when you are doing an initial vaccination on a foal, the first set of shots must be followed by a second set of shots three to four weeks following. This important, one time only step, should not be overlooked. The three way provides immunity against eastern and western equine encephalitis, and tetanus. The rhino/influenza vaccine provides immunity against equine rhinopneumonitis and equine influenza. All these are potentially fatal diseases. Also, pregnant jennets should be immunized with Pneumabort-K, K, a vaccine that protects the pregnant jennet from Equine Rhinopneumonitis which can cause spontaneous abortions.
Before starting any vaccination program, contact your local veterinarian to see if there are any special immunization needs in your area.
What is the difference between a good Miniature donkey and a bad one?
There are many factors that contribute to being able to tell a good donkey from a bad donkey. Overall conformation, which is how well the donkey's body is put together, is one of the most important factors.
What is the difference between the following Miniature Donkey terms: Jack, Jennet, Foal, Weanling & Gelding?
A Jack is a male donkey that has not been castrated. When he is mature enough he may be used for breeding.
A Jennet, or jenny as some people say, is a female donkey. When she is three years of age, she can be bred to a breeding quality jack.
A foal is a young donkey from birth to the time that they are weaned from their mothers
A Weanling, is a young donkey who has been separated, or weaned, from its mother usually from four to six months of age.
A Gelding is a male donkey that has been castrated so that it cannot reproduce.
Who buys Miniature Donkeys?
Everyone who meets a miniature donkey wants one of their own! Donkey owners come from all walks of life and include doctors, lawyers, executives, housewives, children, farmers, retired people, and investors to name just a few. Because donkeys are easy to care for and love.
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For Sale | Herd
Sires | Brood Jennets
| Nursery | Donkey
Info | Links Show Results | Poncho | Photos | Donkeys Sold | Home | Contact Us |
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