So you wanna own a donkey, huh?
Here are a few things you'll need to know.
DONKEY'S ARE NOT HORSES.
We've owned both horses and donkeys. The differences between them are huge. Yes, they both eat hay. They both have hooves, a mane and a tail. But trust me, the differences outweigh similarities.
They do not whinnie, they bray. If the only time you've heard a donkey bray was in a cartoon, then you do not have inkling of what it sounds like. It is a sound like no other. But it is music to the ear of a donkey enthusiast.
The most intriguing characteristic about miniature donkeys is their sweet and loving personalities. They are very attracted to human contact and will often follow their owner rather than their donkey friends. If you prefer a laid back, gentle animal, you need to visit a donkey breeding facility to witness their unbelievably gentle nature. And do NOT overlook their abilities. They make excellent driving animals.
A friend of Rushcreek told us that she was training her mini donkey to drive and her friend (who trains mini horses to drive) told her to have someone help her hook her mini up to the cart for the first time because equines usually react badly to being strapped to the cart the first time. When it came time to hook him up, she was shocked to find him completely calm and without incident!
What she actually experienced was exactly the opposite. It was then that she found a deeper respect for these unusually calm and quiet animals. They are eager to please! Check out this 2 year old gelding driving 2 children around their property:
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2 year old gelding taking the boys for a spin |
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And he loves to pose for photos! |
Now for a few miniature donkey facts:
Average height:
- 36" or under for IMDR Class A registration
- 38" or under for Class B registration.
Average gestational period: 11-12 months
Average lifespan: 25-45 years (depending on care)
Color:
- Gray-dun (most common)
- Black (true black being rare)
- Brown
- Red
- Silver
- Spotted (unually white w/gray or brown spots)
- Roan (any solid color with intermingled white hairs)
Heath care:
- Hoof trimming at least every 8 weeks
- Vaccinations (depending on area)
- Deworming at least 6 times a year
Feeding:
- No pure alfalfa (miniature donkeys are easy keepers and alfalfa is too rich for them)
- small amount of 10-12% sweet feed (do not over grain!)
- fresh water at all times
- Salt Block (free choice)
- Mineral block
- Keep them on a regular schedule (or you will hear from them LOUD and CLEAR.)
Costs:
- If you ever heard someone say, you get what you pay for? This is true with donkeys!
- Number 1, BEWARE of livestock auction donkeys!
(Not to say all are bad, but I have heard some horror stories, so be SURE to examne for vices such as biting and kicking.)
Poorly raised donkeys often end up at standard livestock auctions. (not the reputable ones...which screen the entries)
- A good donkey can cost between $1,000. (gelding) to $4,500. for a good jennet. If you plan to breed, get the best animal you can afford.
What are they good for?
- Because of their laid back and gentle nature, donkeys make excellent pets for children, elderly and the handicapped.
- A well raised donkey will learn faster than a horse.
- A well raised donkey is eager to learn.
- For those who are afraid to ride or drive a horse, a miniature donkey is perfect because their small size makes them less intimidating.
- For those who like to hike, they make awesome pack animals.
- They will cross streams, bridges, and even jump logs provided the owner takes the time to allow the donkey to examine the situation. (this takes patience as donkeys do nothing without thinking first, unlike their human counterparts)
How much room do they need?
- One 12' X 12' stall can comfortably house three adult miniature donkeys.
- Pasture requirements are minute. It is probably better to limit pasture exposure since obesity can be an issue if left on plush pastures. Dry lot paddocks are excellent.
Can you mix jennets (females) with geldings (fixed males)?
- Through our experience, it is NOT recommended to house geldings with jennets.
- Unlike gelded horses, many gelded male donkeys will continue to breed the jennets they are in contact with when they are in season.
- We strongly urge pet buyers to limit their purchase to either all males or all females to eliminate jack behavior while jennets are in heat.