DONKEY FACTS

Miniature donkeys are native to the Mediterranean islands of Sicily and Sardinia.  Robert Green, a New York stockbroker, first imported the donkeys to the United States in 1929.  He bought six jennys and one jack, sight unseen, while on a trip to Europe.   Mr. Green was quoted as saying,

"Miniature donkeys possess the affectionate nature of a Newfoundland, the resignation of a cow, the durability of a mule, the courage of a tiger and the intellectual capability only slightly inferior to a man's".

A miniature donkey is typically defined as being no taller than 36”. The average adult miniature donkey weights between 250 and 350 pounds.

The most prevalent color for miniature donkeys is gray-dun which consists of a gray colored body, light colored belly and inside legs, with a dark color dorsal stripe down the back and over the shoulders. The dorsal stripe is known as the donkeys cross.   They also come in darker shades of gray, brown, black, sorrel, white and spotted.  Usually, they have light tan markings around their eyes and muzzle known as "points".  However, some have no light points.

Life expectancy for well cared for miniature donkeys is around 25-35 years so they are truly a lifetime pet.

SOCIALIZATION

The Miniature Mediterranean Donkey is by nature one of the friendliest and most affectionate animals of its type. They are very tame and gentle. They love their owners and seek attention. They do this with friendly nudges and brays and funny little sounds designed to get you to pay attention to them. The miniature donkey is extremely intelligent and docile and is easily trained.

Donkeys are herd animals and they should always have a companion animal, preferably another donkey.  

WHY MINIATURE DONKEYS?

• They are easily trained to pull a cart
• They can be used as a pack animal on a camping or hiking trip
• They are definitely a hit in a parade
• They make a great prop for Christmas nativity scenes
• To show them in donkey shows.  Competitions include: halter, driving, jumping, trail, showmanship, and costume classes
• Small children under 100 lbs can ride a mature miniature donkeys
• Excellent 4-H Projects 
•   Riding centers for the disabled quite often use donkeys because they are quiet & dependable by nature
• They are good for the heart and they will make you laugh
• .......or simply just to have a wonderful pet to love!

SHELTER

They will need shelter with a roof and at least three sides to protect them from sun, wind and rain. You should make sure your donkeys have safe, secure fencing that will keep out dogs and other predators. The pasture should be large enough for them to run and play in so they receive a healthy amount of exercise.

VACCINATIONS

While miniature donkeys are very hardy, healthy animals, they do require annual preventative vaccinations for Eastern/Western Encephalomyelitis, Tetanus, Rhinopneumonitis, Strangles, and Influenza.  Check with your veterinarian to discuss vaccinations for Rabies and West Nile Virus.

FEED

Miniature donkeys require a small amount of grain, good quality hay and should have free access to fresh clean water and a trace mineral block at all times. Donkeys are termed as "easy keepers" meaning they utilize their feed very efficiently and you must be careful that they do not get fat.

HOOF CARE

Donkeys need their hooves trimmed every 3-4 months, depending upon growth.

WORMING

Donkeys need to be wormed every 2-3 months. We alternate the use of wormers.  Keep pastures, paddocks and stalls clean to control parasites.

WEANING

Miniature donkey foals are normally weaned between 4 to 6 months of age. Foals under the age of 4 months need their mother’s milk as well as their mother's emotional support and herd socialization.

JACKS AND JENNETS

Separate jacks and jennets by 5-6 months of age. They can become fertile at a very young age. A jenny should never be bred under the age of 2 and preferably wait until 3 years of age.

GELDINGS

Consider pairs of little miniature donkey jacks to be gelded for the show ring and/or for pets.  They are so much fun to watch as they play in the pasture and they are so loving.