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To be registered, a miniature donkey
can only be 36" tall at the withers. Most range between
30" and 36". They come in many colors; sorrel, black,
brown, spotted, white and the original gray. Donkeys are perfect for small acreages as
they can live in a small area. As long as they have shelter to get in
out of the weather, hay and fresh water, they will thrive.
Donkeys do
well on brome grass. They can be fed alfalfa but this can be hard on
their kidneys when they get a little older. The require one flake of
hay twice a day. They can be given rationed grain for treats or when
they are pregnant or nursing, however, this is strictly an option and is not
necessary.
Donkeys are very hearty
animals and require minimal care. They are much like horses in that
they need to be wormed every 2-3 months, their hooves need to be trimmed
every 3-4 months, and they require yearly shots for tetanus, encephalitis,
rhinovirus and flu.
They will need to be fenced in with
3-4 foot field fencing, sometimes with a hot wire on top if you have more
than one stud jack to keep them separated. Babies are born between
18-25" depending on the size of the sire and dam and they can get
under fences if the fencing is not down to the ground or have a hot wire
on the bottom of the fence. They have been known to lift latches on
gates and barn doors to get to freedom.
Donkeys are very intelligent animals
and can be taught just like a dog. We have donkeys that we have
taught to "shake hands". They can be taught to
drive, ridden, run obstacle courses, and jump. There are many
show all over the states and Canada that donkeys can be entered in for
competition.
They can be taught to come to you
when called by their name. The babies will run with you in the
field. Beware if working on fences or fixing anything in their
fields, they will pick up your tools and run with them. They will
pick up their water buckets and throw them all over the field just to have
something to play with. They will let you know you are not paying
attention to them by nudging you in the back or grabbing your clothes with
their mouths.
Donkeys are said to be stubborn, but
that is not the case. They are cautious of anything that is not
familiar. Their first time through a doorway and over a thresh hold
is a challenge. Once they go through, they will always go
through. They do not like to go through water or ice. They do
not like to be loaded on a trailer, but once you show them it won't hurt
them, they will load with no problem.
They are a lot of fun for adults and
children.
But BEWARE -- Donkeys
are addictive!! |
