Miniature donkeys originate from the Mediterranean, but for the past fifty years or so they have become very popular additions to farms and petting zoos across North America. When choosing minature donkeys for sale it's important to first consider the main reason one is buying the animal, whether as a pet, show donkey, or breeding, as this can influence the selection according to sex, color, size, and price.
Those who have never raised or looked after a donkey before, first need to find out what the animal needs to stay healthy and happy, and then look for some reliable, local breeders. It's a good idea to compare the miniature donkeys on more than one farm before choosing one. The best breeders in the business should have an ongoing connection with families who adopt their donkeys, and provide them with information and guidance when needed.
Some of the basic terminology used to distinguish a donkey by its age or sex include the following. A jennet or "jenny" is a female, a jack is an intact male capable of breeding, and a gelding is a male which has been castrated. Foals are babies from birth to weaning age, weanlings are young animals which no longer nurse from their mothers, and yearlings are donkeys between one and two years of age.
Jennets aged three or older are capable of breeding and typically gestate for 11 to 13 months. Baby donkeys are weaned between 4 and 6 months. An adult miniature donkey will usually weigh 250-350 pounds and measure 32 to 34 inches in height. The most common colors are black, brown, gray, and red, with frosted or spotted markings. If given good care they can live as long as 25 or 35 years.
Outdoors, there needs to be a reasonably large pasture for the donkey to frolic about in, and also a shelter of some sort, either a three-sided building or a small barn to act as a refuge from the elements. Naturally very social creatures, it's recommended to adopt two donkeys at the same time as they will be much happier with a friend.
There is somewhat more flexibility when searching for pets than show animals or breeding stock. Buyers may choose two geldings, which are males of at least age one that have been castrated, and are also the most affordable. Others may prefer two jennets, a male and female pair, or two jacks, but in the case of the latter, it's advisable to get non-breeding males gelded eventually since their hormones can affect their behavior.
Donkeys tend to graze on grass primarily, but it's okay to also supplement this diet with some grain or hay, especially in young or pregnant animals. Their weight should be watched closely so they do not become obese, as this can lead to health problems. Providing them with a mineral salt supplement and Selenium block, if this mineral is deficient, as well as an automatic water dispenser, is also important.
A donkey need to visit the veterinarian regularly for vaccination, de-worming, and a Selenium booster if indicated. Since a Selenium deficiency can have reduce fertility and harm unborn foals, it must be treated if present. Hooves typically require trimming about 3 or 4 times each year by a farrier.
Those who have never raised or looked after a donkey before, first need to find out what the animal needs to stay healthy and happy, and then look for some reliable, local breeders. It's a good idea to compare the miniature donkeys on more than one farm before choosing one. The best breeders in the business should have an ongoing connection with families who adopt their donkeys, and provide them with information and guidance when needed.
Some of the basic terminology used to distinguish a donkey by its age or sex include the following. A jennet or "jenny" is a female, a jack is an intact male capable of breeding, and a gelding is a male which has been castrated. Foals are babies from birth to weaning age, weanlings are young animals which no longer nurse from their mothers, and yearlings are donkeys between one and two years of age.
Jennets aged three or older are capable of breeding and typically gestate for 11 to 13 months. Baby donkeys are weaned between 4 and 6 months. An adult miniature donkey will usually weigh 250-350 pounds and measure 32 to 34 inches in height. The most common colors are black, brown, gray, and red, with frosted or spotted markings. If given good care they can live as long as 25 or 35 years.
Outdoors, there needs to be a reasonably large pasture for the donkey to frolic about in, and also a shelter of some sort, either a three-sided building or a small barn to act as a refuge from the elements. Naturally very social creatures, it's recommended to adopt two donkeys at the same time as they will be much happier with a friend.
There is somewhat more flexibility when searching for pets than show animals or breeding stock. Buyers may choose two geldings, which are males of at least age one that have been castrated, and are also the most affordable. Others may prefer two jennets, a male and female pair, or two jacks, but in the case of the latter, it's advisable to get non-breeding males gelded eventually since their hormones can affect their behavior.
Donkeys tend to graze on grass primarily, but it's okay to also supplement this diet with some grain or hay, especially in young or pregnant animals. Their weight should be watched closely so they do not become obese, as this can lead to health problems. Providing them with a mineral salt supplement and Selenium block, if this mineral is deficient, as well as an automatic water dispenser, is also important.
A donkey need to visit the veterinarian regularly for vaccination, de-worming, and a Selenium booster if indicated. Since a Selenium deficiency can have reduce fertility and harm unborn foals, it must be treated if present. Hooves typically require trimming about 3 or 4 times each year by a farrier.
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