Frequently Asked Questions about Miniature Donkeys
- What can you do with a Miniature Donkey?
- How do donkeys relate to children?
- How do donkeys relate to other animals?
- Can donkeys be used as guard animals?
- How much do donkeys cost?
- How much do donkeys eat?
- How much space do donkeys need?
- How long do donkeys live?
- What to look for in buying a donkey?
- What is a "registered" donkey? What are the advantages?
What can you do with a Miniature Donkey?
This is probably the most common question a Miniature Donkey breeder will answer. The possibilities are only as limited as your imagination.
- Start your own breeding herd
- Pets for all ages
- As donkeys learn very quickly, teach them to do obstacle courses, jump, and pull carts
- Because of their gentle nature they make excellent companions for the physically and mentally challenged. They love to be groomed.
- Special project for a 4-H member
- Stress reliever at the end of a bad day
- Meet new people and make new friends
- Pack them and go hiking
- Parades
- Visit the shut-ins (Nursing Homes and Senior Lodges)
These are a few reasons to have a Miniature Donkey.
How do donkeys relate to children?
Donkeys love the attention of all people, young and old, large and small. Because of this and their gentle nature, they tend to gather around anyone who comes to visit. At Prairie Brae we recommend that children not feed treats to the donkeys out of hand. A small dish will save the tiny fingers from being nibbled.
As we mentioned in the "About Us" area of the site, it was our first visit to a Miniature Donkey farm where the toddlers were wandering amongst the herd that most impressed us. Feeding time is perhaps an interval when more caution should be observed as sometimes jealousy over feed might tend to make a donkey protective of his/her ration.How do donkeys relate to other animals? ...cats and dogs? ...cows and horses? ...sheep and goats?
Donkeys relate well to most other animals. Sometimes the question is "How well do other animals relate to donkeys"? Donkeys do have a natural repugnance toward most canines and felines, but the positive outcome of this is they learn to tolerate those they share a caregiver with. Cows and donkeys will co-habit quite nicely together but you must be careful that the donkeys do not become obese from free range feed. As for horses, it is better to keep them in adjoining pastures as horses do have a pecking order and possibly the horse would keep the donkey from the feed. Also, it is imperative that a donkey has access to shelter from the weather elements and sometimes a horse will keep the donkey standing outside. Donkeys will pasture nicely with sheep and goats. In some cases donkeys will act as a guardian for the smaller animals.
Can donkeys be used as guard animals?
Some donkeys make suitable guard animals but it isn't always guaranteed. Our personal experience was a positive one, but we have had customers whose experiences were not. Ours was a 36" gelding who took the role of guardian very seriously, however there have been occasions where the donkey played too rough or was malicious for whatever reason. I tend to believe that a standard donkey is more appropriate as a guard animal. It may be unfair to expect a miniature to ward off larger predators. A good guard donkey is usually one that has no other donkey to buddy with so they take on a protective role with the sheep or goats. Because of their natural dislike for canines, they will usually keep coyotes out of the pasture. Some donkeys have stronger instincts for protection than others.
How much do donkeys cost? ...initially? to maintain?
How much does a donkey intially cost, is a question that every breeder must be prepared to answer - and it is very specific to each farm. Quality is very important and with quality comes increased cost. Conformation should be the first consideration when looking to purchase a Miniature Donkey, after that, a preference to colour is a personal choice and size will probably affect the price. Sometimes the smaller the animal the pricier it will be. There again, this is a personal choice. We, at Prairie Brae, prefer our jennets to measure 31 - 33 ½ and use a smaller jack. Geldings will be offered for sale at lower prices than jennets and jacks.
Maintenance costs will be approximately the same for most purchasers. The best way to research the cost of caring for your new acquisition is to check with veterinarians in your area for the cost of vaccinations and deworming programs. (Breeders that you purchase from are an excellent source of information.) Feed costs vary from region to region and year to year. A farrier that knows donkeys is worth his weight in gold.
How much do donkeys eat?
Miniature Donkeys are easy keepers and on good pasture tend to eat more than they need. When pastures are grazed down supplemental feeding will be necessary. Good quality hay consisting of timothy, alfalfa, and brome grass makes a good mix but it must be free of dust and mould. At Prairie Brae we feed only as much as they clean up. It is essential they have access to salt and equine mineral at all times.
How much space do donkeys need?
Donkeys need room to run and play for exercise. One or two acres per animal would be adequate for exercise and pasture. It is imperative that donkeys have access to a shelter for protection from weather elements.
How long do donkeys live?
Donkeys have a very long life span. A well cared for donkey can live up to 30+ years. Jennets can carry and give birth to a healthy foal well into their twentieth years.
What to look for in buying a donkey ...for a pet? ...for breeding stock?
Conformation is always important when looking to purchase a donkey. If you are buying it for a companion pet, conformation can be of lesser importance than if you plan to use it in a breeding program. Disposition is very important when looking for a pet. Scout for the perfect donkey that you feel a bond with. It is important to check the teeth for alignment. If an animal has an exaggerated overbite or underbite, it may be impossible to bite off grass or chew feed.If you are looking to purchase a donkey for breeding purposes, conformation is imperative. Straight legs sitting squarely on the corners of the body, a nice broad chest and a round rump are all attributes to look for. A smart alert head in proportion with the body is important. Do lots of research and buy from reputable breeders who will be more than happy to help with questions
What is a "registered" donkey? What are the advantages?
A registered donkey is an animal that has met all requirements and standards set out by an association, eg. height, conformation, teeth requirements, etc. The Canadian Donkey & Mule Association Handbook is a good reference. You can feel confident when purchasing a registered Miniature Donkey that has met the requirements of the registry association. In this way it is possible to research the genetics of parentage for qualities that will enhance your breeding program. Registered donkeys always demand a higher selling price.
For anyone who thinks they may have aspirations to show their animals, most shows require donkeys to be registered. When you buy from credible breeders they will be there to help with future questions you may have.
*For other information about donkeys, use our 'Information' link at the left to learn more about Miniature Donkeys.
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