Information About Miniature Donkeys
The first and foremost attraction to Miniature Donkeys is their loving personalities! Their kind, gentle disposition make them excellent pets. They are often used as companions for physically challenged people.
History
Miniature donkeys are native to the islands of Sicily and Sardinia. There is a legend that the cross on the back of a donkey is the shadow of the cross, as the donkey stood at the foot of the cross when Jesus died.
Physical Characteristics
Donkeys weigh 200-350 pounds and average 32"-34" at the withers; maximum height is 36". Miniatures live 25-35+ years. At birth, a single foal averages 15-18 pounds. Foals are up and nursing within 30 minutes and are weaned at 5-6 months of age. Donkeys communicate with a characteristic "hee-haw", the donkey bray.
Color
Miniature donkeys can range in colour from black to white and everything in between. True blacks are rare, with black/brown being more common. Chestnut/sorrels are various shades of red-brown. There are also white donkeys and spotted donkeys. The most common colour of Miniature Donkeys is grey-dun. There are several variations of grey, with light or dark noses, and a light coloured belly and inside legs. The characteristic "cross" or dorsal stripe is very symbolic to the donkey.
Reproduction
Male donkeys are called "jacks" and females are "jennets". Baby donkeys are called "foals". A "gelding" is a castrated jack. Jennets should not be bred before physically mature, approximately 3 years of age. Gestation is 11 1/2 to 13 months. Miniatures are not fully mature until four years of age.
Care and Management
Miniature Donkeys utilize their food very efficiently. Good quality hay, a mineral salt block and fresh clean water are the most important requirements. Access to pasture for grazing and exercise is preferable. They should always have shelter available. Donkeys can withstand cold temperature as long as they have shelter and are properly fed.
Miniature Donkeys are "herd" animals and may be stressed if kept alone. It is strongly recommended that they be kept with another Miniature Donkey or other animal as a long-time friend.
Miniature Donkeys are hardy and healthy animals. They do require preventative equine vaccinations, should be wormed regularly and have their hooves trimmed every two to three months.
Training
Miniature Donkeys have a larger brain capacity than other equines. They are very intelligent animals and learn very quickly. Donkeys have the reputation of being stubborn, but this is a myth. Instead of running in panic when frightened, the donkey will stop, stand, and study the situation to determine the course of action. Miniature Donkeys have immense strength for their size. All these characteristics make miniatures easy to train. They can pull carts or wagons singly or as a team. They can serve as pack animals or be ridden by children. They are easily trained to do trail or obstacle courses. Miniatures can be show animals where they are judged on conformation, or for performance in obstacle courses, jumping or driving.
WELCOME || ABOUT US || WATCH US WORK!
OUR HERD || DONKEYS FOR SALE
DONKEY INFORMATION || FAQs
CONTACT US || HOME
TOP OF PAGE
Graphics and Layout ©Pondside Web Productions