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.
These terms are commonly used to identify them by their sex or age. Jennets, or "jennies" are females, jacks are males suitable for breeding, and geldings are males which have been castrated. A foal is a baby donkey from birth to weaning, a weanling is one which has stopped feeding from its mother, and a yearling is a donkey between the ages of one and two years.
Females can breed as young as three years old and typically carry their foals for 11 to 13 months, and wean around 4 to 6 months. As adults, the average height range is 32 to 34 inches, and they normally weigh 250-350 pounds. Colors may be gray, brown, black, red, spotted or frosted. With proper care they can live 25 or 35 years.
Miniature donkeys are not house pets, they need sufficient pasture space outdoors to run around and exercise and they will also require shelter from the elements in the form of three-sided building or small barn. Whenever possible, they should be adopted with a sibling or other donkey since they are very social animals and do not like solitude.
If the main reason for adopting a donkey is as a pet, buyers have a wider selection of prospects as they likely care more about the animal's disposition than its size or color. A pair of geldings are the most affordable option, but some may prefer two jennets, two jacks, or one of each. In the future, unless breeding, it's best to have a jack gelded, or their hormones can make them restless.
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.
They must be taken to visit the vet if ill and for routine vaccinations, de-worming treatment, and Selenium boosters if needed. It is important to ensure they do not suffer from a Selenium deficiency since this can adversely affect fertility and may harm foals in utero. The donkey will need its hooves trimmed a few times each year by a farrier as well.
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.
These terms are commonly used to identify them by their sex or age. Jennets, or "jennies" are females, jacks are males suitable for breeding, and geldings are males which have been castrated. A foal is a baby donkey from birth to weaning, a weanling is one which has stopped feeding from its mother, and a yearling is a donkey between the ages of one and two years.
Females can breed as young as three years old and typically carry their foals for 11 to 13 months, and wean around 4 to 6 months. As adults, the average height range is 32 to 34 inches, and they normally weigh 250-350 pounds. Colors may be gray, brown, black, red, spotted or frosted. With proper care they can live 25 or 35 years.
Miniature donkeys are not house pets, they need sufficient pasture space outdoors to run around and exercise and they will also require shelter from the elements in the form of three-sided building or small barn. Whenever possible, they should be adopted with a sibling or other donkey since they are very social animals and do not like solitude.
If the main reason for adopting a donkey is as a pet, buyers have a wider selection of prospects as they likely care more about the animal's disposition than its size or color. A pair of geldings are the most affordable option, but some may prefer two jennets, two jacks, or one of each. In the future, unless breeding, it's best to have a jack gelded, or their hormones can make them restless.
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.
They must be taken to visit the vet if ill and for routine vaccinations, de-worming treatment, and Selenium boosters if needed. It is important to ensure they do not suffer from a Selenium deficiency since this can adversely affect fertility and may harm foals in utero. The donkey will need its hooves trimmed a few times each year by a farrier as well.
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