Native to the Mediterranean region, miniature donkeys have become sought after additions to many North American farms and petting zoos for about the past fifty years. When it comes to looking for minature donkeys for sale, the buyer needs to first determine whether the animal is being purchased for show, breeding, or simply as a loving family pet, since this can affect one's preference for size, color, sex, and also the price for which it is sold.
If buying a miniature donkey for the first time, one must find out what the needs and care of these animals are, and begin searching for some reputable breeders in the area. It may be necessary to visit several farms and compare the animals. Any dedicated breeder will also be more than happy to act as an ongoing source of support and information to all who have purchased donkeys from them.
Familiarizing oneself with the basic terminology used to indicate the age or sex of a donkey is a good place to start. Jacks are males which can be bred, geldings are castrated males, and jennets or "jennies" are female donkeys. Newborns through to weaning age are called foals, those weaned from their mothers are weanlings, and a donkey between one and two years old is a yearling.
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.
Before bringing a donkey to its new home, one must ensure that there is a sufficient area of pasture for it to move around in, and that there is also at least a small barn or shelter with three sides where the donkey can go for protection against the elements. These creatures are by nature very social and will always be happier if they have a companion, ideally one would opt to adopt two siblings together.
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.
Like other equine animals that graze, a donkey's primary food staple is grass, but this diet can also be supplemented with some hay or grain occasionally, in particular for pregnant jennets or young animals still growing. They should not be allowed to overeat as this leads to obesity and related illnesses. Fresh water in a water dispenser must be available, and it's also good to provide a mineral salt supplement and Selenium block.
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.
If buying a miniature donkey for the first time, one must find out what the needs and care of these animals are, and begin searching for some reputable breeders in the area. It may be necessary to visit several farms and compare the animals. Any dedicated breeder will also be more than happy to act as an ongoing source of support and information to all who have purchased donkeys from them.
Familiarizing oneself with the basic terminology used to indicate the age or sex of a donkey is a good place to start. Jacks are males which can be bred, geldings are castrated males, and jennets or "jennies" are female donkeys. Newborns through to weaning age are called foals, those weaned from their mothers are weanlings, and a donkey between one and two years old is a yearling.
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.
Before bringing a donkey to its new home, one must ensure that there is a sufficient area of pasture for it to move around in, and that there is also at least a small barn or shelter with three sides where the donkey can go for protection against the elements. These creatures are by nature very social and will always be happier if they have a companion, ideally one would opt to adopt two siblings together.
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.
Like other equine animals that graze, a donkey's primary food staple is grass, but this diet can also be supplemented with some hay or grain occasionally, in particular for pregnant jennets or young animals still growing. They should not be allowed to overeat as this leads to obesity and related illnesses. Fresh water in a water dispenser must be available, and it's also good to provide a mineral salt supplement and Selenium block.
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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