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The Miniature - Donkey
Angel & Gracie The
miniature donkey also known as the Sardinian donkey originated in the
Mediterranean islands of Sicily and Sardinia. There are currently an
estimated 50000 miniature donkeys in the United States of which close to
30000 are registered with the Miniature Donkey Registry. Miniature
donkeys range in height from 26" to 36" with the average height
around 34". They weigh between 200 and 300 Lbs and the most common
color is gray-dun/slate or mouse color. Other colors include brown, black
brown, black (rare), sorrel, white spotted. The donkey usually has a dark
line along his back and across his shoulders. The
donkey has a life expectancy of 25-30 years. Donkeys are herd animals and
need to be given a companion. If another donkey is not available at least
provide a pony, lama, goat or cow. Sometimes they also make friends with
the family dog. Uses
of the Miniature Donkey The
miniature donkey has many uses, the most common being a pet or companion
animal. With his long life expectancy a donkey can truly be a
friend/companion for life. Some
people train their donkeys to pull a cart or wagon which is easily
accomplished. They often take part in parades or show them at other
events. There are people that take their donkey to schools and nursing
homes for entertainment and education. The donkey can be displayed in
petting zoos, zoos, nativity scenes, or he can be easily trained for
smaller children to ride. He may be a back packers companion and can be
conditioned to carry about 100 lbs. of cargo. The
donkey can also be kept as a guard animal to guard against dogs or
coyotes. They protect newborn calves or herds of goats. If used as a guard
animal one should consider the size of the donkey and the remoteness of
the area. A 300 lbs. donkey will guard the same way as a large donkey and
be able to fend off a dog. However, he may get hurt fighting a whole pack
of coyotes or wild dogs. A larger donkey or a group of smaller donkeys may
be more suitable for this purpose. We
have talked to an increasing number of people that just inquired about a
donkey to hear him bray. For this purpose a jack is most suitable since it
is his nature to bray. Jennets on the other hand remain quiet (unless it's
feeding time!) Care The
miniature donkey can be kept on small pastures. He naturally requires less
feed than a large donkey. All donkeys love to roll and he will find a
rolling spot. The
miniature donkey may be more suitable for small children. A gelding or a
jennet has a very quiet personality. A jack should be watched closely and
never be left alone with small children. They may be just as loving but
can become more aggressive when there are jennets around. Therefore a jack
should be gelded if he is to be a child's pet. A gelding makes a
wonderful, well balanced and quiet companion. It
is easy to overfeed a donkey. All he really requires is a good pasture or
good grass hay in the winter and a mineral block for him to lick on.
Alfalfa hay is known to be too rich for donkeys and should only be used
sparingly. Sweet feed or grain feed is usually not necessary in mild
climates. If your donkey gets too thin during the winter feed him some 10%
sweet feed. But be careful not to overfeed him since a fat donkey will
have a hard time to lose weight. He may not be able to lose a neck fat
roll at all. The
donkey needs to be wormed a minimum of two times a year (best every 3-4
months). He requires regular hoof care (every 6-8 weeks) depending on how
quick his hooves grow. A
minimum of a tetanus shot should be given once a year to protect him in
case of injury. Tetanus shots are available also as an affordable
combination vaccine that guards against the most common diseases in one's
area such as encephalitis and influenza.
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