HISTORY:
Miniature Donkeys are members of the equine family. Male donkeys are referred to as "jacks" and females as "jennets". All babies are called foals.They are native to the Mediterranean Islands of Sicily and Sardinia. Today there are estimated to be about 5,000 in North America. The first Miniature Donkeys were imported to this country in 1929, by Mr. Robert Green.

Life Span: Average 25 to 35+ years
Weight: 200 to 350 pounds
Height: Average 32" to 34"

Health: Miniature Donkeys are remarkably hardy and healthy. They require preventative vaccinations and should be wormed regularly. Their feet need to be trimmed every 2 - 3 months.

Color: Miniature Donkeys are predominately Grey-Dunn with the characteristic dark color dorsal stripe down the back and over the shoulders, known as the donkeys cross. They also come in darker shades of Gray, Brown, Black, Sorrel and spotted. The rare, all white with blue eyes or the true blacks are highly prized and quite valuable.

Breeding: Jennets should not be bred until they are approximately 3 years old. Female donkeys have heat cycles every 18-21 days. The average gestation period is 11 months, 3 weeks & 5 days. However, donkeys can carry their foals from 11 - 13 months. The average jennet produces one offspring every 13 to 14 months. Twins are rare. Birth weights usually range between 18 and 25 pounds. Foals are up nursing within 30 minutes and are weaned at 5 to 6 months. Jacks can be fertile at one year of age but usually not until 16 to 18 months.

Miniature Donkeys are very easy to care for and are quite hardy. They do very well on good quality hay, mineral salt and fresh water. Access to pasture for grazing and exercise should be a consideration. They should have shelter from rain, snow, hot sun and flies. Donkeys can stand cold temperatures as long as they have shelter and are fed properly. Fencing needs only be about 4 feet high and woven wire is considered safe and popular.

Without a doubt, the most asked question is:
"BUT, WHAT DO YOU DO WITH THEM"?

Most people own these fine animals for their wonderful disposition & their excellent pet qualities. There is probably no more adorable baby in the animal world than the little donkey with its long ears, long legs, sweet face, and fuzzy coat. However, there are many uses for donkeys.

Sheep protection: A single donkey, usually a jennet, introduced to a herd undergoes a bonding stage. After it has bonded with the sheep, it will protect them against canine predators (foxes, coyotes and dogs) as it would one of its own.

Foal companion: The donkey is a wonderful companion to foals at weaning time. A donkey, allowed to run with the mare and foal prior to weaning - then kept with the foal when weaning takes place - will have a calm, steadying influence on the foal and the foul will look to it for support.

Handicapped Riding Program: The donkey has shown time and again how wonderful it is with handicapped children. Their small stature, slow and thoughtful nature and affectionate disposition make them ideal for this purpose when properly selected and trained.

Baby sitter: The donkey naturally loves children. They have the patience of Job and therefore are ideally suited to being around children. The preferred animal is the Jennet or a gelded jack.

Working donkey: Some of the things the donkey is used for in this country include; Recreational driving, packing, skidding or pulling small logs, carrying firewood, pulling a wheeled cart, and carrying a backpackers load. The different kinds of work a donkey can do is limited only by your imagination. z

Halter breaking: The proper size donkey is very adept at halter breaking young calves (polled) and young horses. The donkey wears a collar that is connected to the halter of the animal that is being broke to lead. They are then turned loose in an enclosure, always under supervision. Where the donkey wants to go, it will go. It won’t take long and the intended will be willing to follow you.