EXACTLY WHAT ARE MINIATURE DONKEYS?

All any miniature donkey ever asks for is love and the opportunity to love you back. Caution: Their long ears and warm donkey hugs will quickly win your heart. A miniature donkey is gentle enough for a baby to ride and strong enough to pull a small cart with adults. They eat very little, live long and require only an acre or so for exercise. Standing no more than 36 inches tall at the shoulder, adult miniature donkeys typically weight between 200 and 300 pounds. They need only a small amount of grass, hay, grain, a mineral block and clean water. They will not drink water which has sat a few days. Shelter from winter's rain and snow and from summer's hot sun and flies, a four foot fence, regular hoof trimming, de-worming, and yearly vaccines complete their requirements.

The most common color is a gray-dun, but other colors include: browns, white, sorrel (red brown), black and spotted. All miniature donkeys have a darker cross running down their backbone and across their shoulders.

In Sicily and Sardinia, they have been man's treasured helpers for hundreds of years, plowing fields and pulling carts. Their long association with humans and their development in desert areas has combined to make these loveable creatures easy to keep. In situations where horse and other animals might exhibit the classic fight or flight response, donkeys will stand quietly, attempting to merely blend in with their surroundings.

Donkeys are a herd animal and must have another donkey, horse or pony as a lifelong friend. A lone donkey is a very lonely donkey. They will pair up with a 'buddy' and become very frustrated if their buddy leaves the pen for any reason.

Sensitive to the needs of the elderly and handicapped, miniature donkeys seem extra gentle around children. They are comfortable with pet cats and with proper introductions, will accept the family dog. Because of their small size and temperament, they make ideal show animals for children. Extremely affectionate, miniature donkeys are also docile, trustworthy, huggable and easy to train. They love you back and will find ways to show it. It is rare a donkey will kick or bite out of viciousness. They are blenders and truly love attention.

Donkey Terms:

Donkey - the domesticated ass
Jennet or Jenny - female
Jack - male
Foal - male or female to age one year
Gelding - castrated jack


Miniature Donkey Data:

Height: 29" - 36" measured at the withers. Most are 30" - 34"
Weight: 200 - 300 pounds at maturity
Life Span: Average 30 - 35 years. Some are known to live to their mid 40's.
Reproduction life: age 3-25 years, some much later.
Gestation period: 11 months - 13 months.