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Frequently Asked Questions
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What do you do with them? This is the most popular question. Everyone we tell about our miniature donkeys asks, "what do you do with them"? They are just great pets and companions. They are so lovable and friendly! And, great with children too. You can't help but fall in love with them when you meet one. Besides being a wonderful pet, miniature donkeys have many uses:
They are easily trained to pull carts. This is a lot of fun for parades! They can pack and carry items for hiking. Small children can even ride a mature donkey. Miniature donkeys are also great "show" animals. You can take them to county fairs and stock shows. Jennets (female donkeys) are extremely devoted mothers and protect other foals in the herd as well as their own.
How much care do they need? Miniature donkeys are easy to care for and manage. They do well with good quality hay to eat. A mineral salt block and fresh water needs to be available to them at all times. They should have a three-sided shelter to protect them from rain, the hot summer sun, cold winds and flies.
Miniature donkeys do require preventative vaccinations. They need to be wormed at least once a quarter and their hooves should be trimmed every 2-3 months.
What are the breeding facts? Jennets should be at least two years old before they are bred. Heat cycles for female donkeys are every 18-21 days. Jennets will carry their foals on average from 11-13 months. A new baby foal usually weighs between 18 and 25 pounds. They are up and nursing within 30 minutes and weaned at 5-6 months old. Jacks are usually fertile at 16-18 months.
What is the difference in the names? A jack is a male donkey that has not been castrated. A jennet, or jenny is a female donkey. A foal is a young donkey from birth to the time that they are weaned from their mothers. A weanling is a young donkey who has been separated, or weaned, from its mother. A gelding is a male donkey that has been castrated so that it cannot reproduce.
