Information on Miniature Donkeys

Basics

• Native to Sicily and Sardinia---islands of the Mediterranean---miniature donkeys are just what you think: diminutive donkeys that usually average about 33 inches high. They're naturally small and are not bred down to size like many dogs. They come in a variety of ruddy colors, including black, gray, white and brown. Miniature donkeys may be easily confused for other types of donkeys, such as the common standard donkey. The miniature donkey's only distinguishing characteristic from other donkey breeds is its smaller size.

Health

• Miniature donkeys are generally healthy animals. They come with all the responsibilities that go along with owning other hoofed mammals. Those responsibilities include keeping them properly groomed, free of parasites such as bot flies and making sure their hooves are trimmed. Ideally, a donkey's hooves should be trimmed at least three to four times a year. It's also essential that a miniature donkey be dewormed at least three times per year. Depending on the animal's feeding and living conditions, a donkey may need deworming more often than that. These donkeys are prone to a common ailment in livestock known as equine influenza; they should be vaccinated annually against this disease. A healthy miniature donkey should weigh between 250 and 450 pounds.

Feeding

• Miniature donkeys do not typically demand variety in their diet. In fact, they can be fed hay year-round. It is acceptable to mix a little alfalfa into their feed, but pure alfalfa generally leads to stomach aches. Timothy hay, brome grass and meadow grass provide the best vegetation for miniature donkeys. Donkeys eat constantly and are prone to obesity, so their food intake should be carefully monitored. Letting them graze for a few hours a day should be enough for the animals. Always keep a clean trough of water available. Donkeys will accept carrots and fruit as treats, provided the items are given sparingly. Because they have little need for specialized feeding, miniature donkeys are inexpensive to maintain.

Reproduction

• Female donkeys (Jennets) become fertile about the time they are 1 year old. Because they lack physical and mental maturity at that age, however, they should not be allowed to become impregnated until they turn at least 3. A Jennet that gives birth before she is fully mature may reject her foal. Males (Jacks) are generally fertile within one year. The gestation period usually runs between 11 and 12 months, with babies generally weighing 15 to 21 pounds. The young take about two months to wean. A Jennet may continue to have babies up until her 20s and, if given the opportunity, can have at least one baby a year.

Compatibility

• Miniature donkeys are laid-back animals, with a sweet, loving nature that makes them good companions for children and adults. Like dogs, however, donkeys demand attention. Being natural herd animals, they don't like being alone--so if you cannot give a donkey near-constant attention, get the animal a companion of his own, preferably another miniature donkey. Generally, donkeys do not mix well with dogs or cats, and it is rare that they can be housebroken. Ideally, a single donkey demands about an acre of land to itself; with each additional donkey, provide another acre. Miniature donkeys are fairly resilient to changing temperatures but require shelter to escape from heat, cold or rain. Miniature donkeys are intelligent animals that can be taught to carry packs, pull carts or do other tricks.

Longevity

• Given proper care, the average miniature donkey can live well above 30--and maybe even into her 40s.