Advise on getting a mini donkey

Luvpaints · 11-04-2007, 08:18 PM

I was wondering if someone could answer some questions I have. I am interested in getting a mini donkey to be with my 2 geldings (1 mini , one 15.3 h gelding) My mini is 12 yo, but just "cut" two years ago. He seems to have settled out of his studly days........

1. Do I want a jenny or a jack ?? I just want it to be friends and mingle with the boys. Just want everyone to get along !!!!

2. Do you vet it like a normal horse ?? Coggins, Wormings and vaccinations ??

3. Farrier.......trim just like a horse ??? Every 6-8 weeks ??

4. Feed.......anything special they need, anything they CANNOT have ??

Thanks-

iris_surreal_euphoria · 11-05-2007, 07:18 AM

I think I can help- I have plenty of them.

1. Get a gelding. Possibly a jenny would be nice also but a gelding is good and calm (unstuddy.) Dispite thier size, Mini jacks are one of the most hormonal things you can find and WILL find a way to breed your mare and fight your boys.

2.Everything is normal like a horse except make sure to include a wormer that fights lungworms, make sure you administer it to all your equines because they do spread to horses.

3 As far as vacs, coggins, feet trimming, it's all the same.

4 Donkeys do better on rougher feed. No alfalfa, it is just too rich. I give mine pasture and a little sweet feed. The ones that are penned get a little more sweet feed than the others and get hay. Really whatever I can get as long as it isn't alfalfa.

You'll find donks to be much hardier and less prone to a lot of ailments in horses. Make sure you have a mineral block, clean water and shelter. Donkeys despise being wet and hate wind.

If you have any other questions, let me know. I'll be happy to help!

Chic · 11-05-2007, 07:28 AM

Ditto to above! They are wonderful animals and I know you'll enjoy having one... you might want to alert the neighbors though.

Mine said the first couple of weeks they weren't sure if they wanted to live next to a donkey but now they are used to the braying. At least if they ever get out of the pasture everyone knows who they belong to...

Luvpaints · 11-05-2007, 09:39 AM

Thank You. I am still in the *considering process*, and just doing some research on them. I feel like a new mom with this b/c I have never owned them, only horses.

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11-04-2007, 08:18 PM
Luvpaints Yearling Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: SW Florida Posts: 590	Advise on getting a mini donkey I was wondering if someone could answer some questions I have. I am interested in getting a mini donkey to be with my 2 geldings (1 mini , one 15.3 h gelding) My mini is 12 yo, but just "cut" two years ago. He seems to have settled out of his studly days........ 1. Do I want a jenny or a jack ?? I just want it to be friends and mingle with the boys. Just want everyone to get along !!!! 2. Do you vet it like a normal horse ?? Coggins, Wormings and vaccinations ?? 3. Farrier.......trim just like a horse ??? Every 6-8 weeks ?? 4. Feed.......anything special they need, anything they CANNOT have ?? Thanks-

11-05-2007, 07:18 AM
iris_surreal_euphoria Long Yearling Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Somerset, Kentucky Posts: 1,051	I think I can help- I have plenty of them. 1. Get a gelding. Possibly a jenny would be nice also but a gelding is good and calm (unstuddy.) Dispite thier size, Mini jacks are one of the most hormonal things you can find and WILL find a way to breed your mare and fight your boys. 2.Everything is normal like a horse except make sure to include a wormer that fights lungworms, make sure you administer it to all your equines because they do spread to horses. 3 As far as vacs, coggins, feet trimming, it's all the same. 4 Donkeys do better on rougher feed. No alfalfa, it is just too rich. I give mine pasture and a little sweet feed. The ones that are penned get a little more sweet feed than the others and get hay. Really whatever I can get as long as it isn't alfalfa. You'll find donks to be much hardier and less prone to a lot of ailments in horses. Make sure you have a mineral block, clean water and shelter. Donkeys despise being wet and hate wind. If you have any other questions, let me know. I'll be happy to help! __________________ If wishes were horses this room would need a good mucking! Visit our website: http://www.freewebs.com/lazziassacres/

11-05-2007, 07:28 AM
Chic Long Yearling Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Michigan Posts: 1,208	Ditto to above! They are wonderful animals and I know you'll enjoy having one... you might want to alert the neighbors though. Mine said the first couple of weeks they weren't sure if they wanted to live next to a donkey but now they are used to the braying. At least if they ever get out of the pasture everyone knows who they belong to... __________________ Jewlery For Your HorseThe Kelley Square "I cannot do everything, but I can do something; and because I cannot do everything I will not refuse to do the something that I can do." Edward Hale

11-05-2007, 09:39 AM
Luvpaints Yearling Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: SW Florida Posts: 590	Thank You. I am still in the considering process, and just doing some research on them. I feel like a new mom with this b/c I have never owned them, only horses.