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  Discussion on Young jack a good companion for my mare?
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Posted on Sunday, May 12, 2002 - 1:59 pm:

I'm getting a 7 month old donkey tomorrow. I have a very gentle 9 year old mare and her yearling filly. My horse is very careful with the dogs even when they get keyed up and run around. The filly is leaving in a couple of weeks and I want my horse to have a companion. The jack has been raised with goats, cattle, and other donkeys and is very gentle. The jack isn't gelded. Will he be a problem or in danger if I don't geld him right away? Any advice on introducing them? Should I wait until the filly's gone? I can separate them. I don't have a trailer and the farmer can bring the donkey tomorrow or in a month after the hay is in. I have 3 stalls and 3 fenced areas. The main pasture is about 2 acres.

Posted on Sunday, May 12, 2002 - 11:49 pm:

is this a standard jack? I have 2 mini jacks and a mare. I got them gelded a few weeks ago. The only problem I had was they just about pulled her entire tail out. I don't think this mare has a kick in her because it was obvious they really got on her nerves. But luckly they never got hurt. Since I've had them gelded everything is fine and the are great buddies. Also I waited until they were nearly 3 to geld them and as I can remember they didn't start acting like studs until they were about 2. I would let them check each other out in seperate areas and wait till they calm down and them put them together. My donkeys were terrifed of my horse at first and they are still pretty scared of the cattle.Hope this helps. I guess every situation is different and you'll just have to keep an eye on them at first.

Posted on Monday, May 13, 2002 - 12:33 pm:

Thanks Mindy. He's a standard jack. My mare's filly already ate her tail so he's got nothing to go for ;o). My mare will kick if she's really devilled which is why I am avoiding goats or mini-donks. I will get him gelded before he starts acting like a stud or she may kick him. It's good to know that I might get a year or so in before I need to geld him. I don't have any desire to breed anyone, it's just a money issue...

Posted on Monday, May 13, 2002 - 3:13 pm:

I personally wouldn't put a jack in with a mare and her filly. Everything may be fine, but why take any chances. The docile donkey may be quite different when he's in with a mare in heat. He's probably okay now, but wait till he turns a year. Don't think that he's too short to impregnate your mare (unless your mare is a draft horse). Jacks can be very playful, persistent, and nippy.

I think the longer you wait to geld, the harder it will be on the jack. Jacks are prone to bleeding profusely when gelded, so make sure your vet is familiar with gelding donkeys. Sutures are generally used.

Nancy
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