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Discussion on Need info on Miniature Donkeys
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Member:
Halln5
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Posted on Thursday, Feb 23, 2006 - 6:01 pm:
Hi All, I am thinking about purchasing a young miniature donkey. I am a 2 horse owner right now, one in my back yard--30 year old gelding and one that is boarded. I THINK I want a donkey to keep my old guy company. I have found one on the net at a donkey breeding farm in Kentucky and he is so cute. He's about 7 months old. I know nothing about training a donkey--do you use the same basic techniques for them as for horses--i.e. natural horsemanship? Do you lunge them? How easy is it to teach them to lead, pick up feet, tie for grooming, respect your space, etc. I would definitely have him gelded. When my old horse is gone, will this donkey be ok by himself or will I have to buy him a companion??? I'm full of questions, but need to have a few answers before I commit to something that is more than I can handle. Thanks.
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Member:
Lilly
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Posted on Thursday, Feb 23, 2006 - 9:40 pm:
Hi Vicki,
I recently went to a seminar at a vet clinic. At the clinic there was a minature donkey with a prosthetic leg - permanent resident. He was adorable but his braying was incredibly loud! I was very curious as to when he started braying in the morning and when he stopped in the evening. I don't think all donkeys bray as much as this little guy but are you prepared to hear loud braying at 5am in the morning? Just something to think about. Can you post the web address for the farm in Kentucky? I would love to look at the little donkeys.
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Member:
Halln5
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Posted on Thursday, Feb 23, 2006 - 10:20 pm:
Ann,
Yes, that is something to think about--the braying. I am planning on doing a lot of research and will probably make at least one visit before I purchase. I am really needing to know what questions to ask and "How noisy are they?" is a good question.
These are 2 of the links that I have looked at. Dogwood Hills is the farm that has the one I'm interested in. They are darling.
https://www.brayinghills.com
https://www.dogwoodhillsdonkeys.com/
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Member:
Parfait
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Posted on Thursday, Feb 23, 2006 - 11:18 pm:
Hi Vicki,
I have a mini chocolate jenny that I got from my Mom. She doesn't bray too much, just at feeding time if I have forgotten her. Mostly she cries, which is a wheezing type noise that she makes for treats, or when she thinks someone else is getting something.
My Mom's last mini lived to 40 and was just put down. They are the best critters for people who have 'Non horse" people visiting, because no one is afraid of these little things.
The biggy with minis, is that they are So Smart (!) and will sneak around to the feed room and they have quiet little feet LOL Dinky, my girl has figured out the handle to the feed room and seems to be able to sense new barn trainees.
You really have to watch the food consumption and I hate to say, you could set a table for 8 on Dinky's back. I don't let her out on grass in the fall or spring and watch the protein. But she's a riot and we love her. She was a great companion for my filly when I weaned her and helped a mare get through stall rest.
She came broke and will stand for the shoer and baths and such. She ties, is good with shots and I taught her to load in the trailer in about 2 minutes. Don't force a donkey to do anything but let them think about it and if there's food involved (and patience) they will come around. And--if you ever need to tube one, better get 4 linebackers to hold them down.
I think Jacks are noisier -- we bred one and Mom later sold him. I wish I had pictures of her to show you. Have fun in your search.
Kerry
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Member:
Jojo15
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Posted on Friday, Feb 24, 2006 - 12:51 am:
They are better watchdogs than watchdogs... My friend has one living with the goats. He is awesome and takes care of them and alerts them to any wildlife. And he has the ability to fight like the dickens...he's run off dogs, racoons, people, and other predators.
She did have problems at first in temperament. You just can't go and leave him out there and do nothing. That is what she did. So there was a bit of training involved.
And i notice he is a pig. And his feet were a big mess. Not sure if its her lack of care or they need special care with their feet. But he never made much of a noise. Hair coat was pretty thick. And he needed shaving. But what a cutie...And he holds a purpose, and he knows it. I think that they need a job, if not they might do all that braying posters above say.
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Member:
Green007
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Posted on Friday, Feb 24, 2006 - 8:48 am:
Vicki,
I went to the websites and fell in love. They really are SO CUTE. Is Don Juan the one you are interested in? Boy oh boy is he cute.
I would imagine they need training just like any other critter you may take on (cats, dogs, horses, children, husbands... )
I would train them much the same way as horses, but would give them more time and patience. I don't have any experience with donkeys, but I have ridden a mule before. He was great, but I couldn't "make" him do anything. I had to cleverly craft my requests so that I made my ideas his ideas. A little more tricky than horses, but doable.
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Member:
Jerre
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Posted on Friday, Feb 24, 2006 - 10:38 am:
A friend has a mini-donkey, along with a large pony, a small horse and a large horse. Donkey holds his own with all, and will play, although sometimes that means hanging by the horses' throat! He's very lovable and affectionate and "talks" a lot with the gutteral wheezing.
But he can bray with the best of them. I was visiting and was the first one up one morning, so went into the barn to feed. He woke up the whole farm!! Stranger danger!! Guess no one will be stealing from that barn!
He was also very fat when rescued and the fat stays and stays. It feels hard and is in deposits that look very odd (to someone accustomed to horses) in lengthwise strips below the spine and big saddle bags on his rump.
He's never left alone because they don't use all the horses at once, so I don't know how he'd be at that. But he's a great personality and everyone loves him. He's a tiny mini, too. His ears are half-again as tall as he is.
Jerre
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Member:
Leilani
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Posted on Friday, Feb 24, 2006 - 2:44 pm:
Vicki,
Meredith Hodges has made a career with 'Long Ears.' Her website is Lucky Three Ranch. She is also on RFD TV.
I once heard (maybe Parelli), that horses should be trained the way mules have to be. Leilani
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Member:
Halln5
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Posted on Friday, Feb 24, 2006 - 5:22 pm:
Debbie, Don Juan is the one I was looking at--after all, my old horse's name is Play boy so I figured a Don Juan would fit right in.
Leilani, I have seen Meredith Hodges on RFD TV--but just working with the bigger mules. I guess the basics are the same though no matter what you are training--patience, consistancy, repetition, time.
I think I'm going to wait until later in the spring to really go looking because I'm working full time and going to school and really don't have the time to devote to a new addition to the place. (That realization came to me sometime last night between 2 and 4 a.m. when I woke up in a cold sweat wondering what was I thinking!!!)
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Member:
Lilly
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Posted on Friday, Feb 24, 2006 - 7:09 pm:
Vicki,
I just checked out the donkey's for sale. Now I want one! I also have an older horse that I will need to buy a friend for.
I didn't mention it earlier but the loud braying donkey with the prosthetic leg has a great personality. He loves to play with Jolly balls in his stall and he will play with a soccer ball outside his stall. I guess it is quite something to see this little donkey with a prosthetic leg play soccer. I guess the fact that he can handle a fake leg says quite a bit about his attitude towards life 
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Member:
Halln5
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Posted on Friday, Feb 24, 2006 - 11:16 pm:
From everything I've read, they definitely sound like they are full of personality and I do want one. The owner of that Dogwood Hills farm seems really nice, sent me some more pictures and I will pursue it in a couple of months. Thanks again for all your comments.
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Member:
Heidim
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Posted on Saturday, Feb 25, 2006 - 8:54 am:
Hi Vicki. We've owned a mini donkey for 15 years. He is a wonderful companion for our horses, keeping them exercised with his mischievous play and just "being there" for foals at weaning time. He rolls in the dirt twice as much as the horses, and then just lies there sunbathing with his little tail swatting at who knows what. (We refer to him in this position as the "beached tuna.") The braying can be quite loud, but it's very cute to listen to and it's never bothered us. In some ways, I think it's like living near a railroad track or airport--after a while the noise just melts into the background.
A couple things you should know about minis/donkeys. They tend to be smarter and more affectionate than horses, and will do anything for you once you gain their trust. They NEVER forget a lesson, good or bad. Teach them right the first time, and you'll do fine. Minis crave equine company. Yes, I think yours would be lonely without a buddy. Some donkey folks may not like me saying this, but we found a donkey stays a better pet if stabled with horses rather than other donkeys. With a horse, he will bond with both you and the horse. With a donkey, he will bond with the donkey and want less to do with you. I've heard this from several folks; it's not just my experience. Also, donkeys seem to gain weight just sniffing hay, so be careful of the groceries. Their hard little hoofs may require more frequent trimming, especially as their smaller size/weight keeps them from wearing down the hoof naturally. Their life span is 25-35 years, with 40 year not unheard of.
If you ever need to find another home for your mini, choose it carefully. Many people stereotype donkeys as stubborn and do ignorant and cruel things to them. One long-ear association recommends putting down rather than selling or giving away donkeys for this reason alone. Based on remarks made by some folks, I can see why this is the case.
We adore our living lawn ornament and wouldn't trade him for anything. He makes quite a conversation piece, too. My hat is off to you for researching before you buy. It will get everyone off to a better start. Enjoy.
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Member:
Pbauer
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Posted on Monday, Mar 6, 2006 - 10:32 am:
Hi,
This is the little donkey that, Ann, referred to.
Jack's owners bought him from a slaughter auction as a weanling. He was emaciated, covered in fungus and afraid of humans. One day they saw him limping on his left hind foot. No one knows what happened, but somehow a wound had occurred below his fetlock that shut off all the blood supply to his hoof and pastern. His leg had to be amputated and a prosthesis built. Today he is a happy and vocal member of the herd at Serenity Equine, playing with the horses, charming the staff and visitors.
You can see him and more of his story at: www.serenityequine.com/cfmef.html
You have to love this little guy!
Tonya
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Member:
Warwick
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Posted on Monday, Mar 6, 2006 - 12:08 pm:
Thanks for the link, Tonya. It was a fascinating read and they are doing some amazing work.
Jack is adorable.
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