Frequently Asked Questions

1. Q: How tall are Miniature Donkeys?

A: Miniature Donkeys are no more than 36" tall, at the withers. Micro Miniatures are UNDER 30" tall. Our donkeys are an average of about 31/32" tall.

 

2. Q: How long can Miniature Donkeys live for?

A: Miniature Donkeys can live well into their 30s.

 

3. Q: Can I use my Miniature Donkeys as Livestock Guardians?

A: We do NOT recommend the use of Miniature Donkeys as Livestock Guardians. Miniature Donkeys are territorial, just like their bigger relatives. However, they are too little and can also become hurt or killed. We will not sell one of our Miniature Donkeys to someone who intends to use them as one.

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4. Q: Can I have a Miniature Donkey as a Companion for my Dog?

A: We do NOT recommend buying a Miniature Donkey as a Companion for your dog. First, Donkeys are Herd animals. They are much happier with their own kind and tend to stay in pairs. Also, as mentioned above, Donkeys are territorial. They many times do not enjoy the company of a dog. However, dogs have also been known to Kill Miniature Donkeys. For the safety of both animals, it is best to keep them separated. 

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5. Q: How easy is it to Care for a Miniature Donkey?

A: Since Donkeys are "Desert" animals, they do not need to eat a lot of forage. They also do not need to be given grain but, we provide our foals with a low protein grain, since they are young and still growing. Miniature Donkeys are "easier" to care for than other equines because they do not require as much feed. However, they do still need regular hoof trims, their teeth floated, vaccinations, deworming, etc.

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6. Q: Is it true that Miniature Donkeys are Stubborn?

A: It is very common to hear people say that "donkeys are stubborn." However, that is not necessarily true. Donkeys are very cautious animals. You need to earn their trust. Donkeys are very intelligent animals and remember many events in their lives. If they have been mistreated, it can take a lot of patience to gain their trust. However, once you have done so, they are very happy to please their people.

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7. Q: What is a Male and a Female Donkey Called?

A: An intact male is a Jack, a fixed male is a Gelding, and a Female is a Jennet. When looking at information on "families," the Sire is the dad, the Dam is the mom, and the Foal is the baby.

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8. Q: How long are Jennets Pregnant for and when are the Foals Weaned from Mom?

A: On average, a Jennet is pregnant for 12 months. However, they have been known to be pregnant from anywhere between 10/14 months. Foals are weaned from their Dam between 5/6 months old, depending on how both the Dam and the Foal are doing.

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9. Q: Why will you not sell a Jack as a Pet?

A: As mentioned above, a Jack is an Intact Male. We are very lucky with our two Jacks. They have amazing temperaments and dispositions. This is what we are striving for with our breeding. However, that does not always last. If someone buys a jack as a pet, they will not be breeding. Jacks can become very frustrated. This can cause many behavioral issues and aggression. This can be towards both people and other animals. Despite their small statures, it can become very dangerous. Owning a jack is a huge responsibility. If you are not a breeder, it is highly recommended that you either buy a Gelding or a Jennet. 

As stated above, we will NOT sell one as a pet.

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10. How common is it for a Spotted Foal to be Born?

A: For a Spotted Foal to be Born, there must be at least one Spotted Parent. However, having two Spotted Parents does not increase the chances of one being born. There is a 66.7% chance of having a Spot and a 33.3% chance of a solid foal being born.