Donkey Info

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Before giving out some basic information on donkeys one might ask "Why Donkeys?" The way we see it donkeys make wonderful pets, companions for other animals and are great guardians for sheep, goats, cattle and even alpacas. Donkeys have a very friendly disposition which makes them perfect for families with children. We'll warn you ahead of time donkeys are a lot like potato chips, really hard to just have one; in fact they love to be paired up with a buddy. Donkeys are ideal for a hobby farm with small acreage or are just as happy roaming and guarding multiple acres.

ALL ABOUT DONKEYS - GREAT and SMALL

Miniature donkeys range up to 36" - measured @ the withers
Small Standard's - measure 36"-40"
Standard's - measure 40"- 48"
Large Standard's - 48.0l" - 54"
Mammoth's - 56" and up

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PURCHASING A DONKEY

Before you make your first purchase of one or more donkeys examine your facility and check whether you have proper fencing and a shelter. All animals need @ least a 3 sided shelter to protect them from rain & snow along with providing shade in the summer. Donkeys do not require fancy living quarters yet they do need a basic shelter with a good supply of fresh water and a place to keep their hay dry in the winter. Donkeys require very little feed as long as they have pasture and or hay. Talk to a local equine veterinarian and follow his or her recommendations on vaccinations and worming program. Also find a farrier who can trim your donkey's hooves when necessary usually 3-4 times/yr.

When you think you are ready to purchase your donkeys it is our recommendation that you visit several donkey breeders in your area and AVOID auctions. Auctions allow very little time for you to get to know the donkey or get any questions you might have answered about a certain animal along with little or no after the sale support. We feel it is of utmost importance to buy your donkey from someone who provides after the sale support and always welcomes your questions before, during or after the sale. A basic requirement when purchasing your donkey is a negative Coggins test. A Coggins is a test for Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA) in horses and other equine. Nearly every state requires the negative test to be less than 12 mos. Before you purchase your donkeys insist on a current Coggins!

Donkeys are easy to care for and certainly easy to love. We have only scratched the surface on Donkeys 101 and for more information about these lovable creatures we suggest reading "Donkeys" / Small Scale Donkey Keeping by Hobby Farm/Anita Gallion. Tractor Supply is a good source to pick up a copy for some enjoyable and informative reading.

It is a bonus to buy registered stock and it cost the same to feed registered as non-registered and the registered are more marketable. The most common donkey registries are The American Donkey and Mule Society (ADMS) www.lovelongears.com and The American Council of Spotted Asses (ACOSA) http://www.spottedass.com.

Come to our farm for a visit and walk our pastures with us and see how these lovable donkeys want to be right in your hip pocket. We certainly do not know it all yet we will be glad to share what we have learned in the last 17 yrs. of raising and loving donkeys. Y'ALL COME ~ Boyce and Sally

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