MINIATURE DONKEYS

HISTORY:

They are a separate breed of donkey that comes from the Mediterranean Islands of Sicily and Sardinia. They were working animals. They are now almost extinct in these islands. Robert Green, a New York stockbroker, first imported them into the United States in 1929. He was quoted as saying "Miniature Donkeys possess the affectionate nature of a Newfoundland, the resignation of a cow, the durability of a mule, the courage of a tiger, and the intellectual capability only slightly inferior to man's." There were only a few people who imported and bred these donkeys. One of them was August Busch of Busch Beer. Another large breeder was Danby Farms in Nebraska who started a registry for the donkeys in 1958.

CHARACTERISTICS:

Donkeys range in color from black to white. The most common color is "gray-dun". True black is rare. There are brown, red and spot. The variation in color ranges from dark to light. Donkeys do not breed true to color. Gray-dun is the predominant gene so you can breed black to black and get gray-dun. Most donkeys have a dark gray or brown cross on the back.
The adult donkeys range in size from 26" to 36" at the withers. The weight range is from 200 to 450 pounds.
Life expectancy for donkeys can be 25 to 35 years with 47 years being the longest on record.

TEMPERAMENT:

Donkeys have a very loving personality. They are friendly, tame and gentle by nature. They seek attention and will try to find ways to get you to pay attention to them. They are intelligent and easy to train. They are also herd animals and are happier when there are at least two of them.

MAKE GREAT PETS:

Donkeys are great pets for everyone - including small children, older people and handicapped people. They want your attention and will come to you looking for it. Females and gelded jacks should be used for pets. An intact jack will not be a good pet.

CARE:

Miniature donkeys require vaccinations similar to other equine, regular worming, and regular hoof trimming.

REGISTERED:

Our miniature donkeys are all registered with ADMS.