I am thinking of buying a minature donkey colt.What is the average wt. of a mature minature donkey gelding? Thank you Keith

-- Keith Etheridge (grandpa@chipsnet.com), February 23, 2002

Answers

Depends on how tall your donkey will get and that can vary depending on parents. We have 1/2 minature 1/2 regular donkey and he's probably 350-400 lbs. and around 39-40" tall.

Donkeys don't need too much to eat and you need to make sure they don't gain too much weight. I've heard it's hard for them to lose once they've gained.

I love donkeys - I'm thinking about raising some. If I may ask, why are you going to get one?

-- zeb (wrangler@jridgeranch.com), February 23, 2002.

Zeb I have a few pygmy goats which I have in a 80by80 chain link fence where they have cleaned up the brush.I am going to enclose a larger brushy area and get more goats.I am building a hi tensile electric fence as recomended by the University of Californis to keep the goats in and predaters out.Here in central Illinois the predaters will be dogs and coyotes.Donkey geldings are said to bond with the goats and protect them.I would think it would have to be 200#+.Also as a pet for the grandkids to play with.Thanks for your prompt reply. Keith

-- Keith Etheridge (grandpa@chipsnet.com), February 23, 2002.

Miniature donkeys are 36 inches at the wither (shoulder) or shorter. Up to 48 inches is a Standard. Up to 54 inches is a large Standard. Taller than that is Mammoth size.

I've had minis, standards, and my trail riding buddy is a Mammoth (59 inches ~ 14.3 hands). I've seen minis as small as 29 inches. Not always a healthy size to breed. The jennies can have birth problems. But you're considering a gelding! -G- At least you won't have to put up with PMS!! Geldings are the same day in and day out - my personal choice. I prefer them in the mid 30's range for height. Personal choice. Their life span, with proper care and barring accidents or sickness, is 25-40 years. They'll weigh 200 to 450, depending on height.

The donk eats about half as much as a horse of the same size. They also drink less water than the horse.

The donk's requirements are simple and efficient ~ grass hay or grass pasture. NO ALFALFA! A trace mineral salt block, and fresh water at all times. If you feed them grain, you'll have vet bills. My critters have hay or pasture (depending where I live) available at all times, 24/7. Give him as large an area as you possibly can. It'll help to keep him healthy. I have never stalled/penned my stock; they've always been on acreage. I do realize that not everyone can do this. A 3 sided loafing shed with a roof (facing south, if possible) will give him protection from the weather, if he chooses to use it.

If you're not on rocky ground, the donk will need his hooves trimmed about every 6 weeks. The donk's hooves are different than a horse. Have the vet check the teeth yearly to see if they need floating. Also ask the vet what innoculations and deworming are needed in your area.

Donkeys of all sizes are very affectionate. Once he gets to know you, he'll be your shadow!

Here I am, having fun, and driving up to the starting point of a parade with

My 33 1/2 inch mini

-- ~Rogo (rogo2222@hotmail.com), February 23, 2002.

Keith, it isn't safe to put any ol' donk with goats. They can run the goats into heart attacks and also kill them.

The miniature donkey isn't used for guarding, too small. The Standard is used for guarding. Folks I know who have donkey livestock guards have purchased donks who have been raised for the job. These donks are put with stock (cattle, sheep, poultry, goats, etc.) when they're weaned, about 6 months old, and they can't see/smell other donkeys. They grow up with the stock.

-- ~Rogo (rogo2222@hotmail.com), February 23, 2002.

I thought Jennies didn't breed or is that just true in Mules?

-- Mel Kelly (melkelly@webtv.net), February 24, 2002.