Home»Mini Donkeys
Mini donkeys are sweet , cockamamie , and easygoing animals that are broadly fairly wanton to manage for . They makewonderful favourite ! Our four bring endless total of joyfulness to our hearts and homestead . Yet like any fauna or pet , they take a lot ofresponsibilitytoo . So if you ’re interested in raising miniature donkeys , read along to learn more about them .
This scout will cover the most significant things a beginner should have sex about deal for mini donkeys , include introductory facts , cost , lifespan , provender , grooming , veterinary care , blank demand , and more . I tried to traverse everything we wish we knew before adopting our minis , or the most often asked enquiry I get from people who desire their own .
Would you like to save this?
We ’ll email this post to you , so you may add up back to it later !
I agree to receive email updates .
Disclosure : Homestead and Chill is reader - endorse . When you buy through links on our web site , we may gain an affiliate military commission .
About Mini Donkeys: Overview
Care Routine: At A Glance
Before we dig into all the details , here is a quick overview of how you’re able to have a bun in the oven to expend your fourth dimension care for your mini donkeys .
1) How much does a miniature donkey cost?
Miniature Equus asinus are typically fairly expensive to follow or corrupt , ranging from $ 500 to $ 5000 per donkey . acceptation feesvary depending on the seller or deliverance , age and pedigree of the domestic ass , and where you live . Routinefarrier and veterinary costscan also be quite expensive , explored more below .
On the other paw , daily maintenance andfeedingmini donkeys is relatively affordable . Here on the Central Coast of California , we spend about $ 250 for 8 bale of orchard grass hay every two months to feed our four mini donkeys , plus a couple of add-on . That ’s only about $ 30 per Equus asinus per month for hay – less than it costs to fee our true cat ! ( instruct more about how and what to feed mini donkeys in the Feed section to adopt . )
Thepreparationrequired to bring in home a mini domestic ass can also cost a sight of money , especially if you do n’t already have a suited enclosure or other supplies , such as any necessary structures or fencing , manure forks , carrell mats , a feed public treasury , waterer , halters , combs , salt block , and more . See exactlyhow we prepared our property for donkey . At this time we do n’t have a tractor or trailer , but we ’re saving for the futurity .
NOTE : Beware of scams!Since they ’re not cheap , there are a lot of shady multitude post fake listings to “ sell ” miniature donkey online . Some cuckoo even used exposure of our donkey in a false list ; thankfully one of my following acknowledge them !
2) Veterinary needs
Veterinary costsare another adult thing to consider . Miniature donkey should be examine by a specialized equine veterinarian at least once a twelvemonth for an annual health check and routine inoculation . This will easily be several hundred dollar per donkey per yr . And of class there is always the chance for additional non - workaday or emergency brake vet visit .
Most mini donkeys will also ask medication for worms andparasitesat least a couplet times per year , along withroutine hoof trimmingby a horseshoer once every 6 to 12 workweek . As with any animal , the chance for aesculapian needs increases as the donkey age . For representative , older donkeys may require dental procedures , medicament , or other extra care .
I extremely recommend finding a local vetbeforeyou get a domestic ass . Most equine veterinary surgeon specialize in horses , which have slimly dissimilar anatomy and health needs than donkey . rule a vet who have a go at it donkeysif potential . Also be trusted to ask if they ’re available for nighttime or weekend emergency . I called our vet with a lot of enquiry in the first few month !
3) Miniature donkeys do best in pairs
Donkeys are social creatures andherd animalsby nature . That intend miniature donkeys feel most happy and safe with other donkeys around – so plan on havingat least two ! A solo domestic ass is a lonely , sad domestic ass .
distaff donkeys ( called Jennies ) often prefer the company of other females , but may do okay with a castrated male ( called a gelding ) as a buddy as well . Only keep a Jack ( an intact male ) if you plan to engender your donkey . We have two bond pairs of Jennies , but they all love to co - mingle .
Even more , mini donkeys usually shape astrong womb-to-tomb bond paper with one partnerso they ’re often adopted out in bring together duet . The pair will follow one another around , groom and itch one another , and even go to the privy in the same billet ! Donkeys seek out their partner when they ’re emphasize ( so keep them together during veterinary visit , baths , etc ) and will also deeply grieve their decease or separation .
Without another donkey around , a mini donkey may form a friendly relationship with a horse ( or potentially other farm animate being ) but another miniskirt is always best . They verbalize the same nomenclature , and swear on one another for reciprocal grooming , scratching , affection , and enrichment . Plus , donkeysmay be agressivetowards other low animals , discuss more to abide by .
4) Donkeys are a lifelong commitment
The average lifetime of a miniature domestic ass is27 to 33 long time . Some can even liveup to 40or beyond ! That means that adopting donkeys is a very prospicient term consignment , especially if you espouse them young .
Think about your future : do you plan to journey a lot ? Or downsize and move to a little property when you move back ? It ’s important to consider a programme for your donkeys too – one that hopefully does n’t take abandoning them in their oldest , most vulnerable years . If you only have two donkeys , also look at what you may do if something happens to one of them since the continue mini wo n’t be glad alone .
5) They love attention
Equine therapyis a affair for a reason ! Miniature donkeys are known to be very fond , soft , and loyal , specially with their pet world . They show trust and warmness by resting their head on you , or giving you a good nuzzle with their easygoing squishy snoot . Our girls also like to walk up and press their foreheads into our laps .
Mini donkeyslove to be pet , ransack , have their longears scratched , and rub on you . If you pose down with them , they may even try out to climb into your overlap ! Our girls love their neck opening , chest , face , ears and butts grave . Especially the butt .
After a prospicient stressful day , a honorable mini Equus asinus hug always bring down my blood insistence and brings a grin to my face . So , despite the additional work they add to our life-time , their sweet-flavored nature and squeeze make it 100 % deserving it . Be certain to make sentence togive your miniskirt the attention they crave and deserve !
6) Mini donkeys poop, a lot
While their manure is smaller than full size donkeys or horses , miniature donkey still bring forth an immense about of poop . So , have a programme for manure direction . Between our four mini domestic ass , we can nearly fill a bicycle burial mound per day !
Manure in their immediate living quarter ( for instance stall or barn area ) should be cleaned updaily , while pasture manure should be clean at least once or twice per week . Most farms keep the collected manure in declamatory piles that will passively break down over the path of a class or so . Unless you love manual labor and shoveling , atractor is very handy when it comes time to turn and spread the manure wad !
This is one thing weunderestimatedwhen we first got our mini donkeys . In readiness for their reaching , we build a large 3 - bayDIY compost binfor manure … but the first bay was full within 6 week ! Now , we have a tumid passive manure chain reactor on the far side of our property . It does n’t smell like much once the poop starts to dry out .
Thankfully , well - aged Equus asinus manuremakes capital compost , which can be distribute in your garden or turned back into the donkey pasture once it ’s fully decomposed . It may have some weeds in it but is easy enough to not burn down your plants . It ’s often potential to give away ( or even sell ) composted donkey manure on Craigslist or Facebook marketplace .
playfulness FACT : Donkeys like to poop on top of their own manure ( or their spouse ) , so you may pass on a little pile to encourage them to go to the privy in a particular spot .
7) Careful feeding is a must
Mini domestic ass are prone toeasily get heavy . The running joke is , “ they get fat off air ” . Because donkeys are historically desert creature , they ’re able to subsist on very little amounts of dry intellectual nourishment – yet they ’re always thirsty and grazing ! This dodgy combination quickly lead to inordinate free weight amplification ( and relatedhealth issues ) particularly if they ’re overfed , fed the faulty things , or allowed to freely graze on plush pasturage .
To keep your mini Equus asinus at a good for you weight , it ’s important to cautiously supervise their feed intake . Since every Basel and flake of hay can vary , weweigh our donkey ’s hayat each feed using a large tubful and plate . If your Equus asinus grass is exuberant withforage , you may need to limit the time they ’re allowed to freely roam each mean solar day ( and/or contract their hay to correct ) .
We also mark our donkey ’s weight each calendar month using aweight tape . Knowing their weight is crucial for general monitoring as well as cypher their exact feed needs – explained below .
Feeding mini donkeys
The idealistic amount of hay to feed a mini Equus asinus is about1.5 % of their body weightper sidereal day ( broadly part up between a morning and evening alimentation ) . For example , 3 lb of hay for a 200 pound mini , or 1.5 Cypriot pound doubly per day . If your donkey is already overweight , this figuring should be done using a healthy target weight , not their current weight . However , it ’s important to repress feed quantity slowly for weight going . Avoid sudden or drastic changes .
It ’s best to feed mini donkeys low - calorie , gamy - fiber hay such asorchard grass . Avoid alfalfa , which will quickly make them overweight . you could also append some of their hay with calibre barleycorn pale yellow . Treatsshould be very limited . good treats for donkey include chopped cultivated carrot ( but not into beat ) , apple slices , bananas , pears , turnips , and slew leaf .
In add-on to hay and freshcleanwater , domestic ass also need a supplementalsalt blockand / or mineral block made for equid . solve the common salt provides them with essential electrolytes and trace minerals . ( demand your vet if you ’re uncertain of which one to buy . ) We keep our salt block in one of thesehandy blockage trays , and screw thisautomatic ice-cream soda valveto keep their water trough full of impertinent urine at all times .
Things toxic to mini donkeys
Many things aretoxicor big for domestic ass to feed , include but not limit to : tater , brassicas ( the cabbage plant kinsfolk include Brassica oleracea italica , cauliflower , etc ) , onions , garlic , chocolate , sugary or processed foods , animal or dairy products , avocados ( all part of the plant ) and anything moldy or rotten . Unlike pigs or chickens , mini donkeys should n’t be treated like your personal food dissipation composters!It is n’t expert for mini donkeys to ingest a lot ofsand , which can result tocolicover time . Unfortunately our native soil isverysandy , so we give our donkeyspsyllium Sand Clearonce per month ( mix with 1/2 cup of calorie-free horse shot ) to facilitate them go along it . We also good traverse the mats below their feed trough to remove grit before each feeding .
A number ofplants and trees are toxicto donkey , including nightshades , maple , foxgloves , shameful walnut tree , tansy ragwort , yew , buttercup , hemlock and more . See acomprehensive list of toxic plant here . Equine also are n’t imagine to eat a lot ofoak leaves or acorn … and our property is full of them ! So we did our best to fence off the thick oak areas and pluck up fall acorn on a regular basis . Use aplant ID appto aid you identify the plant on your place .
8) Space and Shelter Needs
Pasture and fencing
In regards to pasture or belongings size requirements , a common recommendation is to provide at least one half Akka per donkey . However , I think that may be based on the blank needed if you ’re bank on grazing forage for feed ? Based on experience , a half acre of land is sufficient for a pair of minis .
We keep our four mini Equus asinus on just under an Akka of our property which include a magnanimous paddock , barn , sandy hill area , and other undetermined spaces . They have ample room to rove , play , and be given around when they get donkeyzoomies!Since we get very little rainfall or natural forage here most the year , we have to rely on purchased hay for provender anyway .
The ideal donkey surface area should have a mix ofsun and shade . It should be completely fenced with asafe and durable fencingmaterial , such as 12 - gauge 2×4″no - climb fencingor sturdy wooden fencing . While donkeys are n’t closely as destructive ( or sneaky ) as goats , they will feed most plant they can access .
Fences for mini donkeys should be at least 3 ft tall ( 4 or 5 feet is even better ) and procure to position every 10 feet . Avoid wire fence with big holes than 2×4″ and keep no - climb fencing 6 to 10 inch above the ground to prevent hoof or legs getting stuck .
Shelter
Mini donkeys also need a cover surface area that offersprotection from the elementslike rain , wind instrument or coke – especially because their coat is NOT waterproofed or as insulating as horses ! However , domestic ass typically do not like to be in full hold in or indite up overnight in stalls like horses . Therefore , you do n’t necessarily need a full - blow b to domiciliate your mini donkey . A basicthree - side covered structureis mostly adequate .
We have a barn but our donkeys seldom go inside it . alternatively , they prefer to sleep and shelter under the cover awning arena just outside the barn ( or , just stand up out in the pelting sometimes , lol ) . If you receive harsh freezing winters your domestic ass will be more probable to search shelter inside , where you may provide a deep layer of insulate wheat for passion . See more tips aboutcaring for donkeys during cold weather here .
playfulness FACT : Mini donkey onlysleepfor about 5 hours over a 24 minute menstruum , done in short spurs throughout the day . Only 30 to 45 transactions of that call for to be abstruse REM sleep ! donkey can nap standing up , but put down for a deeply more comfortable rest period .
9) Regular hoof care is required
Unlike sawhorse , mini domestic ass do n’t want brake shoe . Yet they do want steady hoof care , including picking ( by you ) and trim ( most likely by a horseshoer ) .
Ideally , plan topick and brush outyour miniature donkeyhooves daily , or at lower limit a few clip per week . Use abatic hoof pickto remove accumulated manure , rocks , sticks , or other debris from the underside of their hooves . Keeping donkey hooves clean and dry helps to prevent potential infections of fungal disease likethrush . Here is ahow - to videofor reference .
Mini donkeys also need theirhooves trimmedby a horseshoer once every6 to 12 weeks . The precise trimming schedule depends on your creature and the terrain . Some donkey ’s hooves rise faster than others , or are keep on more naturally lodge depending on the ground they walk on .
If your mini donkey is n’t yet accustom to having their feet handled , this can take a effective deal ofpractice , longanimity , and combine - buildingbetween you and your donkey . candidly , this was our largest battle when we first get ours ! Our two youngest rescue girls would recoil and try out to run away when we seek . It take baby steps and daily education Roger Sessions over many months to finally be capable to pick all of their hoof .
Most responsible for Equus asinus rescue or breeders will only adopt out donkeys that are prepare and prepared for steady hoof care . If potential , feel a local farrierthat is willing to work with your donkeys before deciding to add them place . Some farriers will only work on sawhorse . or else , you may learn how to reduce their hooves on your own , but I would n’t paint a picture that to a newfangled Equus asinus owner unless you ’re already experienced with equine .
10) Grooming and bathing mini donkeys
Donkeys have different haircloth than sawhorse . Instead of producing natural oil and sheen , mini Equus asinus have very dry peel and coarse hair by nature . These desert animals rely ondust bathsto keep their skin and pilus healthy . That means you do n’t have to worry about bathe your mini donkey very often . Some Equus asinus owners do , but it is n’t generally require . See bathing tips in the following section .
or else , regularly groomyour donkey by drybrushingthem at least each week – which is also a wonderful bonding experience ! Acurry combis great at loosening grime , debris and dandruff deep within their thick coat . Then follow up with asofter brushfor worldwide grooming , especially around their more raw head and cervix .
Miniature donkeys rise an extra thickheaded winter coat that course sheds in spring , so ashedding bladewill come in handy to help expedite the process . During tent-fly time of year , we also implement a naturalfly sprayafter dressing .
NOTE : Never brush your domestic ass when they’rewet , like after they ’ve been out in the rainwater . Their hair is not naturally rainproof , and this will only drive the urine deeper into their coat and against their skin , easily chilling them .
Bathing Tips
Because most donkey do n’t love getting wet , we only bathe ours a few times per year when they’reextra ill-gotten or for aesculapian reasons(such as sucking louse handling ) .
11) Halters and lead ropes
halter and lead rope are splendid puppet to help prepare , walk , or procure your mini donkey as needed . However , it is decisive toNEVER depart your Equus asinus in a halter or tied up unattended ! They could potentially get snagged , twisted , or otherwise seriously injure themselves .
If your donkey is n’t habitual to a halter and lead forget me drug , it can take some time and solitaire to get themhalter take aim . We aboveboard seldom need hackamore on our homestead , but still put them on the girls periodically so they ’re used to them when needed – such as for baths and farrier or vet visit .
It can be tricky to find the right-hand fit for minis . We got ours atHalter Up;a size of it medium for our two little girls and heavy for the bigger two . A good hangman’s halter should fit snugly against their face , sit down fairly high-pitched up their nose ( not right around the nostrils ) but still have elbow room to comfortably tuck a couple fingers under it .
When walking them on a lead rophy , do not commit or Yankee on their head . I highly recommend learning how to connect variousquick discharge knotsfor their roach . Google “ agile release knots for horse ” – you ’ll see raft of how - to videos .
12) Mini donkeys are not good guard animals
It ’s true that mini donkeys can and will struggle off coyotes , foxes , or other intruders when necessary . Donkeys areterritorial over their spaceand will charge , stomp , kick , or even burn ( and fling ) smaller fauna when they experience threatened . We ’ve seen our donkey charge big raccoon taste to see their water manger .
However , that means donkeyshave the potential difference to ache ( or even kill ) dogs , cats , Capricorn , and other small stock or pets too ! So , while miniature Equus asinus can resist for themselves pretty well , they should NOT be take onto a farm with the intention of serving as guard fauna for other farm animal . Since they ’re smaller than full size donkeys , minis are more vulnerable to large vulture like mountain Panthera leo too .
With good education and positive reinforcement , your domestic ass should be able topeacefully co - existwith other animals on your farm . When they first came to our property , the head of our ruck would buck at our cats ( we had a twosome cheeseparing calls ) but they ’ve since get used to one another . The donkeys now realise the cat are n’t a threat , but the cats have also thankfully pick up to keep a safe length !
13) Have a plan for vacations
Unless you have sizable green pastureland for grazing , it ’s generally not possible to leave mini donkeys unattended when you ’re out of townspeople , even for a nighttime or two . Between scheduled alimentation and picking up manure , you ’ll desire to have someonehelp care for your donkeys while you ’re aside .
alas , you ca n’t just put out extra hay and leave for a couple day . They will just gorge themselves and eat it all immediately ( a potentialchokerisk ) and then be leave behind with nothing for the remainder of the time . Instead , you ’ll need a ally , family penis , trusted neighbor , or even a pet sitter to visit once or double per day to put out some hay and determine on everyone .
When we were first regard catch mini donkeys , this was one of the most deceptive things we were told : “ oh yeah , you could entirely provide them overnight without caution ! ” Previously , we could impart our true cat and chicken for a couple night without needing a firm sitter , yet we quickly realized that would n’t be potential with the donkeys . gratefully , we found an awesome professional cattle ranch setting hen through our local donkey rescue – but it in spades requires plan in advancement to reserve her !
And that concludes this lesson on raising mini donkeys.
You may also enjoy :
