What do miniature donkeys eat?

The most important thing is not to overfeed miniatures. You should be able to feel but not see the donkeys ribs. In the summer months access to grass will probably need to be restricted. In the winter months a diet of barley straw and some meadow hay is likely to be sufficient. Access to a mineral lick, or feeding a good-quality general purpose supplement is advisable. Carrots and apples may be fed as treats. Chop into slices that could not choke the donkey. If your donkey is working hard, pregnant, growing or very elderly it may need rather more food. In this case try feeding some low energy horse coarse mix or giving freer access to grazing. Your eye is always the best guide, and remember that overeating can lead to potentially fatal conditions. A fat donkey is not healthy or happy!

What routine care do miniature donkeys need?

Daily - checking for injuries, general handling and hoof picking-out. Mucking out stable and field.
Every 6-8 weeks - regular visits from the farrier, for hoof trimming, regular worming programme.
Annually - tooth rasping, vaccinations.

How much land do I need to keep a miniature donkey?

Miniature donkeys are not solitary animals, so it is always best to keep two together. Two will require around one acre of grassland. A shelter so that the donkeys can get out of the rain is also essential.

A have a horse/sheep/goat. Would a miniature donkey live happily with this?

It may do if you only have one other animal, but a donkey is unlikely to be accepted into a herd of a different species. It is always better to have two donkeys - perhaps a standard and a miniature if funds are limited.

How much is a miniature donkey likely to cost me?

Expect to pay from around £1000 for a gelding and around £2000 - £3500 for a jenny or breeding stallion, depending on age and quality. You may get a small discount if you buy two at once as responsible breeders and owners are happiest selling two or more donkeys to a buyer, knowing that the donkeys will be happier with a friend. Cheap jacks come on to the market occasionally. These are not generally of good enough quality to breed with and should be gelded, although their stallion temperaments are likely to persist, especially if they are already mature.

I want two donkeys as pets. Am I going to better off with males or females?

Uncastrated males are not suitable as pets. Some people believe geldings to be slightly more tractable than jennies, and as they are also cheaper, this is likely to be your best option. One jenny and one gelding should also work well.

What can I do with my donkey?

Miniatures can be trained to be driven and ridden, although close consideration must be given to the weights they are asked to work with. A child of up to 3 to 4 years, depending on height and weight, would be a maximum for riding a miniature, and when driven they will pull a single adult in a lightweight vehicle up to 2 miles on a good, smooth surface comfortably. Miniatures can also be shown in all normal donkey classes, and there are now a few classes specifically for miniature donkeys. Many people find a great deal of pleasure just in taking their donkeys for walks, and perhaps to village fetes and such like. Their kind temperament and natural sociability makes them perfect for all sorts of public events.

Where can I find more information?

There are two UK associations. The Donkey Breed Society has registers for all donkeys in the UK and a great deal of knowledge and experience readily availably to members, as well as organising shows and providing training. Contact them at www.donkeybreedsociety.co.uk . Secondly there is the Miniature Mediterranean donkey association (MMDA), specialising in miniatures. This is smaller and newer, but does produce a bi-monthly newsletter which has listings of miniatures for sale. Contact at www.miniature-donkey-assoc.com . It also has a helpline for giving advice.

Where can I visit miniature donkeys?

You are very welcome to visit our stud by prior appointment. If you contact the MMDA (see above) they may be able to give you the name of a breeder or owner near to you who might be happy to show you around their donkeys. You could also try attending a donkey show. The secretary is likely to be able to tell you if miniature donkeys are attending.

What happens if I obtain a miniature donkey and decide that keeping donkeys is not for me?

It is imperative that you are sure you can, and want to, take on the responsibility of owning donkeys before you take the plunge into ownership. Donkeys can live for 50 years and require daily care. The routine care of a donkey may cost around £50 a month and take at least an hour a day, but even a simple veterinary call out is likely to cost in excess of £100, so it is essential that you can meet these demands. There is plenty of help and information out there, so do be sure before you buy!