JLR Buffalo Hill  Stormy Knight

our 31" herd sire

Miniature donkeys are very gentle and sociable. Since they are herd animals, they readily bond with their owners and with other donkeys. The fact that they are herd animals means that they should not be kept alone; miniature donkeys can be kept with horses, or - ideally  with other miniature donkeys. Pet males should be gelded by the age of one year. They can be very "talkative" and bray to communicate. Males are referred to as jacks and females are called jennies
Contrary to popular myth, donkeys - miniature or otherwise - are not stubborn. They are among the most intelligent of the equines.  This results in their being cautious, a trait often mistaken for stubbornness.
The breed originated in Sicily and Sardinia. Miniature donkeys are not animals that have been "bred down" in size; rather, they are a species unto themselves. Most are 31" - 36" in height. The most common color of the coat is a gray-dun, although they can come in almost any color, with pure blacks and whites being extremely rare. They usually have a dorsal stripe down the length of the back and across the shoulder, a marking known as the "donkey's cross".
Members of this species can easily live into their 30s or 40s with proper care. Hoof care and the health care are the same as for any other equine. They should also be dewormed regularly. But these sturdy little beasts are quite healthy and require surprisingly little maintenance.
They thrive on grass hay and pasture. Pure alfalfa is much too rich and can cause digestive system problems and obesity. Miniature donkeys don't require as much pasture as larger animals, and are ideal for areas where space is limited. However, they do need enough room to be able to get adequate exercise.

Jacks are capable of mating at the age of one to one-and-a-half years; jennets can also breed at that age but it is best to wait until they are two to three years old so they can achieve full physical and mental maturity. Jennets carry their unborn young for about one year, and can bear young every 13-14 months.

These gentle, affectionate and inoffensive little animals make almost ideal pets for small children, senior citizens and disabled persons. Many find homes as members of petting zoos.