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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.
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