• Miniature donkeys originated from the Islands of Sicily and Sardinia off the west coast of Italy.
• They are simply referred to as Miniature Donkeys in North America.
• Miniature Donkey means any miniature donkey between measuring between 30” and 36” in height at the withers.
• They are a pure breed of their own – NOT bred down in size, as with many other miniature breeds.
• Pure bred Miniature Donkeys in the Mediterranean area are rapidly disappearing, as the small donkeys are being mixed with larger breeds. For this reason, the Donkeys in North America have global genetic value.

Since the first Donkeys arrived in the early 1900's, in America and Canada, the current population is estimated between 17,000 and 20,000 in the U.S. to date.

Miniature Donkey's Nature

• The Miniature Donkey is a compact, well-proportioned animal with a sweet, sociable temperament. They are extremely sociable and affectionate little animals.
• The Miniature Donkey, as with all donkeys, is never STUBBORN – just the opposite. If unsure of any situation, a donkey will stop, assess and the situation, then continue when happy and ready.
• Miniature Donkeys are extremely loyal and playful soulmates, they are herd animals and need another donkey or pony to keep them company – otherwise they become very lonely!
• FACT – a lonely donkey, is a SAD donkey and a sad donkey will become a sick donkey – an unhappy situation to be in – all round!
  

Donkey business

• A Female donkey is known as a Jennet or Jenny.
• A Male donkey is known as a Jack or if castrated a Gelding.
• A Weanling is a young donkey that has been weaned away off its mum.
• In England, under MMDA standards, a Jack or Jennet is not mature until the age of 3.
• A jennet must not be bred until over the age of 3 – otherwise the foal cannot be registered.
• The average gestation period, for a Jennet is between 11 and 13 months.
• A foal will weigh between 20/30lbs at birth and can live between 30 and 45 years. A true companion.

Likes & Dislikes

• Miniature donkeys are used to a sparse food supply and should NEVER be overfed – titbits, however tempting, should be avoided at all costs.
• Miniature donkeys need only a diet of good hay, barley straw and plenty of fresh clean WARM water, daily.
• Miniature donkeys DO NOT LIKE COLD WATER!!
• Pregnant or lactating jennets may be given a grain mix – in moderation, but it is not always necessary if the hay is of good quality.
• Hay should never be dusty and should be fed in a hayrack or off the floor, at all times.
• Donkeys require access to an open fronted shelter, to escape from the good old English summer sun, winds, rain and snow.
• About 1 acre of land would be suitable for 2 donkeys.

Health

• As with all equine, mini donks require regular Tetanus boosters and Flu boosters as annual vaccinations.
• Mini donks require worming on a regular basis – 2/3 monthly. Regular worming is of utmost importance.
• The farrier should visit every 12 weeks or so. A good thing to remember is to find a farrier that understands small hooves and isn’t about 6 foot in height.
• It is important to have a good relationship with your vet. Help them to understand these little creatures if unsure on any issues. Mini in size does not necessarily mean mini portions of everything.
• Above all, breeders should help to preserve the structure and character of the Miniature
• Donkey breed by keeping form and function a priority in their breeding programs.
• Regardless of whether a Miniature Donkey is selected for breeding, show or work purposes, a well balanced animal should have proportions and conformation that bear directly on the health and function of that individual.

Finally
BEWARE – MINIATURE DONKEYS ARE INFECTIOUS TO HUMANS –MEET ONE AND YOU’LL WANT ONE…….TWO……..THREE!!