Geldings
In my opinion, geldings make the BEST show, driving, and companion animal. They do not experience the hormonal changes present in a jennet or intact jack. The Geldings at Half Pint Hill receive the same love and care that is given to our breeding stock. They are sound and healthy animals that you will enjoy for many years.
|
Frequently Asked Questions ...
Here are some of the more popular questions we are asked from visitors to Half Pint Hill, or when we have been out in the public with our donkeys.
Why Miniature Donkeys?
Imagine owning the perfect pet. Miniature Donkeys are the most adorable, affectionate, soft and cuddly animals of their type. They are trustworthy around children, the elderly, and the handicapped; always seeking the love and affection of their owners. Miniature Donkeys are a lifetime pet. With proper care and feeding they will live to be 25 to 30 years old. Miniature Donkeys are extremely intelligent, docile and are easily trained. When mature, they can be ridden by small children and can pull a cart carrying an adult. The small size of a Miniature Donkey is less intimidating than a horse, yet you are still able to enjoy owning an equine.
> back to top
• What is a Miniature Donkey?
Miniature Donkeys are members of the equine family. They are a breed, and have not been bred down from larger donkeys. They originated from the Mediterranean area of North Africa and more recently came from the islands of Sicily and Sardinia off the west coast of Italy. Miniature Donkeys have been in North America for over 70 years and today have become a very loved and popular pet. It is no longer possible to import Miniature Donkeys from Sardinia or Sicily. Mature Miniature Donkeys (4 years) when measured at the withers, are a maximum height of 36 inches. There are two body types: heavy boned draft type and a fine boned type. Either type should possess solid bone and muscle development proportioned to the size of the donkey. They are well-balanced, attractive, sound, and strong, capable of pulling or carrying large loads. Coupled with their gentle loving nature and willingness to please, Miniature Donkey geldings, or jennets, make an ideal family pet.
> back to top
• What do they eat?
Miniature Donkeys require good quality legume grass hay, free from mold or dust. In the summer, a grass pasture will do them nicely. At all times they need plenty of fresh, clean, water and a salt supplement (block or loose). Some regions will require additional equine supplements for vitamins and minerals, as they may be deficient in your area. Please, always ask your local Veterinarian for advice. Small amounts of grain can be fed to donkeys, especially pregnant or nursing mothers, weanlings, and working donkeys.
> back to top
• What type of shelter and size pasture do they need?
Miniature Donkeys need shelter from the wind, rain, hot sun, flies, and wet snow. I have found a three sided shelter works the best, as they can come and go at will. For exercise and grazing, a Miniature Donkeys needs approximately 1/2 to one acre of pasture. Of course, this will depend on your location and quality of pasture, but for general purposes, this is a good rule of thumb.
> back to top
• What health care is necessary?
Miniature Donkeys require annual vaccinations, regular hoof care and deworming. Your local Veterinarian will be able to advise you as to the best health care program for your area.
> back to top
• Can Miniature Donkeys live with other animals?
YES! Donkeys are herd animals and they need other animals their size to live with. Miniature Donkeys make good companions for lone horses, ponies, and are used for predator control with sheep and goats.
> back to top
• Do all donkeys have that stripe?
This is a very common question...All donkeys have a dark stripe that crosses at the shoulder. Occasionally, the "cross" is not visible on a solid black or white donkey.
> back to top
• Are all Miniature Donkeys brown?
Donkeys come in a variety of colors. The usual color of a donkey is grey-dun with light tan markings around their muzzle and eyes, known as points. However, they do come in various shades of grey, brown, spotted, sorrel and black, and some may have dark points.
> back to top
• Are Miniature Donkeys stubborn, bite & kick?
No. This perception of the donkey comes from people who don't understand how the donkey thinks. Donkeys are very intelligent and cautious animals. Rather than take flight like their counterpart the horse, a donkey will stop and evaluate a situation that seems dangerous. Donkeys possess a kind and docile nature. It is very rare that a donkey will bite or kick a human out of malice.
> back to top
• What are a Jack, Jennet and Gelding; and what do you call baby donkeys?
A Jack is a male donkey that when mature enough, is used for breeding. He has not been castrated.
A Jennet (Jenny) is a female donkey. At the age of three, a Jennet can be bred to a breeding quality jack.
A Gelding is a male donkey that has been castrated. He generally makes the best pet, guard, and show animal, as he is not affected by the hormonal changes seen in the Jennet and Jack.
A baby donkey is called a foal, up until the time they are weaned from their mothers (approximately 6 months old).
back to top |
