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What is a Miniature Donkey!
"If that isn't the silliest one I've heard lately!
Everyone knows that a miniature donkey is the most intelligent animal in
the world. They rule the entire animal kingdom with their exceptional style
and charm. Black jacks like me are much more intelligent, handsome, and
witty than spotted jacks like Danny, but I guess I'd better just stick
with the facts."
Description of the Miniature Donkey
Miniature donkeys are native to
the Mediterranean Islands of Sicily and Sardinia, and have been in the
U.S. since the 1920s. They are by nature people loving, affectionate, and
intelligent with an I.Q. only SLIGHTLY lower than their owners! The average
life span is 30 years. The males are called jacks, the females are jennies
or jennets,
and the babies are referred to as foals. Height cannot exceed 36".
Most weigh between 200 and 350 lbs. at maturity. Their small size and carefree
nature make them easy to handle for both children and adults.
The gestation period is 11.5 to 13 months insuring
a prospective breeder a more stable market due to limited numbers. The
investment potential is very attractive, assuming you can part with them. Gray-dun
is the predominate color, but miniatures can be found in black, brown,
spotted, and sorrel. Legend says that the shadow of the Cross of Jesus
fell across the donkey’s back while at the Crucifixion which explains
the characteristic "cross" you see on the back and shoulders
of the donkey.
What do you do with them?
"You just love us, of course!"
That is the hardest question we are ever asked, because the
answer lies in what THEY do for US. But there are many things that we have
enjoyed doing with our donkeys. They are easy to train to lead and pull
a cart. What fun it is for a couple of kids (or middle aged kids!) to ride
in a cart pulled by a donkey. Our donkeys have been to county fairs, nursing
homes, birthday parties, on television, in the show ring, in the kitchen
(Oops! I didn't mean to give that one away.) and have become quite hams.
Donkeys bring families together, children with parents, grandchildren with grandparents. They teach us that family play time is more fun than TV or playing video games. We learn to relax as we laugh and observe their comic ways. They open a door to a magical and joyful world that we would never have entered without them. The best answer to that difficult question is found in the response one new miniature owner gave us. When asked what he wanted to do with his donkey he replied, "I want to drink coffee and grow old with Pedro." At last word, they are doing both.
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How Do You Take Care of Them?
"You feed them peppermint candy and have lots of
jennies around that are a little on the 'frisky' side (if ya know what
I mean)."
Feeding and Care
Miniature donkeys are quite healthy and hardy. You will need a three sided shed or similar protection from winter winds and summer sun. Miniatures can be housed in a remarkably small area. Fencing can be very simple. Home is security to them therefore they do not try to "leave the state" as other equine do! They require a good quality hay and/or pasture. We feed 10% protein sweet feed to adults and 14% to foals and lactating jennies. Historically, donkeys are used to sparse food supplies and should not be overfed.
"Graham crackers must be given daily to black jacks named Barney!"
Hooves need periodic trimming and yearly vaccinations
are required just like the family dog or cat. We breed our jennies between
2 and 3 years of age depending on her size, condition, and development.
Foals are weaned at 4 to 6 months old. Miniature donkeys are very forgiving
of our mistakes in their care which makes them "easy keepers".
Their small size and gentle nature make them more easy to manage than larger
farm animals.
Fresh water and minerals should be available to them
at all times. We worm every 2 months with a simple oral paste wormer.
"I'm so glad its ORAL!"
Click Here if you wish to email Quarter Moon Ranch.
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Hello from the Quarter Moon Ranch, home to two miniature donkey lovers and lots of long ears. Thank you for visiting our site! keywords for our site are as follows: miniature donkeys, miniature donkey, mini-donkeys, donkeys, mini donkeys, ranch, quarter moon, quartermoon, quarter moon ranch, carolyn christian, barney the donkey, donkey lovers, Miniature Donkeys, Sicilian Donkeys, Sardinian Donkeys, Meditteranean Donkeys, Miniature Donkey, Donkey, Miniature Donkeys, Donkeys, Miniatures, Pets, Animals, Equine, Mini Donks, Mini Donkeys, Miniture Donkey, Donkies