Miniature donkeys as pets -- some questions?

Question

I would like to get a miniature donkey as a pet. I would not show, so I don't care about standards and all that stuff. Now, I have questions.

- If I don't want a show mini donkey, will it cost less? How much would you estimate?

-How much space do miniature donkeys take up? Will I need a barn?

-How much do they eat?

I pretty much would like a guide to having one as a pet, and some answers to these questions. thanks.

Answer 1

here is a link

http://www.gomestic.com/Pets/Unusual-Pet...

I own a donkey!!! they are wonderful..

a friend doesnt have to be another donkey - it can be a llama, horse or even sheep (mine guards the sheep = we have hair sheep so they are low maintanance)

they eat grass in the summer - hay in winter - they get fat easy so NO OATS!!!

a shelter is good - you dont need a barn - unless your weather is really nasty.. I dont have mine in a barn I am in Alberta Canada.. they have a shed to go in for rain, sun or snow..

cost depends where you buy from - jennies are more than jacks but you dont want a jack - they can be mean to other animals.. a gelding would be an EXCELLENT option

we buy them from exotic livestock auctions.. about $70 for geldings here.. $300-$600 for jennies..

ask your local livestock feed store if they have odd and unusual livestock auctions in your area or call your auciton market

read the link...

yes purebred registered show animals cost more

Answer 2

When you're talking mini breeds, the rule of thumb is the smaller the animal is, the more it's going to cost.  There is an acceptable size range, but the smallest ones are usually from a registered breeder and will cost more.  I've seen the prices vary from $100 at auction (and you don't exactly know what you're going to get) to over $600 from a good breeder.  When you're talking livestock, generally you get what you pay for.

Care of miniature donkeys is fairly similar to that of mini horses - routine ferrier visits, similar feed, hay and grazing requirements.  All livestock should have access to some type of shelter, if not a barn, at the minimum a run-in that will offer protection from wind, rain or snow.

Most mini breeds can be kept on a scale of about 1/3 the space that their full size counterparts require, so about 1/2 an acre pasture would be sufficient.

I would not recommend getting a bred jenny if you are new to owning livestock.  Extra vet bills, extra worries... not the easiest way to start.  What you might want to do is look for someone who is retiring a couple of petting zoo animals, as you might be able to get a mini donkey and another companion animal for a good price.  Plus, you would be guaranteed to have animals that are already bonded.  No fighting in the pasture that way!

Hope this helps - I've wanted to add a mini donkey to our petting zoo for the last couple of years, but I don't think my goats are interested in a new species in the barnyard!