What You’ll Need
A miniature donkey’s primary needs are the same as yours- shelter, food, water, a safe place to live, and a friend.
Shelter-
The type shelter that is sufficient depends on where you live. If you live in an area that does not stay below freezing for long periods of time, a three sided shelter with a good roof and the north wind blocked will be sufficient. If you live in an area that stays below freezing for long periods of time, you will need an enclosed shelter. Miniature donkeys can tolerate cold but not cold and wet.
Food-
A miniature donkey’s feed requirements are minimal if they have grass to eat. They do not need high protein diets. Generally, a 10% protein grain mix is sufficient as a supplement along with hay, when necessary. We live in Texas and generally feed our donkeys no supplemental feed as long as there is grass for them to eat. Even with no supplemental feed, some of them are fat! In early spring we have to keep them locked in the barnyard part of the time. The grass is so rich at that time of the year they can get too much to eat and get laminitis, a foot condition that causes them to be “lame” and if not corrected can become a full-fledged founder condition which is on-going.
Water-
Give them plenty of clean water to drink. Make sure they have water to drink in freezing weather as well. There are relatively inexpensive floats available to keep tank water at a constant level and there are heaters available to keep water drinkable in freezing weather.
Safe place-
A safe place to live means you need good fencing. Generally, any fence the donkeys cannot pass through is good. However, if you have a jack or stallion living next door, you will need VERY sturdy fencing between you and your neighbor; a fence that no part of the animal can get through, if you know what I mean! The same considerations are necessary for fencing between a jack and any jennies you don’t want bred, or between two jacks.
Friend-
Miniature donkeys are “herd” animals and are going to be happiest if they have another miniature donkey around. In our opinion, a miniature donkey should live with another of its own kind. Don’t you need friends?
*** Please contact us with any questions you might have about the information above***
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