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Frequently asked questions |
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What kind of donkey should I buy?
Firstly, donkeys are social animals who live in herds. One donkey is a lonely donkey. A donkey can keep a lonely horse company – they are both equines – but donkeys don’t talk sheep or llama! If you are considering a purchase buy two donkeys.. they will be much happier.
When considering your purchase decide what you want your donkey to do. Geldings (neutered males) are absolutely the best choice as the family friend. They are also the donkey to have for trail classes and driving animals. If you may consider breeding or showing you may want to purchase a jennet ( female). NEVER consider purchasing a jack ( unaltered male) unless you are a serious breeder with at least ten breeding jennets. Jacks can be exceptionally dangerous animals.
Why should I buy a registered miniature donkey?
All registrations of miniature donkeys in Canada are recorded through the Canadian Livestock Registry in Ottawa.
When purchasing an animal you should research the background of the donkey. By purchasing a registered animal you will be able to trace his background. You will establish the parentage and make sure there has been no inbreeding or other undesirable traits such as dwarfism in his pedigree. When considering a show or breeding animal you will be able to select the bloodlines that work for your breeding program.
If you are going to start a breeding program it is essential that you have registered animals. They will command a much greater price and resaleability than a backyard unregistered animal.
Breeders of registered miniature donkeys will welcome you to their farm to see their donkeys. In most cases you will be able to see the parents of the animals you are considering.
Most breeders will offer guarantees on their animals’ health and ability to breed by the time they reach maturity. They will also offer after sales support and be ready to help you out with any questions that arise at any time in the future.
What care does my miniature donkey require?
Unlike horses, donkeys are single coated animals. This means that they must have shelter from rain and snow. If they cannot get out of the weather illnesses such as pneumonia are common. A three sided shelter ( we use calf shelters ) is fine and with this available they will weather the most miserable storms.
Donkeys need average quality hay during the winter and will graze in the summer months. Provide them with a salt lick and access to clean, open water.
Donkeys should have their feet trimmed every eight weeks. Farriers will usually charge approximately $25 for each donkey. At least three times a year they should be dewormed – approximate cost - $10 per donkey and a three way shot annually will keep them healthy - $15 per donkey.
How much does a donkey cost?
Generally geldings will be the less expensive than jennets. Again – NEVER – consider purchasing a jack unless you are in the donkey breeding business and have considerable experience with stud animals.
We carefully evaluate our sale animals and price them accordingly. We have a donkey for everyone from show stock to pets. Please go to our For Sale page and click on the donkey photos to learn more.
Where can we see the donkeys?
With our two locations – Fish Creek Ranch is near Calgary and Sunvalley Ranch is outside Medicine Hat – we can accommodate most purchasers. Donkeys are transported from one location to the other. Visitors are welcome at both locations but please call ahead so we can make sure that the right donkey is at the right farm!
We will also arrange videos of donkeys for out of province and out of country buyers.
How do we get our new donkeys home?
We can arrange delivery of your new donkeys.
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