How likely that donkey is pregnant?

[Clementine]

I recently obtained a very thin 4-y.o. jenny (Clementine), who had been with a 2-y.o. jack until a few weeks before we brought her home (in February). A few weeks later it hit me - I hadn't even thought before about the possibility of her being pregnant. Clementine was very thin when we got her, and she has filled in quite a bit, but is not at all fat. We haven't noticed any heat periods this summer. What do you all think are the chances we're going to have a baby? How fertile are donkeys? If she was with a jack, should we just expect that she would be pregnant? And will I ever be able to tell for sure?

Thanks in advance for your help!!

 

[GLENMAR]

You could draw blood and send it to biotracking. Most equines don't cycle during the winter months, so you might be ok.

 

[CritterZone]

I think it is pretty likely. You should have a vet check her.

 

[Clementine]

I think it is pretty likely. You should have a vet check her.

How does a vet check for pregnancy? Does the method depend upon how far along she is (which we don't know)? I feel so much better if I have some kind of idea of what to expect before I call my vet. Thanks!

 

[Godsgrl]

I think it is pretty likely. You should have a vet check her.

How does a vet check for pregnancy? Does the method depend upon how far along she is (which we don't know)? I feel so much better if I have some kind of idea of what to expect before I call my vet. Thanks!

A vet can palpate the jenny by performing a rectal exam. The foal can actually be felt this way.

 

[Bunnylady]

If you can figure out a way to collect the urine, this may be helpful:

http://www.weefoal.com/

 

[Clementine]

Lol! Not likely on the urine collection. We've had this donkey since February and never once seen her pee. She a prefers to do her business in private, apparently!

 

[Bunnylady]

I wound up having to tape a sponge to my mare's backside to get a sample.

 

[Clementine]

Well, I've been thinking about this, and I think I'm going to be patient rather than try to get a pregnancy test. I had my girl checked out for general health by a veterinarian in March.

Besides, I think she's starting to "show" a little bit! She's a thin donkey, but it looks like she's thin back to her last rib, then looking a little "fat" behind and below her last rib. Does this sound like pregnancy?

The question them becomes, when? I have no idea when she may have been bred. Any way to guesstimate when she may be due?

Thanks, everyone!
Renee

 

[Bunnylady]

http://www.lovelongears.com/foaling.html

The gestation period for donkeys is about 12 months. Generally speaking, I'd say your jenny is due within a few weeks of her achieving this shape: