Just got a miniature donkey. Seeking care advice.

[savingdogs]

I was thinking about getting one to be with my dairy goats, I hear they are great!

 

[mully]

I have a gelded male mini in with the goats and they get along great. He chases them sometimes when they ram his belly but he is so sweet. They like gingersnap cookies.

 

[dcphotos]

Our donkey likes animal crackers, but we are trying not to give him unhealthy treats. He eats grass like it's going out of style.

 

[Bunnylady]

Whether your donkey will get along with goats is going to depend on the animals involved. I had 4 goats when I got Betsy. For the first few days, the goats were terrified of her. She enjoyed chasing them, but they were in an absolute panic! I had to fish one goat out of the duckpond twice in the first day, and goats hate getting wet. The goats eventually settled down, but the mule wasn't really content until I got a miniature horse to keep her company (she knew this mini from their previous home). Some donkeys really bond to things like sheep and goats, and make good herd protectors, others attack the animals that they are supposed to protect - you never know until you see them together. And depending on the size of the predator(s), a miniature donkey may be just as vulnerable as the goats/sheep it was intended to defend!

 

[dcphotos]

Still looking into goats, my regular work has been to crazy.

 

[oldbag855]

Welcome to the wonderful world of donkeys.
It sounds to me as if you are on the right path with getting
him a companion. Yes, a goat would work as a companion, as long as it's big enough. Donkeys usually don't like anything small. They will stomp it to death. I have no woodchucks in my 6 acres!

I have had my wild burro for about 2 years. They are indeed wonderful animals. Mine came from the BLM in Yuma, AZ. He doesn't need any clothing. He just gets wooly when it starts to get colder.

Donkeys do not NEED anything but grass or hay, water, and a place to get out of the wind and weather.

I know others may disagree but I give Nick a "little" bit of grain and oats (half and half). I have 3 horses,2 mules and him. If I were to give the others grain and oats and not him he would be a little upset. Did the other owners give him anything?
They are very smart animals. Just be careful because once a donkey learns something-good or bad-, they never forget it. Training is sometimes longer but they won't forget what you taught them.
I don't think I know everything but my donk is the best of my herd. My grandson gets on him when we go down to the barn. He's that loving.

 

[dcphotos]

Thanks, he has been doing well. I did find a lady with a goat for sale as well as a farm that has several. The farm is more expensive but less of a drive. I'm a photographer and I work a lot at this time of year so I have yet to have time to run that errand.
The donkey is doing well. He gets some grain and my wife gives him baby carrots, and he goes wild at the site of chicken scratch. So when I throw the yard birds some scratch he gets a handful.
He sort of gets along with our dog. They are jealous of one another and the dog likes to jump and play, the donkey isn't cool with it. Our dog is a great dane, he's actually bigger(as in taller) than the donkey.

 

[dcphotos]

 

[oldbag855]

He's GORGEOUS! So is the dog! LOL
Give them a little while and they may come around and actually like each other.
Watch for a big belly when feeding him. Donkeys don't eat what they don't need. They, unlike their equine friends, wil lnot eat themselves sick.

 

[oldbag855]

Thanks, he has been doing well. I did find a lady with a goat for sale as well as a farm that has several. The farm is more expensive but less of a drive. I'm a photographer and I work a lot at this time of year so I have yet to have time to run that errand.
The donkey is doing well. He gets some grain and my wife gives him baby carrots, and he goes wild at the site of chicken scratch. So when I throw the yard birds some scratch he gets a handful.
He sort of gets along with our dog. They are jealous of one another and the dog likes to jump and play, the donkey isn't cool with it. Our dog is a great dane, he's actually bigger(as in taller) than the donkey.

Mine loves Peppermint and carrots.
If you take your time and be patient with them, they will come around to your way of thinking. Patience and a firm voice is what I use. At 5', that's all I have.