We are new here, we have a baby Mini Donkey!

[TXFarmGirl]

Hello- We live in Texas, I have 2 children, My daughter is almost 12, and my son just turned 13. We got a 7 day old male miniature donkey on July 31st. He is now around 13 weeks old and his name is "Donkee". My children also have around 60 chickens, 10 ducks, 1 turkey, and the chickens "guard" cat. We finally found a halter that fits him after trying out several different kinds. My daughter would like for him to pull a cart and let our young cousins ride him when he is an adult. We aren't sure how we need to be training/preparing him for those things. His "daily routine" is usually: 3 bottles of milk, a scoop of his baby pellets, then lets himself out of our backyard and goes to his favorite tree to eat leaves & grass, and then goes into the barnyard and lays with the chickens. We also brush him and let him get in and out of the backseat area of our truck every day. If you have any info on training him or anything else we need to be doing with him that would be great. Thank you!

 

[RollingAcres]

Hello and welcome to BYH! Glad you joined us. Sounds like you have a nice little farm over there. Please share some pics with us if you don't mind. We love pictures!
We have quite a few Texas folks here in BYH.
Sorry I can't help with training info on donkey, I don't have any.

 

[TXFarmGirl]

Alera & Donkey

Dallin & Donkey

Myself & Donkee

My husband & Donkee

 

[RollingAcres]

Awww how cute! Thank you for sharing!

 

[TXFarmGirl]

Thank you! He's a sweet boy

 

[promiseacres]

cuteness! sounds like you're off to a good start. one thing I didn't see you mention is hoof care. Having him used to his feet being picked up and trimmed is an ABSOLUTE! and donkey's are known for being difficult to trim. they need it often every 8 weeks or so. obviously he's little now so add that to his routine. picking up each foot (use the same word each time) I use UP! my sister once taught a horse to pick up a different leg with the numbers 1-4. just be consistent.

 

[TXFarmGirl]

Oh yes, you are right. We will definitely start touching his feet, and we just made an appointment to get his nails trimmed!

 

[Baymule]

Absolutely have him gelded. Your vet will tell you the proper age for this. A pet doesn’t need his mind on male hormones. A jack donkey can be a fearsome animal.

I agree with the hoof care, handle them daily. Also pet and stroke his ears. Many donkeys don’t like their ears fooled with which can make putting on a halter or bridle difficult.

Welcome!

 

[TXFarmGirl]

Got it! Thank you so much

 

[Latestarter]

Greetings and welcome to BYH from NE TX! So glad you joined us. Great looking family you've got there! Cute little donkey as well. Looks like you've already received a few good tips! There's a wealth of info, knowledge and experience shared in the multitude of threads. Browse around and see what interesting stuff you can find. By all means post away when the desire strikes you, especially if you have questions (provide as much detail/info as possible and pictures truly help)... With all the great folks here, generally someone will respond in no time at all. Please make yourself at home!

You might want to put at least your general location in your profile. Texas is a pretty large state with a large variety of "climates"... It could be very important if/when you ask for or offer help or advice. To add it, mouse hover over Account top right and a drop down will appear. Click on Personal Details and scan down. You'll see the spot for Location. Then go to the bottom and save changes. Thanks! Hope you enjoy the site!