Interested in regular-sized donkeys too? Before you start dreaming of your own miniature donkey, however, you should learn a little more about them. Miniature donkeys are a specific kind of Mediterranean donkey. To be officially recognized as miniature , the animal has to measure no more than 36 inches and weigh between — pounds.
So miniature donkeys can be literally half the size of a regular donkey! Not quite. All donkeys are classified as equus africanus asinus , including the miniature donkey. Miniature donkeys came from the islands of Sicily and Sardinia. They were probably a native species to the area, and they were used for things like carrying firewood, delivering parcels, and tending to livestock.
They were used for farm labor; they were put in fairs and horse shows. The U. Today, there are only a small number of miniature donkeys living in their native European home. Mini-donkeys come in various shades of grey, brown, tan, and black. They might also have light-colored spots on their bodies or muzzles. This is a feature of draft animals that are bred for carrying heavy loads: Their legs are positioned slightly outwards to help them evenly distribute their weight.
Their soft fur makes for pleasant belly rubs, and their curious ears will stand up straight when you offer them a treat. Many owners report their mini-donkeys to be sweet, gentle, curious, playful, and highly trainable. Miniature donkeys are placid animals. Most mini-donkeys are between inches from their hooves to their withers. Some are smaller, but a few are bigger. At that height 36 inches , they become a small but regular donkey, and they start to be measured by hands rather than inches.
This is one of the most surprising facts about the miniature donkey. Meet KneeHi. Measuring just He lives on a farm in the U. As herbivores, mini-donkeys like grasses and grains. Mini-donkeys also love treats. Donkeys are also fond of sweet things like molasses, but these should be kept as occasional treats instead of everyday foods. Dwarf donkeys were bred for work, so they can pull carts and transport goods just like their bigger cousins.
They simply have to do it in smaller quantities. It depends. However, kids and pets can catch a ride on a miniature donkey whenever they like. The donkeys that are used to carrying weight, pulling weight, or even staying alert and active may handle a kid or a teenager on their backs. A pet donkey that has been pampered throughout his life may not be able to give rides.
Related Can Donkeys Reproduce? Note; The last point should be taken very seriously if you do not want the donkey or the rider to get hurt.
So, if you have found a donkey who is mature and familiar with you. You are good to go. At this point, you need to know that a mid-sized donkey can only carry Children whereas, the mammoth size donkey is more suitable for adults. Once the donkey is willing to give ride gently help yourself up the saddle and use the walk command to convince the donkey to walk. Choose the smooth right road and come down before the donkey feels fatigued.
Give the donkey a good rest and try attempting to ride again and again for few minutes daily until they get used to it. Yes, donkeys can be ridden but they have weight and height restrictions.
Most donkeys can only give rides to children and teenagers but an exceptional mammoth-sized donkey can also carry an adult according to their body weight. On average, a donkey can only carry 20 to 30 percent of their total body weight on their back. The donkey should be four to five years of age, alert and active. Donkeys should be trained and familiar with the rider.
Mules are better than donkeys for this purpose as they are much larger and stronger than the said creature. Here are the three types of donkeys and their temperaments: [5] X Research source Geldings are male donkeys that have been castrated. They tend to have a mild temperament well-suited to being ridden.
Jennys are female donkeys. They usually have a gentle, domesticated temperament as well. Jacks are uncastrated males. They are typically too wild to ride. Make sure the donkey has received training.
Many donkeys make great pets, but not all are cut out for being ridden. Find out whether the donkey was trained to carry a saddle and follow riding commands.
Get a donkey that has been trained to be ridden, not just walked on a lead. Find a good match for your personality and needs. Donkeys have a reputation for being stubborn, but really they just need time to assess each situation and decide how to respond. If you're planning to purchase a donkey spend time walking and riding the donkey to make sure it's a good fit.
Patience is a virtue when it comes to riding donkeys. Try to gain an understanding of the donkey's personality so you can work as a team and have a much more pleasant ride together. You may instead want to consider choosing a small horse or pony. Part 3. Use equipment made for donkeys. Get a saddle and other equipment made for donkeys or burros, rather than one for horses. Donkeys can carry a lot of weight, but their backs are wider than horses' backs, so the saddle construction is different.
A saddle that doesn't fit correctly can lead to health problems for the donkey. Blinders are commonly used to keep donkeys focused on the path ahead, but some donkey trainers recommend against using them.
If you want to use heavy saddle bags, have the donkey practice with them at home before setting off on a long trail ride. Learn to give a donkey riding commands. If you've never had riding lessons, it's a good idea to take some so you can learn the proper way to command a donkey for a smoother ride. The most important thing to remember is that you shouldn't try to make a donkey to do something it doesn't want to do.
You must gently coax the donkey to keep moving instead of using force. Verbal commands and nonverbal commands like hand signals and touching the donkey are ways to let it know what you want it to do. Treat your donkey gently and patiently as you ride. Take good care of your donkey. Donkeys need dry, warm shelter, proper feed and plenty of water, and attention to their hooves and teeth. Make sure you attend to the donkey's health before taking it out for a long ride. Donkeys need to overnight in a dry shelter.
If you're doing an overnight trail ride, make sure there's a dry shelter where the donkey can stay overnight. When it comes to food, donkeys need plenty of grass, and not much else. They are prone to getting overweight easily, so make sure the donkey is getting plenty of exercise. Very slowly go up to it. You may have to sit on the ground silently and not moving, with food or a treat in your hand. Yes No. Not Helpful 7 Helpful Yes, just be patient!
I have two burros that were rescued from the wild. With lots of patience I've been able to halter them, put fly masks on them, and lead them. They are very smart, loving animals. Not Helpful 2 Helpful It can pull in a cart more then it can hold on its back. Yes, but make sure the saddle and rider are not too heavy for the donkey.
Not Helpful 6 Helpful I would like to keep goats and a calf with my donkey, but he is mean to the goats. How do I get a donkey to like other animals? Slowly begin to introduce them. After they are familiar, allow them to spend small amounts of time together.
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