Breeding Miniature Donkeys

[nlgootee]

We have a Jennet that was pregnant when we bought her, but she either aborted or had a false pregnancy because she didn't foal. We would like to try again, but have been unable to find a Jack in our area (We are very remote) so we are thinking about trying AI. We are looking for suggestions and sources. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[oneforthemoney]

I found information by typing "artificial insemination for donkey" on google. Also typed "breeding donkeys in ....myarea..." and it came back w/plenty of information.

 

[nlgootee]

Thanks! I found exactly what I was looking for. I had done a search but I looked for "AI" and didn't find what I needed.

 

[goodhors]

Something to consider, is will you have a market for your foals? It is REAL easy to breed, but then have no takers
when you want to sell the minature donkeys. Quite a few free ones, mostly in rough shape locally. People do not
understand donkeys, don't take the time needed in caring for them so they are healthy and well trained to move
on to another family when sold. And you "KNOW how stubborn donkey's are!!" So the least hint of resistance gets
people whacking on the donkey to "prevent him learning how to be stubborn".

I know, I sound like a real bleeding heart here! However my long years with equines have not shown much of an
improvement by the new owners, in how they treat donkey's and mules, large or small. So I would be remiss in
telling you that NOT all donkey's born will lead a good life. Again locally, there are too many donkey's, with most being
poorly cared for.

So I would not be breeding them without a market that WANTS them for more than a few months
of ownership. Donkey can live a LONG time, with a lot of owners. Foals and older animals need good basic training and
handling, to make them good equines to have around, fun to own. Even though very cute, the fun of ownership wears off
quick, while needed work and care of the animal continues.

So you might want to just enjoy your jennet, not have a baby donkey added to your collection.

 

[nlgootee]

We have no intention of selling the foal and we just want one. We don't sell our animals. They live with us until they die.

 

[goodhors]

Well that is nice to know. Also know that well-cared for donkey's live LONG LIVES, with 25 to 30 years not being uncommon.
I have also heard of 40 year old ones. Hope you are not elderly! You may have to leave the farm to the donkeys, so they
have a home when you die!

I am now too old to get a young donkey that can live 40 years.