chance to purchase a poitou

[Nonees kids]

I have the chance to purchase a poitou for $200. He is not yet weaned but that is his price if I go ahead and purchase him. The lady that currently owns him was interested in the mother and she was bred to the poitou. She is a standard donkey. There will be no more, this is a one shot deal. We have been looking for 10 acres or so for the last few months. Just havent found the perfect farm yet. I had already planned on getting a mule or a pair of mini donkeys. The timing of this sux. I really want him. I was thinking about trying to work out a deal with the farm that owns him and see if we can come up with some sort of board agreement for 6 months to a year. I was also wondering if it would be worth it to look into others horse boarding facilities to see if I could board him there until we are ready. Has anyone ever come across a facility that boards donkeys with horses? Ive never seen the 2 together.

 

[ksalvagno]

I would just start calling around to local boarding facilities and see what happens. Certainly also wouldn't hurt to ask current owner. Good luck and hope you find a place quick.

 

[goodhors]

Plan to geld him early, to reduce any problems from developing. Donkeys can
be rather determined as intact Jacks, so it would be best to avoid that ever
happening.

Plan to work with him regularly, to keep him obedient and progressing in handling
skills. Have you ever trained a donkey or mule? They are nothing like horses in
how they think or need to be managed. The American Donkey and Mule Association
has a number of books, articles and training DVDs to help you work with your
"longears" and make him the best possible animal he can be.

http://www.donkeys.com/ADMS.html

The longears I know were trained kindly, owners say if the animals stop on you, it is
because the animal didn't understand the request. You have to be VERY clear in what
you want, along with careful to never let the animal get hurt doing things. Donkey does
NOT forget bad things that happen to it, you have a hard time teaching him if he was
hurt previously doing the request.

The above means you have to be extremely careful who you let handle him or work
with him in a barn setting. Other folks BELIEVE that all donkeys are stubborn and you
can only get them to do things with punishment. Easy to ruin a young animal. And EVERYONE
wants to play with their ears!! Just can't leave the animal alone.

Poitou donkeys are instant people magnets with all the hair, you just want to hug them!
They are extremely rare, of a good size for using. The couple I knew were just nice
equines. Perhaps you would enjoy driving him as well as riding him when he is more
mature.

Good luck with your new boy.