Is there a parent club?

Yes, NMDA (National Miniature Donkey Association). This organization is comprised of board members across the country and has provided rules for shows sanctioned under NMDA and has a standard of conformation for miniature donkeys. You can belong to NMDA by paying annual dues which includes receipt of a quarterly magazine known as The Asset. Their web site address is: http://www.nmdaasset.com/


Is there a registry for Miniature Donkeys?

Yes, the registry is through the ADMS (American Donkey and Mule Society). Their web site address is http://www.lovelongears.com/ To register a donkey, you must join ADMS as a member which also includes receipt of The Brayer magazine. Registration rules are discussed on their web site.


What can you do with a Miniature Donkey?

They are loving pets. Miniature Donkeys can be trained to pull a cart. A child (typically weighing 100 pounds or less) can ride a larger miniature donkey. They can be shown in various classes such as Halter, In-Hand Trail, Driving classes, etc. We have most all the same classes that horse show in only we lead or drive them instead of riding them. People have also used miniature donkeys for therapy, parades, 4-H activities, birthdays, church nativity scenes and other fun events.


What does a Miniature Donkey eat?

Many owners, breeders, veterinarians have differing opinions on nutrition, however, in general miniature donkeys will eat a quality grass hay. Some individuals feed various supplements or a low protein grain type of feed. But be careful, overfeeding your donkey is not healthy. They also require a salt block, mineral block and fresh, clean water at all times.


Do they require vaccinations?

Yes, they share many diseases with other equine. Generally, a combination shot of Eastern/Western Encephalomyelitis and Tetanus is required on foals (no earlier than 4 months of age) with a follow-up booster in three to four weeks and annually thereafter as long as you never let your vaccinations run out. If you do let them run out you will need to start all over again with the first vaccination and the follow up booster 3 to 4 weeks later so be sure to mark on your calendars when your donkey's shot are due!  Another combination vaccination of Rhino/Influenza should be given around 8 or 9 months of age with a follow-up booster in 3 to 4 weeks and then annually thereafter. Giving this vaccination too early may inhibit your animals' ability to develop immunity against the Flu. If you show your donkeys and they are exposed to outside equines you can give them the Rhino/Influenza vaccination as often as five times per year for extra protection.  They must be given vaccines at least three weeks before traveling to give their immune systems time to develop titers against the diseases. If you do not show or have a 'closed' herd (no donkeys come and go on your property) you can even forgo this vaccination. Some breeders will also inoculate for Rabies, West Nile and Strangles. Always work with your veterinarian to see what the vet recommends is needed in your area to keep your donkeys safe.  For example: Potomac Horse Fever is prevelent in the Northern states. Your brood jennets should have a booster of all vaccinations one month before foaling to give their foals immunities until that foal is old enough for their own vaccinations. Pregnant jennets also need to be vaccinated at 6, 8 and 10 months duration for Rhino with a product called Pneumabort K.


Do I need to worm my Miniature Donkey?

Yes, work with your veterinarian. Miniature donkeys are grazing animals and can pick up a variety of parasites. Some breeders and veterinarians recommend using different wormers to treat different parasites approx. every 60 to 90 days for adults and every 30 days for foals beginning at two months of age. A fecal sample analyzed by your veterinarian may provide guidance on the type of wormer best suited for your donkey. De-worm every other month alternating between an ivermectin product such as Zimecterin and a fenbendazole product such as Safeguard or Panacur. Use Prazyquantel such as Equimax or Ivermectin Gold twice annually for Tape Worms.


How often should the hooves be trimmed?

Like horses, miniature donkeys require periodic trimming for healthy hooves. The farrier should trim the hooves about every 6-8 weeks depending upon the terrain of your ground where your donkeys are kept...more often if soft and less often if rocky. You can learn to do this yourself but it must not be neglected.  Young foals may need trimming more often to help their bones to develop properly. The Tennessee Donkey ASSociation gives seminars every year with demonstrations on how to do your own donkey's hooves.