Choosing Your Equine FAQ's

Q: Just purchased a baby jack standard donkey 6 months old very excited what should I look for in a donkey as a pasture companion?

A: Please start interviewing DVM’s that can make your Jack (stallion) into a john (gelding) ASAP! Very few male equine (horse, donkey, zebra) should be left a stallion as there are so many equine in the world that do not have a home and are being put down. Additionally the life of a jack donkey is lonely and frustrating as all they think about is one thing. Please be sure the DVM you use has done his homework; sedating donkeys and gelding them is tricky they can be allergic to the anesthesia (start sneezing and sweating) and even bleed to death if not gelded correctly. Please remember that all equine (donkeys, mules, horses) need dental work, so plan on adding this to your savings in caring for your donkeys. Sharp hook teeth cause sores in their gums and can cause weight loss as they spit the hay out because it hurts to chew. Find a farrier that will trim your donkey's feet at least every seven to eight weeks.

I highly suggest you look for a standard or mini john (gelded) donkey that loves humans and has been socialized. He should allow you to put a halter on him/her, be brushed, go for a walk and pick up the hooves. Donkeys are intelligent and unlike the horse they can stop and think when stress hits them. Donkeys are visual learners and it is much easier to have a happy well balanced and physically healthy donkey to be a teacher to your younger donkey. The mature, trusting donkey will teach the younger donkey to respect boundaries and make good choices. Your little treasure will want to be touched and rubbed and a few bites of a carrots when he/she sees that the mature donkey is enjoying the moment. I highly suggest you look into Parelli for a parelli carrot stick, rope halter and level one to teach your donkey to be respectful and safe around you at all times.