Our new donkey! Sire of my hubby's future mules : )

[Beccy]

We will soon have a new addition here. Pablo is a 2yo spotted Jack that we purchased last year. We do not have him here yet, he is in Manitoba, but he will hopefully be here soon.

My husband loves mules, and wants a team of minis, so this will be Pablo's new job, and I have to admit that I wouldn't mind a Jennet and one donkey foal someday. Not wanting to breed for sale, just a couple of pets for our farm. (Pablo will eventually be gelded and stay here when he is finished breeding)

We did have a friend's mini donkey (gelding) here for awhile once, but essentially I don't know very much.

The lady we bought him from knows we intend to breed for mules so has been keeping him with the mini horse colts so that he will not feel out of place with horses.

Any info would be greatly appreciated, I want to be ready when this wee guy comes home.

Thanks

 

[Marnie]

I don't have much experience breeding donkeys so can't offer advice, I just wanted to say that Pablo looks like a nice guy! Good luck with your program.

 

[Cronewolf]

:aktion033: I really like the spoted ones, and I agree with the Hubby I love mules. If I had the money I sure try to get a pair for the state fair mule pull here every year.

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[Beccy]

Thanks Marnie and Cronewolf, I guess what I am really hoping is that if there is anything drastically different in the care of a donkey, as opposed to a horse, that someone will let me know.

My husband has always thought mules are great animals, and he has been so supportive of me with the mini horses (as well as all the other animals we have here) that this was something just for him. He would like a team of mini mules, and I thought a spotted Jack wopuld perhaps give us something colourful. (they will probably wind up solid! :lol: )

Have been browsing this board and everyone's donkeys are wonderful, I think I am falling in love!

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[DebiM]

Bec, I know you've been waiting for Pablo's arrival so I'll be watching my email for pictures when he gets there!

 

[qtrrae]

Wow!! Beccy,

Pablo is beautiful!! I love his coloring!

Sorry, I have no advice, I am learning all about the donkeys, mostly through this forum!

I have my 2 jacks Jakob and Jonah(both geldings) and also have 2 adorable jennets, Jayda and Jenna.

I am finding out how lovable they are and also how VERY addictive.

Congratulations on Pablo!!

 

[Marnie]

They eat hay and for grain, a little is ok too, don't let them get fat. Once they get the cresty neck, you can't take it off. Mine get a little grain mixed in with beet pulp, wet. My horses always get free choice mineral but I've been told that donkeys can't have it, it'll give them the runs. I noticed that my donkeys drink more water than my horses do, they all have heated tanks in winter and I'd recommend this to anyone. They love there shelters, don't wonder to far from them in the winter time which may be good as their ears can freeze. In fact, when the cold wind is blowing, mine won't even come out, I have to take there food in to them. They like to have a place with just dirt so the can roll in it, in the summer time. They're easy on fences, I've never seen a donkey go over or thru one. They'll usually let the horses push them around so if you have him in with horses, be sure he gets his food. I've been told that color genetics are nothing like a horse, as far as breeding goes. You'll love him, they are so kind and gentle and trusting. But I've also been told that a jack will go over a fence to get to mares in heat, although I don't know this for a fact, haven't bred any yet. But when the do breed, they can be very aggresive, downright mean. I don't think they're all this bad though. These are just some of the things that I can think of, from my own experiences or reading. Hope it helps.

 

[Beccy]

Thanks everyone, and Debi, pictures there shall be!! :bgrin We thought we had a ride for him before now, but that run has not happened yet. I can't wait though!! He just looks so huggable.

Marnie thank you for the info, I had no idea about the mineral and am glad you mentioned it because we feed ours free choice also.

I have a friend with a standard Jennet who has a thick roll on her neck, is this what you meant by cresty? (I think stallion when I hear heavy crest, but this girl was fat before my friend got her.

I am glad to know there is a place to come to ask questions, as there is no one near us with donkeys whose brain I can pick!