Information on Pregnant Mini Donkeys

Mini donkeys have become popular pets.

Mini (or miniature) donkeys are small, charming pets that have become popular in yards and on private farms across the nation. They are hardy animals, and easy to keep. Many owners choose to breed mini donkeys themselves, in which case they should know what to expect both during and after the pregnancy.

Features

Miniature donkeys hail from the Mediterranean, where they were a specialty of Sicily and Sardinia. They range from 31 to 35 inches in height, and display the same characteristics as standard donkeys--gray/brown hair, long ears and black points. Their personalities are also similar to standard donkeys--affection and sweet, with a stubborn twist.

Gestation

Mini donkeys are fertile when they are a year old, but shouldn't be bred until they're 2 1/2 to 3 years old. Younger mini donkeys do not make good mothers and may abandon their babies. Once a mini donkey is bred, her gestation lasts from 11 to 12 months. She can be bred again almost immediately after the birth, with her next heat.

Care

Pregnant mini donkeys do not require any special nutrition. All donkeys can survive on high-quality grass hay, small amounts of grain and a mineral salt block, and should get dewormed at least once a year. They should also receive lots of fresh, clean water. Pregnant donkeys do require more food because they are supporting a baby. According to the National Miniature Donkey Association, these animals usually should have access to pastures for grazing and shelter from the sun, and adverse weather conditions such as rain, snow and wind.

Preparation

Miniature donkeys rarely give birth to twins. Donkey foals are born weighing 18 to 25 pounds. Like horse foals, baby mini donkeys stand and nurse quickly, but remain vulnerable and dependent on their mothers for the first several months.

Considerations

Though large mini donkeys generally have easy births, jennets (female donkeys) that are small or young may experience trouble. Owners should always have a veterinarian in attendance and be prepared to assist the jennet if she gets in trouble during the birthing process.

References

• The National Miniature Donkey Association
• The Red Gate: Registered Miniature Donkeys
• Miniature Donkeys