How to Buy Donkeys

Buying any kind of livestock involves taking a risk to some extent, but you can cut those risks when buying donkeys by learning what to look for and how to deal with problems. Follow these steps to buy donkeys.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Determine why you need a donkey. Donkeys are used as pets, companions for other animals, guard animal, breeding, work, riding and showing. Know what you need a donkey for before looking at one to purchase.
2. Find donkeys for sale by looking in the farm and ranch or livestock sections of newspapers, ads at feed stores and veterinarian offices and on the Internet. Your Yellow Pages may even have a donkey ranch or farm listed.
3. Call about donkeys you think are suitable for your needs. Set up a time to look at the donkey and try him out. Don't bring a trailer with you the first time. You may be tempted to bring home the animal even if it isn't exactly what you want or need.
4. Visit the donkey and look at him closely. Notice his confirmation, temperament, weight, health and alertness. If you think this is the one you want, arrange for a veterinarian to check him out completely.
5. Bring a horse or livestock trailer and pick up the donkey. Make sure he has current vaccination and health papers before hauling him across any state lines or mixing him with other animals.