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Thursday, December 8, 2011

Herd dynamics

I've had donkeys for 10 years now and during that time, we've offered a home to a variety of ages, sizes and genders.  This has me thinking about how the donkeys have related to each other and what factors contribute to creating the right dynamics.  Of course the donkeys themselves will ultimately determine how they get along, but I realize now that since I'm limited by the size of my land and barn space, I am creating an intentional herd so to speak, and if I'm going to look for a donkey to adopt, I might want to consider some options that I hadn't thought about when I first started.



Dorica & Siog at Play


First of all - age is important to think about.  Donkeys, like other animals, are best socialized by their own kind. What I mean by this is that mother donkeys are the best teachers for their young.  They teach their foals how to behave by body language signals using their ears, mouth, hooves etc.  Although we humans need to teach them about appropriate donkey-human interaction, I think it's important that they get a lot of information from their mothers and other herd members.  I had an orphaned foal who had been raised for his first year on a bottle.  He thought nipping, rearing and kicking were just fine.  He also thought he was a person.

My first two donkeys were young and on their own.  The jenny was 2 years old and the gelding, just 13 months.  Now I see that this was like having two toddlers alone in the house with no one older and wiser to guide them.  I think they were a bit lost.  The gelding spent a lot of his time hanging onto the the jenny's neck and she, although bewildered, didn't have the experience to discipline or instruct him.  They both needed an older protector.

When donkey Annie tragically died, Dorica was completely bereft.  I went searching for another donkey and found Deenah.  Without realizing it at the time, bringing home an older mature "auntie" for Dorica was the very best thing I could have done!  Deenah took Dorrie under her experienced wing (hoof?) and Dorica's confidence grew.  Many people starting out with donkeys will choose two youngsters to bring home.  I'm not saying this can't work out, but in my experience, an older animal can be of great benefit.

Gender is another factor.  Male donkeys are really different than the jennys.  A young male, whether gelded or not can have a lot of restless energy.  He needs someone to rough house with who shares his enthusiasm and male temperament.

Ringo was 6 years old when he came here.  He was also the biggest donkey and consequently he hassled the two jennys.  When he wanted to play, Deenah, being old, ignored him.  Dorica tried at first to play but being a mini, ended up getting hurt, so when big strong Ringo got playful, she'd go and hide in the barn!

When Ringo left, Deenah and Dorica were here together. Then Siog arrived. At three years old, she brought out the very best in Dorrie!  Although Deenah and Dorrie are pals, Dee is just too old to romp around and so Dorica would stand quietly by her side.  Enter Siog the youngster and watch the minis play together!

Now this is a great little herd of jennys.  Dorica has her auntie Dee to offer security but also has little Siog to romp with and groom.  Siog has her older mates but at least one who is young enough to play with her.
Deenah is the matriarch and watches over the others but is also closely bonded to Dorica.

My only consideration now is whether three donkeys creates the right dynamic. I would dearly love to add just one more!  With four, the donkeys could pair up and I could take them out in pairs if need be.  So if I were to add a fourth donkey, what would I look for?

Knowing what I know now, I would add either another mini or a small Standard female.  And considering age, I would probably choose someone in between Siog, now 4 and Dorica, who is 13.
I want to ensure that the youngsters have playmates, but also that there is an older, experienced female.

Given that I want to walk, trek and pack them, I'd also look for a healthy donkey with good bones, good hooves and a gentle disposition.  If I had more land, I'd adopt any donkey needing a good home!

35 comments:

  1. Hi fellow donkey lover,
    I have a sweet mini female who is around 13, and am trading in her horse pasture pal for two young mini donkeys, a 3 year old gelding and a tiny two year old chocolate female. They have been together their whole lives. I am so glad to hear that you believe an older donkey can school younger ones, but I am wondering how to introduce the two new ones to the farm matriarch. Thanks for your advice, and you have a wonderful blog! Donks rule!
    Patty McNeil

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  2. Hi Patty,
    Sorry for the delayed response - I have been away. Your donkey will miss her horse companion, so I would
    offer her lots of attention and understanding. Donkeys form strong bonds. Then I would introduce the two new ones on the other side of a fence, at least for a few hours. Personally, I have not had to separate new donkeys for long. Make sure the new ones are healthy, have had their vaccinations and have been dewormed. But don't deworm the new ones at your farm (if they haven't been) for at least a month. I would keep things very calm and smooth for them without putting chemicals into their systems until they adjust. Avoid any resource guarding when it comes to feeding - your older donkey shouldn't be put under stress either. Good luck and let me know how it goes!!

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  3. Hi! great blog! We got our first donkey (a 2.5 year old mini jenny) about 5 weeks ago. We absolutely love her, but think that she needs an equine companion (she was trained as a herd protector and pastures with three boer goats, but hasn't really bonded with them). We found a weaned 5.5 month old mini jack that we like and would like to get him as her friend. He seems sweet and we are going to get him gelded as soon as it is physically possible. Our donkey can be a bit bossy with our goats, but we don;t think that she will ever hurt them. Does this seem like a suitable situation in which everyone should get along? The one that we are considering adopting is about the size of our goats now, and will be several inches shorter than our donk. We are concerned that he may play to rough with the goats (he has been around goats) and/or he might not be the right fit for our Jenny who is persnickety. Can you please advise us? Also, if we do get him, how long should he be separated by a fence before we integrate him with our little herd?

    Thanks so much,
    Amy

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    1. Hi Amy,

      You're right, donkeys love their own kind and a donkey companion for your jenny would be great! However, at 2.5 years old, I would be looking for an older donkey instead of a weanling. Please read my paragraph above where I describe my experience with having 2 youngsters. Not that it can't work but an older "auntie" would be wonderful for your jenny. At 2.5, she's still practically a baby! Donkeys mature slowly. An older animal will help to socialize her.

      I have no experience with donkeys + goats - I have heard that it's important to have a small goat escape door in the fence, so the goats can get away if they need to. Re separating a new donkey - it really depends on the animal- you have to watch and see.

      BTW- 5.5 months is SO young for a donkey to leave its Mom - the little guy may really have separation anxiety, so I'd want to integrate him with the jenny asap - maybe introduce the goats later. Hope this helps - keep me posted!

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  4. Thanks so much for your advice! We did end up getting the little guy and it is not going well. He does have separation anxiety and desperately wants to be with our jenny. Our jenny wants no part of it. At first she ignored him. It's been two days. Today we tried to introduce them in a very controlled setting and our Jenny was very aggressive (trying to kick him). We are going to keep them separated for awhile longer and see how it goes, but I think our inexperience ( we just started rescuing farm animals) has moved us to get a pair that might not work. Is it common for a jenny to be that aggressive? We're not sure whether more time will help or not. Thanks again, Amy

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  5. Hi Amy, Is the young jack a rescue? If not and he could go back to his Mama, that would be the best option. But if you are going to keep him, hmmm... I think things should improve in time but I don't know for sure. Could be your jenny thinks she needs to protect the goats.

    Two thoughts: Can you remove the goats for now? Jenny might be better able to bond with him if she isn't thinking about them. Can you put him where he can see and smell the jenny, i.e. just on the other side of the fence? And I would spend lots of time with him and the jenny - he will be sad, confused and anxious - and you want to minimize stress. Let both donkeys know that you love them! Donkey time ...

    Keep him and the jenny nibbling free choice low sugar hay - that should help and you want to keep that rough going through them.

    Also meant to ask: what is the jenny protecting the goats from? Minis are not really cut out to fend off big predators like cougar or bear ... just wondering. Feel free to email me directly from my website address (listed onto on the right in green!) Fingers crossed that things improve!

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  6. Hi! I am so glad I found you. I am a new donkey owner. Actually less than a month ago I bought a 2 year old. Before I brought him home I had him castrated. They warned me that he was a nipper and would rear. I felt from my knowledge (I did have horses years ago) that it was probably a youngster thing or being spoiled! We are getting to know each other. As he is an only donkey I spend as much time as I can with him (I work)...an hour in the morning and an hour at night. I have tried everything to stop the constant biting and nipping. The rearing has improved (is this play?) but he still is not pleasant to be around most of the time. I take him for walks, have started lunging him. He's very willing to try anything new. I have started clicker training him...carrots when he plays with his toys and everytime he doesn't bite me! I have purchased a 4 month old that the people want off their farm in a couple weeks. How do I introduce them ..... this is beginning to sound like a nightmare. I would leave the baby but the people won't keep him. I have paid 1/2 of the money. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks

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  7. Hi Mary, Thanks for getting in touch! I have a few comments: first of all, it's wonderful that you are getting another donkey!! A donkey on his or her own gets too lonely and that can lead to all kinds of problems, both health and behaviour. They need interaction, socialization and mental stimulation! It's fantastic that you spend so much time with him but you are a human and it's not the same as a donkey companion, plus he has many hours on his own.

    However - 4 months is too young for a donkey foal to leave its mother! Can you take the mother as well? The foal will really be lost without her and a two year old gelding won't have the mothering, socializing skills that the foal needs. In my opinion, two youngsters together are kind of like leaving 2 kids home alone with no adult guidance. The best thing I ever did for my small herd, was to bring in an older jenny!

    I imagine you'll probably think I'm crazy to suggest this but if you could possibly purchase the foal's mother OR another mature adult, that would be the best scenario.

    As far as biting and rearing, your gelding just needs to be taught what he is supposed to do and how fabulous that you have started clicker training! It's a wonderful and positive approach! I study with Alexandra Kurland - if you could order her book: The Click That Teaches: a Step by Step Guide in Pictures, that will get you going on the right track. teach good manners FIRST! And if you do that correctly, you can cure biting (and everything else!)

    Feel free to email me directly from the contact on my art web site (scroll up, on your right) I would be pleased to help you more!

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  8. So glad I found this site! I'm needing some help with my herd. We have had a thoroughbred mare alone in our pasture for a year. About 4 months ago we were given a jenny miniature donkey by someone trying to downsize their farm. They weren't sure of her age, but thought she was around 4 years old. We kept the horse and donkey separated by a fence for two weeks. They have seemed to do fine together and the jenny was really warming up to me. I wanted her to have a donkey companion, so we found a precious registered 4 month old jack. He immediately warmed up to the mare and follows her everywhere. The jenny will have nothing to do with him, and has been isolating herself from the two. She has also become skittish around me, and walks away when I try to pet her. I can't stand to see her so unhappy. I am new to the equine world, and would appreciate any help I can get. I want my animals to be happy!

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  9. Hi Susan, A couple of things come to mind. Firstly, it's wonderful that you got a donkey companion for your jenny (they really do love to have other donkeys around and their diet is different from horses, i.e. you cannot feed a donkey as you would a horse!) Please see the posts on Feeding Donkeys.

    I'm hoping that you plan to geld the jack! Unless he has "perfect" conformation and teeth, etc. he should not be bred and, there are SO many donkeys looking for homes, I don't really supporting breeding. It's possible that the jack follows the mare when she is in heat, not sure.

    So after you have discussed gelding with your vet, could you separate the mare on the other side of a fence and keep the 2 donkeys together for awhile? The jack will be able to breed soon, though so do talk with your vet! Once he is gelded, the jenny may bond with him - it could be that he is bugging her!
    Regarding the jenny being skittish, I would pull up a chair and just sit with her. Do this for awhile every day. Have some treats with you and when she approaches or even makes the slightest move towards you, offer her a treat. Let HER approach YOU!

    I am a passionate clicker trainer and so what you are doing here is reinforcing the behaviour of coming towards you. You would then need to teach her how to accept food politely (and safely) but that's a whole other story!

    Let me know how you manage! Keep yourself safe though - you can also feed her in a pan, rather than your hand.

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  10. Hello! Been getting caught up on posts and replies...I did a bunch of reading on your site before jumping into the mini donkey lifestyle. We brought Gus home about 3 weeks ago. Gus will be 1 next month, and he is intact. (The vet is coming for a farm call tomorrow!!). Things have been going great with Gus. He's gentle, getting better and better on a lead, and follows me around as I work out in the pasture and around the barn. However, that all changed yesterday when our friends brought their 6 year old, intact mini to live in our pasture. Both boys have only been on dry lot, so we've been introducing Gus to the grass pasture a little each day, and he's out there almost all day, now, but in the barn at night. Zeus, our newest member, has only been on drylot, too, so he can't be turned out to pasture fulltime, yet, so he's in a stall next to Gus, with a wire panel separating them.

    Well, Gus changed overnight--he is pacing, putting his head down, and not wanting to be out in the pasture at all. I gave him a bunch of love this morning, but he wasn't too receptive. When I put a lead on him and took him out in the pasture, he pulled and tugged until I finally let him off lead and he ran back to the barn, pacing around all 3 sides of Zeus' stall. He even dashed across the very large pasture as if he was going to stomp my llamas to death, though he had pretty much ignored them previously. :-(

    Both boys are going to be castrated tomorrow morning, and I'm hoping things might calm down after a few weeks so we can try introducing them without too much violence. Do we have any hope of eventual peace? I know Zeus getting castrated at 6 years of age is way later than it should be, but the folks who had him before kept him with large horses and/or cows, and occasionally their pony, and though he played a bit aggressively with the pony, they said he did fine with them. Gus, our little guy, lived with a baby camel (adorable!!), llamas, and mini horses until we brought him home, and he was ok with them. Just typical mini behavior!

    Thanks, ahead of time, for your help. I'll look forward to hearing from you!

    Sheri Hardy
    Utah
    slhardy96@gmail.com

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  11. HI, I hope you can help me, I have a miniature Donkey 4 year old gelding, I've had him since he was 4 months old and he's the sweetest guy, but his miniature horse companion passed away last fall, I've been looking for a friend for him since then, but its been a difficult search. I've found one now though a 6 month old colt, he has a seperate paddock but they share a fenceline, its only been 2 days and the weanling is breaking my heart crying every time my gelding leaves the fence line, I'm so scared to put them together though, I've heard how hard boys play and my older boy is built like a tank in comparison to this little baby, do you think they'll be okay together

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    1. Hello, The weanling is of course upset to find himself alone and suddenly without his Mom. I think what I would do is halter train the weanling and when you introduce them have halters and lead ropes on both animals. Could someone walk one while you walk the other? That way you can separate them if needed. They should be fine together in time I think. You'll have to play Mom to the 6 month old until he is sturdy enough to be left with your donkey. Good luck!

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  12. Hello, last year I purchased a mother donkey 5yrs old and her daughter 3yrs old. The mother is bred and I am still watching and waiting.She must be one of the jennys who carry longer then a year.Ive recently been offered another Jenny with a colt at her side, do you think it would be wise for another addition while Mama is expecting?Should I take Mama's daughter out of her corral when she starts to bag up.I have left them together for company and less stress on Mama. How well do Jacks get along with youngsters and when would it be safe to have them all together. I know I really don't want to have her bred until at least next spring.

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  13. Hi, we have 2, 5.5 year old Jennys, never been bred, been together since birth. We just brought home a 2 year old intact Jack. What is the best way to introduce them?

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  14. So sorry for the delay in replying. Please contact a donkey breeder for answers to your questions above. I would remove the pregnant donkey when she bags up and put her in adjoining paddock or stall so she can birth safely. A breeder should be able to offer more advice.

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  15. So glad to have found this site. I am hoping to find some help about raising an orphaned donkey foal. We have always had 2-3 horses at a time over the last 20 years or so. All have lived out their lives with us. Last fall we lost a horse that left us with what we thought might be our "last" one. Getting up in our 60's we thought we might phase out as horse owners. Our mid 20's gelding did not handle being alone and instead of getting him a horse companion we decided on a donkey. He and Suzy, after some initial kicking and biting, got along well. When we purchased her the owners told us that she might have been bred. We just instantly loved her and decided that either way we wanted her. She was, without a doubt the sweetest and most gentle animal we have ever had. She did indeed deliver 12 months after we brought her home. However, 3 weeks later, she developed hyperlipemia and we lost her. So, little jack lost his mom, our horse lost his pasture mate and we lost our precious girl. Our little guy is 7 weeks old and doing very well as far as eating well and growth. I am feeling very inadequate as we have never raised a young one before let alone an orphan. He is able to be across the fence with the gelding while in his paddock area during the day. They are also next to each other in stalls at night but not within sight of each other. We are spending a lot of time with him and trying to entertain him with safe things to help occupy him. I do feel he is a bit lonely and do hear him call out occasionally. Are we being unrealistic to think that he and our gelding will be able to find company in each other? And if so, will they both be okay separated for as long as it takes for this little fellow to grow some? Also, the baby is being quite mouthy with me especially, likes to kick out and run up behind me when my back is turned. Trying to work on this but am concerned I am not doing what I should be and I really want him to be as sweet as his beloved mom was. I am about to worry myself sick with concerns for him. Am I expecting too much from him being as young as he is? Any advice you can give or resources you can direct me to would be greatly appreciated. We need to give him our best!

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    1. Hi - oh goodness, I'm so sorry to hear about the loss of your mama donkey and now your orphan donkey but so glad to know he's with such a caring person! Anyway, I too lost a donkey to hyperlipemia - about 11 years ago - just awful, tragic and in our case, mysterious - we have no idea how it happened. It is, however not uncommon after a donkey gives birth - I'm so sorry!

      I have also had an orphan jack and that's indeed a challenge. In my opinion, donkey need to be socialized by other donkeys, and they do need company. You can certainly start training him (and I recommend positive reinforcement training/ clicker training) but a young donkey is rambunctious - they do kick and bite and they need to get their beans out (if you know what I mean!)

      My option #1: Would you consider getting an older jennet for your boy? It would do him the world of good to have an older, wiser female to guide him through his young years. he really shouldn't be on his own. So that's my first bit of advice.

      I know getting yet another donkey may not be top of your list, but it would be the best choice for your boy, I think.

      Other than that, the UK Donkey Sanctuary is a wonderful resource, or any of the donkey rescues for that matter. Let me know what you decide - I could think of some other resources for you too .. all the best!
      Cynthia

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  16. Please help! 2 months ago we had to put our 2 year old miniature donkey down. We still have his mom who is 18 and a miniature horse that is 27.
    Stella our remaining donkey has never really like our miniature horse. The are content to be in the same pasture but, they don’t really interact.
    So, thinking I would be helping Stella I went ahead and bought a 6 month old donkey. I wanted something that I could train as I liked and could be the donkey friend Stella needs.
    Needless to say my dreams of a happy Stella quickly disappeared. She hates the little one.
    First meeting was in the barn bc it was cold and windy out. Just noses over the stalls. Stella hide in the back of her stall for the most part. We let the little one walk around the barn so she would feel comfortable. Then I decided to take Stella outside on the lead rope. Thinking she would feel less trapped by the little one. The little one followed. When she tried to get close to Stella , Stella lunged at her with ears back then tried to kick her. She did this several times. I was not prepared for my sweet donkey to react that way.
    What can I do? The animals are stalled at night. Should I put Stella next to the new donkey? I feel bad bc that would mean moving Stella from her stall. Will that just make it worse? I feel sick that I made things worse for Stella when, I only wanted to make them better. Thanks, Heather
    Hdslilhideout@gmail.com

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    1. Hi Heather, Oh gosh, sorry for your troubles! It may take awhile for Stella to accept the new little jenny. I would put them as close as you can so that the youngster remains safe (stalled side by side) and keep taking Stella out on a lead rope with the young one following. Be mindful, i.e. don't let anyone get hurt! In time this should resolve itself.

      Remember donkeys need time to grieve and Stella may not be ready to allow the young jenny into her heart yet. I would spend as much time as you can with both of the them - the young jenny will be lonely on her own - and Stella will need encouragement also.

      You could also try grooming the new donkey and using the same brush or towel on Stella. Please keep me posted - I may be able to think of some others things to try. But don't give up and don't be anxious around them - be positive and encouraging, no scolding. Start feeding them closer and closer, bit by bit, but still in separate stalls. Best of luck!

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    2. Thank you for responding so fast. I was in tears yesterday. We will move Stella in the stall next to the baby today. We'll also work on the grooming and outings. Fingers crossed. Thank you so much!

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    3. Heather, one thought occurred to me - did you let Stella spend time with her boy after he was euthanized? (What happened BTW?) If not, she may still be trying to figure out what happened to him. This must happen all the time at breeding farms - youngsters are sold and just "vanish!" It must be so hard on the Moms. I'm not a breeder but someone in the business may have some experience with this.

      In any case, if you can possibly devote yourself to both Stella and the baby for awhile - give them tons of attention. If you can start to halter train the baby and have another person take one while you take the other - that way you can keep them apart for safety but also close to each other.

      I practice clicker training so I would be reinforcing Stella for calm, for interest in the baby, anything not aggressive.

      Please let me know how you make out - you can also contact me via email through my art website - look for the address towards the top on the right.

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    4. Also - Heather - I should ask how Stella's health is - is she eating and drinking normally? How is her manure? Does she seems depressed or lethargic in any way? Make sure everything health-wise is normal with her. If you have any concerns, you might want to check with your vet - remember donkeys are stoic.

      I don't know where you are located but donkeys drink less during cold weather, so we need to make sure their water intake stays good. Warm water 3x/day is wonderful to offer. There are some "tricks" for getting more fluid into them. You might put her on a good probiotic for awhile too. Anyway make sure you rule out any possible health concerns!

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    5. Hi Cynthia,
      Stella's baby, Stanley die of liver failure. He had to be put down on 10/04/17. We took Stanley and Stella up to the University Vet clinic where Stanley literally died in my arms. Stella was able to smell him after he was gone. She didn't sniff him for very long before she pulled away.
      We are always in very close contact with our vet. After losing Stanley we wanted answers. Our vet worked with the University Vet and ultimately believe it was bad breeding practices that were to blame.
      Stella came off a very large breeding farm. We have found there was a lot of line breeding in both her and the Jacks back ground.

      Stella is for the most part a very healthy donkey. Her biggest problem is worms. We have been working them ever since we got her. They are really starting to show progress the last 6 months. She eats and drinks well. They all have heated buckets and water tanks. I had been giving her extra attention since Stanley's passing. She has always been a very cautious donkey. More shy than not.
      We walked with her on the lead today and the baby followed. Stella got better the longer we did it. We also put them in stalls next to each other. Stella will sniff the baby now without pinning her ears and rolling her head. I plan to keep working with both of them.
      In the meantime the baby hangs in the pen with my 27 yr old mini stud. I should mention that's with me watching. This will be the 3rd baby he has helped raise. He absolutely loves babies.
      We give both Stella and the baby lots of love and scratches. I think it's helping already. Thank you so much for be here to help.

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    6. Sounds like all will be well - you are doing wonderfully and glad to hear that Stella is healthy and in your good care. I'd love to know how things progress! best to you and Stella and the little jenny.

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  17. Hi Cynthia,
    I just wanted to update you on our donkey situation. Stella and Honey Bunny (the baby) are doing great. Stella still pins her ears from time to time but, that's as far as it goes. No bitting, kicking or charging anymore.

    I think our biggest problem was Honey is only 4 months old. I kept thinking she smelled like a baby, baby. We were told she was 6 months. After the vet checked her over we were both surprised by her young age. It explained a lot for us. Stella wasn't ready to be mom again and that's what Honey was trying to make her. Poor little thing still needed her own mom.

    We can't thank you enough for your help. I feel like your advice and guidance really help the process move much more quickly. I was honestly thinking of taking Honey back before, we found you. Now she's safe here in our little herd. Thank you so much for helping that to happen!

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  18. Dear Heather,

    I truly appreciate the update and hearing your good news! Thank you for your kind words too - I haven't been adding new blog posts in about a year now (just too much going on!) and you have inspired me to keep it up!
    I wouldn't worry too much about Stella pinning her ears from time to time - mine do that - it's just a form of communication. Your insights are bang -on, I think - Stella was still grieving and Honey is too young to be separated from her Mom. So glad to hear that everyone is settling now.

    IMO, donkeys should not be separated from the Moms until they are at least 7 or 8 months old. Sadly, as in every business, there are unscrupulous people - to sell a 4 month old is an example of such a practice. I have a problem with the whole donkey breeding industry as there are already so many donkeys needing homes. Animals should not be used as income-generators! Whew! There's my morning rant!

    I'm SO glad you kept Honey - she has found a wonderful home!

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  19. Approximately One month ago we had to euthanize our 30 year old horse. Our gelded mini donkey and the horse have been together 19 years (current age of donkey). After much searching we found an 18 yr old jack and a 20 yr old Jenny that needed adopted as their owners had to downsize to a smaller home. Our donkey initially mounted the Jennet and was aggressive the first night. Day 2 and our donkey continues to bray at the new donkeys and herds them into a stall whenever they are in the field. The jack and Jennet are very peaceful and appear to be bullied by our donkey. Is this typical? Is it ok to have 2 jacks and 1 Jennet? Thanks.

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    1. Hello, thanks for writing. It is common for donkeys to be aggressive towards one another, and especially the males - questions: you mention jack donkeys - is the new male donkey gelded? This is important! I would keep them on opposite sides of the fence where they can see and smell each other for awhile until they get used to one another. In time, it should be okay IF both males are gelded.

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  20. My son gave me another mini for my birthday this month and we have introduced her to the herd. We now how 4 minis; 2 jacks (Willie age 4.5, Rocky age 2) and now 2 Jennys (Gracie age 6 and our new addition, Mabel who is 2). Our problem introducing them this week wasn't at all what I had expected, imagine that, they're donkeys... We put a chain-linked fence inside our pasture and put Mabel in there so that they could all get to know each other through the fence and hopefully make the introduction go smoothly. Gracie, Rocky and she are getting along fine. Willie is "bullying" her and not letting her eat. She stays really close to him but if she starts to eat, he lunges at her or "squeals" at her. (the squealing is a noise I have never heard him make). I am trying to feed them separately until they get better acquainted but I was wondering if there is something different I should try to make it easier on her. When I try to separate her from them, it seems to be very stressful for her. She won't eat then, she just paces. She is going to the waterer and seems to be getting water and he doesn't seem to mind her doing that but if she goes to eat hay or sweet feed, his ears lay back and he gets aggressive. Please tell me this will sort itself out and this is normal as the other option I thought about would be to isolate him unless you have other suggestions or ideas? Thanks for your help (Love your Blog!!!).

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  21. Hi Cynthia, I've appreciated reading through all the comments and your responses. As a new donkey owner, much of it is so helpful. We recently adopted a 9 month old jack and just had him gelded. We have a couple mares that he hangs out with and even plays a little bit with the younger one. But I did see you recommend getting another donkey and an older one. Does size matter? Ours is a standard and I'm interested in getting a mini?

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  22. Cynthia,
    I've had a 6yr old jenny for about 4 months now. She came from a home that felt she wasn't getting enough attention as they had to split up and remove the jack, as he was being too aggressive and with lack of time thought they weren't giving her the attention she needed. I'm a bit fearful of her and when I go out in the pasture we have, she nips and bits at me. When have been hot and cold. The previous owners said she's just looking for food, but I don't give treats with my knees...... I have been looking at getting what is described as a 3 year old jack who is like a pet, very loving, gentle and sweet. The current owner says she thinks this Jack will calm my jenny down, but I fear it might be just the opposite. The previous owners of my jenny say she is very nurturing so I don't know what to do. I feel the jenny could be upset and lonely because she doesn't have a mate but I don't want this to turn into a disaster.

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  23. Hey we have a older jenny pregnant but we just got another jenny with a foe on her how long should we wait to put them together

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  24. I have a 1 Year old mini gelded donkey and 2 senior paint mares. They all get along quite well. The mini gelding likes to nip at me. I’m working with him but a slow process. I’m thinking of purchasing his baby sister (Jenny) in the spring. She would be 5 months old at that time. Do you think they will all get along? Or should I not get her? I want my mini gelding to have a playmate for years to come and thought this would be a good idea but I’m new to mini donkey ownership and I’m not sure…. Opinions would be appreciated. Thanks!

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  25. Hello, thanks for getting in touch! It's a wonderful idea to get another donkey as they do best in each other's company but in my opinion, 5 months old is too young for a donkey to leave their mother. They should stay together for longer - and I do know that some breeders will let them go young but at that age they haven't been well socialized, shouldn't even be weaned completely! So that's the first thing!

    In terms of your gelding nipping, are you working with positive reinforcement training? Teach him to station on a mat, to back up, to drop his head to the ground - behaviours that make it impossible for him to nip you. Reinforce those behaviours and always feed away from your body by extending your arm and hand towards his chest. Focus on what you want him TO do and teach that. Let me know if I can help further with anything!

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