donkeys

Uses for Mini-Donks

… but what do you do with 'em?

Donkeys are very entertaining. They're funny to watch. Foals love to run and play with each other. Adults often get into the act by trying to catch up with their kids, eventually giving up and standing still while babies run them in circles. The love to play with toys and enjoy soccer and tug-of-war.

"… donkeys are good for the soul:" Unlike any other member of the equine family, if you go out into a pasture of donkeys, you will quickly be surrounded by them, rubbing up against your legs and begging for attention. Their owner's love is so very important to them. If you choose to ignore them, they'll let you know their dissatisfaction by grabbing and pulling your pants leg or jacket sleeve.

Donkeys are fantastic pets for the elderly, handicapped, and small children. Small children not only learn responsibility for caring for an animal, but can also ride donkeys. Many can carry up to 100 lbs. They are much easier to train than ponies and most willingly accept a child on their backs.

Donkeys are generally much smarter than other equines. If they come across a situation that they fear may hurt them or that they are otherwise unsure of, they will stop and look everything over before proceeding. Though such behaviour gave rise to the old wives' tale of donkeys being stubborn, it is actually a sign of intellegence. It is a rarity indeed for a donkey to kick their handler. Donkeys are more apt to run when in doubt of a situation. It is also extremely rare for a donkey to show anger at a human.

Probably the most enjoyment people get out of their donkeys is driving them. Donkeys are fast learners and it's fun! They are very strong for their size and have excellent endurance.

Many, many people take their donkeys to nursery homes and elementary schools, petting zoos, and farm shows. These functions welcome the quiet, laid back, and rare donkeys with open arms. They are perfect for nativity scenes. With rising interest in keeping physically fit, many donkeys are used as pack animals. You can buy packing outfits for your donkeys and have them carry a picnic lunch for you or camping supplies for overnight adventures.

Miniature donkeys can also be trained to do tricks, limited only to your ideas and the capabilities of the individual donkey. Of course, some donkeys are more adept at doing certain things, like sitting or laying down on command, while others are natrually interested in doing things like playing with a ball—which can lead to "playing soccer"!

For those who like the showring atmosphere, there are donkey and mule shows that miniature donkeys can be shown at. Some of the classes miniature donkeys can be shown in are: Halter, driving, lead through trail, jumping, and costume. Some shows even have game type events. No matter what the class, just practicing for shows can be a lot of fun.

Miniature donkeys are for everyone. Their sweet, loving, gentle dispositions are a joy to be around. If you're having a bad day, just walk into a miniature donkey pasture and you'll be surrounded immediately by friendly faces all looking to give (and get!) a little love and attention.

Miniature Donkeys are so loveable and so versatile that, in answering the question of what can be done with them, you are limited only by your imagination and training abilities!