BUYING DONKEYS CONTRIBUTED BY THE DONKEY ACADEMY
Donkey ownership is becoming more and more popular in Australia, and what a wonderful thing to be able to say! There a few things that new donkey owners need to look out for when purchasing a donkey. I have met and assisted too many people who have bought donkeys that are not right for them, and all have suffered the consequences. It is no small thing deciding to bring a donkey into your life. There is no greater joy or greater responsibility. A healthy, well-bred, well-cared-for donkey can live up to 30-40 or even 50 years old. This is something to consider as many donkeys on the market are foals. (A donkey under 12 months is still a foal, under two is a yearling, and donkeys are considered mature at eight years old.)
What to expect There are many responsibilities that come with owning a donkey. The farrier must attend to your donkey’s hooves every 8-10 weeks; the same time frame applies for worming; a yearly check-up is recommended by an equine dentist, and the vet must come if illness or injury occurs. Donkeys also need a friend. A lone donkey is a very sad sight; donkeys prefer one of there own above other animals as friends, this is why many breeders will promote or exclusively sell their donkeys in pairs. While another donkey companion is preferable, some can make do with a horse/pony friend, or sometimes even sheep and goats.
Take your time More people want to own donkeys than there are donkeys. You may live in an area where a donkey for sale only pops up in what feels like once in a blue moon. But don’t be afraid to take your time and ‘shop around’. Don’t just buy the first donkey that you see on gumtree because you feel there is nothing else. It is vital that you consider what sort of donkey is right for you whether that be a mature, calm donkey who has been there and done that or a young foal whose life is just beginning.
Quality over Quantity It is vital to get your money’s worth, as donkeys don’t come cheap. I would always recommend inspecting a donkey for sale in person. Sight unseen purchases can be high risk. Any donkey on the market should have a primary education, ask the seller to show you what the donkey can do, and that should be: The minimum standard for a saleable donkey foal is that the animal leads well, ties up, can be groomed, have all four feet picked up, and can be floated. The last one is especially important if the foal must travel a great distance to you. It can be a frightening situation for a young donkey whose first trip in a float is a long one and is then brought to a new place with new people. Floating must be an enjoyable experience; a donkey puts a lot of trust in you for this. If you are purchasing a young donkey, the seller should have the animal well and truly started in all the basics mentioned above (leading, tying, grooming, floating etc.); in other words a saleable product. But if you are buying a young donkey, it is up to the new owner to further and maintain their education. Because even if you are only purchasing a donkey to have as a pet, he needs to have an education for when the farrier/dentist/vet comes and especially when he spends time with you. Having a well-trained donkey isn’t about a display of obedience. It is for the donkey’s health, happiness and well being. * Purchasing wild-caught donkeys, jacks or rescue donkeys is something that should only be undertaken by someone with many years of donkey care, handling and training under their belt. ** This is only a very brief recommendation of some of the things you should consider when purchasing a donkey. If you would like to learn more about the wonderful world of donkeys, please subscribe to the Donkey Academy! The subscription is $50.00 per annum, and this supports the cost of producing bi-weekly Academy emails and video clips. Support, advice and instruction for donkey owners near and far is always given at the Donkey Academy. For more information, please contact Caylin on: caylin.k369@gmail.com Thank you for helping this project continue to grow and prosper - all for the love of donkeys.
38 EQUINE NEWS.COM.AU
AUTUMN 2021
