Miniature Donkeys as Companions
for Animals and People
By Rhetta McAlister
 The
quiet, gentle and patient disposition of Miniature Donkeys makes them
ideal companions for lonely animals and for people of all ages, from the
very youngest to the most elderly.
When my mother was in her 80’s and confined to a wheelchair, she was
absolutely delighted with the gentleness and companionship of our little
donkeys. She enjoyed their affectionate, quiet, inquisitive
personalities. They were the perfect height for her to pat and brush.
Many young animals raised alone can become lonely and depressed,
affecting their personalities, health and growth. Alpacas, horses,
llamas, calves and goats that are raised in a pen or pasture alone will
usually develop undesirable habits. One of the worst habits if these
lonely animals are left to their own devices is that of trying to play
with their human caretaker. They will paw, kick and bite to encourage
their human friend to play. This is dangerous for the person involved.
To prevent this behavior, a young animal should always be given a
companion. Due to their nature, a Miniature Donkey is a perfect choice.
A donkey makes an energetic playmate and will also pass on its extremely
desirable traits of calmness and patience.
A successful way to introduce the lone animal to the new donkey
companion is as follows. Put the two animals in separate pens, across
the fence from each other for a couple of days. They will get well
acquainted and quickly lose any fear they may have of each other; after
a couple of days they can be put together.
 The
two animals should be fed in separate buckets or troughs, far enough
apart where they won’t kick at each other. The pair, donkey and horses,
donkey and goat, donkey and calf, etc. will eat together, sleep
together, play together and keep each other good company.
Donkeys require far less feed than horses. They can be fed equine feed
as long as the protein content isn’t higher than 12%. A high protein
feed is not suitable for donkeys. They should be fed coastal hay, not
rich alfalfa.
At Country Music Miniature Donkeys, we have used our little donkeys very
successfully to be companion animals. We once had a little sancho goat
that needed a companion. We put one of the donkey weanlings with the kid
for two weeks. When it was time to turn the two back with their own
herds, they chose, instead, to just stay together for a few days before
eventually drifting back to their own kind.
 We
have a customer who had an ill-tempered roping horse that was pastured
alone. He purchased a little Miniature Donkey weanling as a companion
for his horse. From the first day the little donkey was boss. The horse
followed behind him as be came and went and grazed through the pasture,
and waited respectfully as the little donkey went to his feed first.
After the donkey arrived, the roping horses’ disposition became
noticeably improved.
Miniature Donkeys, became of their small size, quiet and gentle natures
are excellent companions for animals being confined due to injury or
surgery. They are good traveling companions when transporting
high-strung horses – they take up minimal space and have a calming
influence.
Many people who purchase exotic animals and ship them all over the world
to hunting preserves and zoos, purchase a Miniature Donkey or two to
accompany the shipment of their animals.
 There
is no animal that I know of that is such a satisfactory companion for a
child as a Miniature Donkey. When little donkeys have been raised with
love and discipline, they are safe, affectionate, delightful pets. They
never seem to tire of being brushed, hugged, kissed and played with.
After age two, they are strong enough to be ridden by a child that
weighs up to 100 pounds and to pull a buggy that caries a child or
adult.
When we entertain at picnics and barbecues, our Miniature Donkeys are
the hit of the party! We put backpacks on them and hang baskets of
flowers, or dips and chips – we lead them around and it’s a toss up who
enjoys it most, our guests or the little donkeys.
If you are considering a Miniature Donkey for a companion animal, a
jennet or gelding will be your best choice. In most instances, a jack
would become too aggressive with age to put with your young (especially
female) animals.
Children, adults and various breeds of animals respond to the delightful
nature of the Miniature Donkeys. They provide excellent companionship in
many different circumstances. They are healthy, hearty, trouble free and
extremely versatile in their many uses.
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