| The choice of breeding stock needs to be made with
care. Different breeders have different goals but by far the most important
factor must always be good conformation. Temperament is frequently genetic and
must also rank as important. Colour is also a sought after preference but must
never take priority and finally never forget that smaller is not necessarily
better. |
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Miniature Mediterranean Donkeys, as with all breeds of donkey, have a gestation period of between 11-13 months and almost without exception have a single offspring. Jenny (female) miniature donkeys should not be mated until they are three years old, (3 1/2 yrs is better). Before 3 years they are still growing and developing themselves and can be physically and mentally immature. This can give rise to a weak and weedy foal and the jenny could make a very poor mother. Lifespan of a miniature is 35+ years, so there is plenty of time to become a parent!
Jack (male) donkeys are capable of breeding at approximately one year of age (sometimes 18 months), although some have been known to become sexually active as early as 7 months, thus it is important to separate a colt from his mother and other jenny foals at this time.
There is no need to give extra food for the pregnant jenny until 3 months before the foal is due, when at this time extra supplements of vitamins and minerals may be added. Jennys will require space on their own a couple of weeks before the birth and of course a stable or loose box should be thoroughly cleaned ready for the birth. Most female miniatures make extremely good mothers and will usually manage to give birth without any help, (small females below 30" can develop birthing problems and could require veterinary care).
One must ensure that as the time for giving birth draws near she can access the stable to do so in safety. The foal should stand and suckle within two hours and it is important to examine the afterbirth and foetal sack to check all has been expelled. Make sure the water container in the stable is not so big or low that the newly born foal can fall in and drown. Care should be taken if the weather is cold. Dry the foal and make up a deep bed of dry straw. The foal will need to sleep frequently as well as suckle and noisy visitors should be discouraged for the first couple of days. However if the weather is warm and sunny the foal will enjoy experimenting with its running techniques within hours of birth.
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When looking for a Miniature Mediterranean Donkey to buy, it is important check
that any foal or adult that is offered is registered with the Miniature
Mediterranean Donkey Association and the buyer should ask to see the certificate
of registration. This is the only way to ensure that you are purchasing a
genuine Miniature Mediterranean Donkey. All registered mini donkeys have their
own unique number on the certificate. Conditions of entry into our General Register and Stud Book Register are detailed on the MMDA Registry page. The Miniature Mediterranean Donkey Association is dedicated to improvement of the breed without propagating any genetic faults which could be passed on to future generations. |
THE AIMS OF THE MINIATURE MEDITERRANEAN DONKEY ASSOCIATION:
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