A peek thru the barn camera - new mamma and baby taking a nap.
  Photo by  J. Rachau

Why breed your donkey?

What is the purpose or goal of breeding your donkey? Is it just because you have a male and female of the same species and you want yourself or your children to experience the miracle of birth firsthand?  That in itself is not a bad thing - yet this is perpetuated over and over and it means that there are many unwanted donkeys around going to stockyards to be sold as meat. And many of these sale donkeys are poorly conformed and badly bred due to  thoughtlessness and lack of goals from their breeders in the first place.   Once something is deemed invaluable then that's when neglect and abuse start. Be sure that your donkeys have the conformation, health, disposition and the marketability before you begin multiplying your asses. Consider the responsibility as a breeder that if you cannot find a good home - that this animal that you helped create, that you will be responsible for it for the rest of it's life - with donkeys as a 30 or 40 plus year life span, it should be something to always consider.

Donkeys are not a generic once size fits all  -- they have different breed purposes, height requirements and specific conformation standards. Everyone has their own opinion of what is considered ideal with Types & Conformation  of any of the breeds. Learning how form goes hand in hand (or is that hoof and hoof?) with function is a must.   Conformation and disposition should never be compromised in any breeding program    Besides obtaining quality stock and creating safe facilities you should consider the ethical implications of what you are doing - the American Donkey and Mule Society has a Breeder's Code of Ethics that is worth reading and considering.  Learning sound breeding practices ( Safe Breeding ) is also critical, not only for the success of your program, but the safety of handlers and animals.  Responsibly housing a stallion - The Breeding Jack, is something one shouldn't take lightly and managing The Brood Jennet is a key part of the overall success of any program.  Becoming a knowledgeable donkey mid-wife is critical during Gestation & Foaling and learning Fuzzy Foal Fundamentals to keep the crop thriving once they are on the ground is the other half of the battle.   Then once you have all the basics in place you need to turn your hand to how to go about Marketing Donkeys - the final answer that can make or break your endeavors.

Knowledge protects you as well as the donkeys - who often do not have a say in the matter!  Be sure of your facts.   More than any other breed, standards end up in sale yard auctions or are sold as surplus as roping donkeys (please NEVER allow any of your stock to be used in such an cruel manner!) - it should be carefully questioned whether the standard market can carry more.  Are you interested in miniatures?  Do you know the height requirements?  I've lost count of how many times I've heard of people buying mini's and later finding out that they had unknowingly been sold small standards (over sized miniatures).  Height requirements for mammoths are also a big issue.  It's quite common to hear an animal referred to as mammoth, only to find out that they are well short of the minimum requirements as well as not having pure bloodline.   True height can sometimes be hard to determine without actually measuring yourself - buyer beware, as actual inches greatly affects price.  Do your homework prior to acquisition - you are less likely to get burnt.   Often times the deal that was too good to be true - usually is.    

Do some research before letting that jack cover the jennet.  Contact the American Mammoth Jackstock Registry or the American Donkey and Mule Society, look for local clubs in your area.  Meet and visit other breeders and their donkeys, go to donkey shows.  Educate your eye and understand what the ideal donkey should really look like in the size you are interested in.  You want to breed the best to the best and hope for the best.  There are really no short cuts and breeding donkeys is not a real money maker, especially if it's done right.  If you are breeding, then you owe it to the donkeys to do so -- responsibly.