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Is a donkey for
you? Well, let me tell you why we enjoy the donkeys so much. We have been raising horses and mules for quite a few years.
If you're going to raise mules, of course you need a donkey as a sire for your mules. Our first jack "Advantage" really
sold us on the donkeys - he was so personable and was even more of an attention hound than the mules.
We purchased
an own daughter of "Rich's Redman" (an extremely athletic jack, also a World & Nat'l Champion in Halter, driving and under
saddle), she was a sweetheart that was a snap to train to ride and drive..and she had several nice donkey colts for us. Then
we were fortunate to purchase a top of the line mammoth jack that really defined QUALITY in every way, he had a wonderful
disposition, great conformation and had already proven himself in many ways (see HERD SIRE - Amarillo Slim webpage).
Though
we still have some great horses and enjoy the mule raising, training and showing portion of our farm, the donkeys will steal
your heart. They are friendly, calm, sociable animals that are fun as a pasture ornament but also make great driving and
riding animals.
If you are new to equines and are considering a donkey, please make sure you have adequate space with
a safe fence (two acres or more per donkey would be great), that does not grow too lush a grass (as donkeys can be prone to
founder), a place where they can get out of the wind and wet and you are willing to take care of their health care (vaccinations,
worming) and farrier needs (usually just trimming). Any equine has to be fed on a regular basis (two times a day or more)
unless there is enough forage in their pasture and another equine as a companion animal will make them the happiest. Our
animals are well-trained... your responsibility in this partnership is to be knowledgeable about care, behavior, equipment
and riding procedures so that your relationship with your donkey will be a wonderful one. Common sense, confidence and safety
are your biggest requirements in owning any equine. If you purchase a trained saddle donkey from us, you should know how
to bridle and saddle your animal correctly or if it is a driving donkey, how to harness your new animal. All the usual basics
as you would if you were purchasing any equine - horse, mule or donkey.
Our breeding program is concentrated on
the mammoth donkey, as they are big enough for us to ride and drive. Standard and large standard donkeys are lovely animals,
they are more common and therefore priced a little more affordablly. The mini donkey are exceptionally popular right now,
we have one that thinks he is ten foot tall and we enjoy his company...but our passion lies in the mammoth donkey stock.
Donkeys are long-lived, so you should be willing to take on the responsibility of their care for up to 30 years or more.
Finding
a donkey trainer can be a problem, as there are not many people in the United States who specialize in donkeys --but most
donkeys have such a calm, easy going nature, that if you do your research and go slowly, you may find you enjoy training your
donkey yourself.
If you have questions about whether a donkey would be a good choice for you, please e-mail us...we
don't mind going over your questions and concerns.
The popularity of mammoth donkeys is growing due to their docile
nature and versatility. At Windchimes Farm, we are excited about our commitment to raise these gentle animals so that others
can enjoy them also. I think the first and foremost reason to purchase a good Mammoth Donkey is because you love them and
want to have one to enjoy...secondly with the "baby boomer" generation wanting a safe, calm animal that they can enjoy without
the danger of a higher strung equine such as a horse or mule...that buying a quality mammoth donkey is a good investment and
will be extremely valuable not only as friend and companion, but as a future breeding stock animal.
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