Donkey Info

A donkey should be a happy addition to your family so it is important to buy wisely and well. Find out as much as you can beforehand, for example, come to a DSV function and talk with people there.

The links below will download a PDF file

Points of a donkey points.pdf

Buying a donkey buyadonkey.pdf

Always buy a jenny or gelding in preference to a colt or a jack (entire male) as a mature jack requires special conditions and experienced owners; a jack is not suitable for children or beginners, or as a pet. A good breeder will not sell you a jack unless you are very sure you want a jack for breeding purposes.

Respect for Jacks jacks.pdf

Donkeys in need

The welfare of donkeys in Victoria has been one of the main aims of the Donkey Society of Victoria from its inception in 1972.

The Society will rescue, seek veterinary advice if necessary, treat or do what is recommended for the donkey.

We will rehabilitate and arrange for re-homing, or if there is a situation where a donkey’s condition is unsuitable because of an ongoing problem, we may ask for assistance from the Donkey Shelter.

For help please contact the society.

So you want to own a donkey!

A donkey is not a cheap horse. You will need a suitable place to keep a donkey and enough time to care for it properly. A good animal will cost money to buy and any donkey will cost you money to keep it happy and healthy. If you buy wisely you should not regret the time and money spent.

Keeping a donkey happy and healthy donkeyhappy.pdf

Keeping a donkey on a small acreage smallacreage.pdf

Feeding in time of drought feedinginadrought.pdf

Donkeys are herd animals and need company. It is NOT enough to buy a donkey, put him in paddock and only visit him once a week. A donkey is a highly intelligent animal: educate him, and get him doing something interesting. A bored donkey is not a happy one.

A well trimmed hoof trimmedhoof.pdf

Presentation at shows Presentation.pdf

Useful tips tips.pdf

Recommended books

Your Donkey, by Ruth Harris (Keysoe Donkey Stud)

Available from the DSV shop.

The Donkey Companion, selecting, training, breeding, enjoying & caring for donkeys, by Sue Weaver, Storey Publishing 2008, available from Amazon.com.

The Complete Book of the Donkey

By Elisabeth Svendsen of the UK Donkey Sanctuary. This indispensable book covers all aspects of donkey care and management, available from Amazon.com and from the Donkey Sanctuary.