Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What do you feed?
This is the #1 question that I get, and it's a hard one to answer. Donkey diets are not a one size fit all option. Donkeys are a desert animal, so maintaining their diet to not over feed is one of the most important steps of donkey ownership. The best feeding program depends on your location, available forage, your donkey's age, activity level, and overall body condition. What we feed a weanling donkey, may not be the same thing that we feed our 20-year-old retirees.
Our donkey's primary diet consists of a good quality hay, which we feed typically year around. Our donkeys do have access to pasture and wooded areas for 'browsing', but our pastures do not support our herd for grazing alone. Keep in mind that donkeys are desert animals and should not have continuous access to good lush pastures.
Our adult donkeys receive a daily ration balancer to ensure they are getting the vitamins, minerals, and protein they need without the excess calories. Our preferred ration balancer is Tribute Essential K, but there are many great equine balancers out there.
Pregnant and nursing jennets, as well as donkeys needing additional weight or condition, receive Unbeetable Feed pellets along with their ration balancer. We also find that it's a great addition in the winter months when donkeys burn more calories to stay warm.
Weanling foals are fed Purina Omolene 300 mare & foal feed, or a good quality equine senior feed depending on availability at our local feed store. Growing foals need the extra nutrition, without all the added sugar.
Every donkey is different. We are always happy to discuss feeding recommendations based on the individual need of the donkey you purchase from us!
Can I visit your farm before purchasing?
YES! In fact, we definitely recommend it! We want to make sure you are happy with the donkey you purchase from us! We love to talk donkey, so feel free to reach out & schedule a visit.
If you cannot visit our farm before purchasing, we are happy to facetime or video chat you.
Do you have a waiting list?
We currently do not maintain a waiting list. We offer on a first come first serve basis. We update our website frequently, and post on our Facebook page as well.
Are deposits refundable?
Our deposits are only refundable if something happens to the donkey while in our care. Accidents do happen on a farm, so if something were to happen to your donkey while here at BHA, we are happy to refund your entire deposit or move that deposit to the next available donkey of your choosing. Deposits are nonrefundable due to buyer backouts.
What should I have ready to bring my new donkey home?
- Shelter. A safe 3-sided shelter or a barn to provide shade & to get out of bad weather.
- Secure fencing. We do not recommend barb wire, especially with foals. Woven wire, or cattle panel fencing is preferred.
- Water trough or buckets. If using water troughs, we recommend the shorter ones made for minis or goats so foals cannot fall in and drown. (yes, this happens)
- Loose salt or salt block
- Feed pan
- Grooming supplies such as brushes, curry combs, hoof pick, fly spray, & equine detangler (for that awesome foal coat).
- Basic first aid kit such as thermometer, gauze, vet wrap, antiseptic solution, antibiotic ointment, electrolytes, & banamine (prescribed by your veterinarian).
- Enrichment ! Safe toys such as large balls or traffic cones.
You should also locate and establish with your local equine veterinarian and find a farrier.
How often do you trim their feet?
We have our donkey's feet trimmed every 6 to 8 weeks. Your donkey will have its feet trimmed before leaving. Please make sure you have a farrier lined up before bringing your new family member home to get them on a schedule once you get them home.
Do you sell bottle babies?!
Absolutely not. And no reputable breeder will.
While foal rejecting with first time donkey moms is common, we do all we can do make sure the mom accepts her foal. In 18 years, we have had 100% success rate & have not had to bottle feed a foal due to rejection.
Bottle baby donkeys are an overwhelming commitment, requiring feeding every 2-3 hours around the clock. They often develop severe behavioral issues due to not being taught manners from their herd & their mother. As they grow, they become pushy, nippy and strong. They fail to properly bond with donkeys as adults leading to even more issues as they get older.
How much are your donkeys?
This is another of the questions we're asked most often. Several factors determine our donkey pricing. We base pricing off of gender, color, conformation, pedigree, temperament, and the current market value. Rather than assigning a flat price, we evaluate each donkey after birth to ensure its value reflects its qualities and potential. We also stay just above pricing at several local auctions, to ensure our babies are not bought and resold. (Yes, this has happened)
Our jennet foals start out at $4,000 & our jack foals start out around $3,000. Semi woolies and woolies start around $8,000 and go up from there. We will discount if sold in pairs.