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Miniature DonkeysMiniature Donkeys are native to two Mediterranean islands - Sicily and Sardinia. The word "miniature" generally designates animals that have been bred-down in size, but Mediterranean Miniature Donkeys have not been bred to be smaller over years; rather, they are naturally smaller than a full-sized donkey. With proper care, Miniature Donkeys will live for 25-40 years, and weigh anywhere from 200 to 450 pounds. Their height typically ranges from 36 to 38 inches.
Most Miniature Donkeys are "gray-dun," which means they have a gray-colored body, lighter-colored belly and inside legs, and a darker stripe down the back and over the shoulders. In the middle photo at the top, Twinkle is showing off her light-colored belly. Of course, Miniature Donkeys come in other colors, ranging from reddish-brown shades to white, black, and spotted. A male donkey is called a Jack, and a female donkey is called a Jennet. Miniature Donkeys become fertile at one year of age, but they often make very poor mothers. For this reason, breeders must pay special attention to young foals, bottle-feeding them every two hours, 24 hours a day. A female donkey usually gives birth to just one donkey, weighing between 18 and 25 pounds, and will carry the donkey for 11 to 13 months before birthing.
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