Donkey Facts

• Donkeys live well into their forties if they are properly cared for.
  
  
• Donkey gestation is usually one year, but can vary between eleven and fourteen months.
  
  
• Donkeys are a herd animal by nature and should be kept in groups of two or more.
  A single donkey is a lonely donkey and consequently a noisy one.
  
  
• Female donkeys are called jennies, gelded males are called geldings and full males are called jacks.
  
  
• Any combination of jennies and geldings works well.
  
  
• Jacks are NOT suitable as pets. They need to be kept away from other donkeys and are only suitable for controlled breeding.
  
  
• Donkeys have a very high tolerance of pain. If your donkey appears distressed do not hesitate to call the vet.
  
  
• The temperature of a healthy donkey is between 36.2º-37.8ºC.
  The average is 37.1ºC.
  
  
• The pulse of a healthy donkey is between 36-68 beats per minute.
  The average is 44.
  
  
• Respiration of a healthy donkey is between 12-44 respirations per minute.
  The average is 20.