Should I buy a donkey? 15 things you need to consider before getting a donkey. 

Aww thank you so much! I really appreciate it!!!

Thanks for watching David and for taking the time to comment. Running a cattle ranch in Texas sounds like a great life. I hear others talk about vacations so I’ll let you know what they are when I actually get one :) thanks for the support! Have a great week! -Cady

Aww I love this!!!!! I think all animals deserve a forever home full of love, I think more about the future for my animals than I do for myself 🤣 I think about mine too… so I’m able to care for the animals lol. Thank you so much for watching and taking the time to comment.

36!!! That's a forever home!

@@simeon2851 Hello Simeon. Blaze is still with us and spunky, now age 37. He just entertained the grandchildren on their recent visit 🐎

@@simeon2851 donkeys are a commitment for sure and They are sure worth it ❤️❤️❤️

That is an excellent point! Thanks for leaving that comment, you are so right! That is important. I wanted one so bad my entire life and as I did research I realized I needed to get at least two. Now we have 4 lovely donkeys. -Cady

Thank you, then two donkeys it is as a question.....of if it's even worth it for me & my needs necessities of land....

Same thing goes for Huskies. Like donkeys, many people think Huskies are so cute they just have to have one. Nope, like donkeys, Huskies are “herd” (pack) animals. One Husky will lose their almost wolf mind and exhibit undesirable behaviors if they don’t have another Husky partner. Yes, there are exceptions, but they’re just that: exceptions. Get at least 2 if you’re thinking of adding donkeys or Huskies to your life - and buckle up, it won’t be boring.

Aww that’s too bad. They are spectacular animals.

Thank you so much!!!! I sure love them! We do everything we can to keep them healthy and happy. ❤️

Aww that would be hard.

Thank you! Yes they are so cute and sweet. I think anyone that has the time and money for them should get them, but I for sure think that they need to be loved and cared for and that takes a good amount of work.

Thanks for watching!!! Donkeys are amazing. ❤️♥️❤️

I completely agree! Thanks for watching:)

Thanks for watching! I plan to expand more on each one of these topics. Yes all very simple and all completely worth it to have donkeys. I sure love having ours.

I am not quiet able yet to have my own, though I love visiting them on a rescue farm in my area. They have so many purposes on a farm or just as an addition to the family, besides being the best companions. Thank you again for sharing your love of donkeys and your knowledge. I wish more people knew how precious they are

Thanks that is an excellent suggestion! I had originally planned to do that. I need to do that! Thanks for taking the time to watch and comment. I appreciate it. -Cady

It happens:)

Thanks so much for taking the time to watch and comment! I appreciate it! -Cady

Thank you so much for watching and for taking the time to comment! I have wanted a donkey my entire life and we finally got them. ♥️♥️♥️ they do take quite a bit of commitment but they are so worth it!!! It is great to meet you. I’ll come check out your channel too.

Aww thanks! I love them so much!!! I have always wanted one and a few years ago we finally bought this property so I could have one. And you know…. Why not have 4:) thanks for watching!

Right! what is it about donkeys that are so lovable!

Thanks for watching! We sure love our animals here, but they can be a significant commitment so it is really worth considering.

Thank you!!!! I sure appreciate you taking the time to watch and comment. We love the animals.

Thank you so much!!!! That is such a nice thing to say:) I really appreciate it.

@@MayfieldRanch You're very welcome. You a beautiful open space, what State are you located? Thnx. =)

I’m glad it gave you some things to think about. I’m happy to share any info I have or answer any questions I can. I love our donkeys and they are so worth it! I just wanted to share some things that people may not consider. Getting a donkey was a life long dream of mine and I’m so glad we have them. ❤️❤️❤️ thanks for watching! -Cady

6 acres isn't enough for 2 donkeys? Goodness

Congratulations on getting Courtney! That is so exciting!!! I hope you really enjoy her. They are sure all characters and I bet you will really enjoy spending time with her. When we first got our donkeys they didn’t beat for a while but once they got started they do it a lot now as a way of communicating with us. Soon she will just be calling you to come out and feed her or give her love and attention. ❤️❤️❤️ I hope it goes well for you. Thanks for watching and taking the time to leave a comment. -Cady

Thank you so much for watching! I really appreciate the support for my channel! ♥️♥️♥️

Thanks so much for watching! We love the donkeys so much and we do have a plan for the if something happens to us. They are like our kids.

Thanks for watching! I’ll make more. I was planning to expand on each item and share more info.

Thank you!!!!!

Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment!

Thank you! Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment. I sure appreciate it. We love all of our animals so much and would love to share any info that would help others that want to have animals. -Cady

@@MayfieldRanch thank my dear bless your heart I’ll do that definitely when I get my own farm I’ll definitely come back to you for some advice on farm animals much appreciated 💕🙏🏻

All great suggestions!!! Thanks for watching and taking the time to leave a comment.

I wanted donkeys my entire life and we finally got them about 6 years ago. It is a lot of work, but we love them.

I completely agree that it is like children- a life long commitment in my opinion. I sure think they are worth every bit of commitment and dedication. Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment. I appreciate it! -Cady

It took so long working towards this goal to achieve it. It for sure was not an overnight achievement. If you really want something you can totally work towards it to achieve it.

Thanks. Yes they are so sweet. ♥️🤣♥️

Awesome! I’m so glad you enjoyed it and so appreciate of another subscriber. Welcome to my channel! I appreciate you watching and taking the time to leave a comment.

@@MayfieldRanch you're welcome!

Thanks so much for watching and taking the time to leave a comment. I really appreciate it! -Cady

Yes they are such cuties! Thanks for watching.

Thanks! Good things to think about! I still think more people should have donkeys!

Thanks for watching!

Thanks. I’ll work on that:)

Great advice! We love our donkeys and they sure are a lot of work. Thanks for watching sharing your advice. ❤️❤️❤️

Thanks for watching!

Thanks for watching!

Thank you!!!

Aww that is a sweet comment. I’ve wanted donkeys my entire life and we finally decided to just do it. It is a lot of work and not so easy at times. It is sure worth it though! I hope you get to visit some donkeys and pet them❤️

Thanks for watching. I sure love them.

Thanks for watching Joe!

Thank you so much! We sure love our animals and are so thankful to have some property. I really appreciate you watching and taking the time to comment. I hope you enjoy our videos. -Cady

Yes it needs to be managed for sure. Just like most farm animals. The great thing is you can use it for the compost pile and create an amazing garden. Thanks for Watch and taking the time to comment! I appreciate it. -Cady

I need to watch that. I bet the do love it. Mine love all the attention they can get.

Thanks! He is such a cutie!

The donkeys are amazing animals and I think anyone considering one would love them! Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment. ♥️

Thank you so much!!!! I really appreciate your comment. Cady

Thanks for watching

Thank you!

Thank you! I appreciate you taking the time to leave a comment

There are some real things to consider so they get proper care, but they are the most amazing animals and they make great pets.

Thank you!!!! ♥️♥️♥️

💗your info..my 700' apt only allows me to keep a pair of 🦟🦟...not biting type...just a buzz now/ then👍👋

Thank you!!!! ❤️❤️❤️ we sure love our donkeys.

Thanks for watching!

Awesome! Thanks for watching! I’ll come check out your channel

Yes, it probably is if you already own horses. It may be if you own any livestock really. I just thought that it may be helpful for anyone that is considering getting donkeys or animals in general that didn’t have experience with them. Thanks for watching.

They are pets for us. We just use them for petting and hugging and feeding snacks. Thanks for watching!

Awesome!!!! Thank you so much for watching and subscribing. I appreciate it.

Aww that is an awesome offer!!!!

Yes! Thanks for watching! I plan to keep going and make a follow up video with more detail on each of the items.

@@MayfieldRanch please do! I need more info!

I think the answer to all those questions was "a lot."

For sure! I think animals should be for life. ❤️❤️❤️ thanks for watching.

It probably depends on how big your yard is. Yes you can feed them hay. You just need to find a low sugar hay. Some people feed barley straw. We feed teft hay. Donkeys need to have another donkey to be happy so consider getting 2. Do you have a shelter in your yard? I would also think about all that poo. You have to keep it picked up to prevent flys. I think to have plenty of space for the animal you would need about 1 acre. A good rule of thumb for livestock is 1 acre per large animal like a cow/horse/donkey. If you have smaller animals like mini donkeys or goats/sheep then 2-3 per acre would work and chickens ~20 per acre. Hopefully this helps give you an idea of the space you need.

That is great! I have all the follow up videos planned. I’ll provide updates for you. Donkeys are truly amazing. Feel free to ask any questions and I’ll try to help you get answers. Our donkeys are such big loves. Having them was a life long dream of mine that finally came true.

It is just something to consider. For me it is super important because I just want my babies to be take care of. I don’t think there is anything wrong with getting them and giving them a good life though. ❤️ I guess none of us can ever predict what will happen. We just need to care for them and love them and do our best. Thanks for watching! -Cady

That is a really great point. Thank you! I’ll make a follow up video. I appreciate you watching and taking the time to comment. -Cady

Thank you!

Yes for sure! They do need to get their hooves trimmed ever 6 weeks or so.

Aww I’m so sorry, my grandpa had a blind donkey and I loved him when I was little. I think that probably is why I have wanted them my entire life and I sure do love them so much! Here are my prices. We are in CA, so the prices might be slightly different in other areas. $60 each every 6-8 weeks for farrier Hay is $21 per bale for Teff hay and each donkey needs 1/2 to 1 flake twice per day. There are probably 12-15 flakes per bale, it depends they type of hay you buy and who bails it. So around $1.50 per flake or up to $3 per day per donkey. The vet is a minimum of once per year for shots and it is an $80 ranch call price and $72 per donkey for shots. It could be more if you need additional vet calls, but we typically don’t after we had Gunnar gelded. That was really the only extra expense for medical and it wasn’t extremely expensive. The fly masks are $20 each and we usually need 2 per summer season for each donkey, they do wear out and need to be replaced. Worm medicine is $7 each per donkey, you might be able to use 1 tube per 2 donkeys. Maybe worm once every few months or 4 times per year. You probably want some fly spray. This is probably $30 but will last a few seasons. I would assume another $50 or so for random medicines you might want to have on hand like butte, or allushield, or swat, or any other various items. So annual costs could be: farrier $60*6= $360 per donkey Hay $550-$1100 per donkey Vet $160 per donkey (only an extra $70 per additional donkeys) Fly masks $40 per donkey Worm medicine $21 per donkey Fly spray $30 for all donkeys for a few seasons Extra $50-$100 per donkey for meds Extra $100 per year per donkey for California trace minerals. Extra $100 for toys or treats. We feed our donkeys saltines so it adds up over the year. Maybe consider halters and ropes- typically just a one time expense- you might need a second or third if you get a growing baby, but you don’t need a new one ever year for adults. We have had ours 5 years. Annual Total is $1411-$2211 per donkey and I would recommend a minimum of 2 so they are happy, This doesn’t include the barn or fencing or anything like that. If I had to build another barn I’d get a couple of shipping containers and build a roof over them. Let me know if you have other questions and I’ll help as much as I can. Cady

@@MayfieldRanch Thank you so much for your time and expertise. I really appreciate it. I came across your channel today, subscribed and look forward to watching more of your videos. love and respect from Canada!

@@franknberry333 sure! Happy to help out, I sure appreciate you watching and subscribing. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any other questions.

Aww thank you so much!!!! I appreciate it. -Cady

@@MayfieldRanch ❤️🙏

We have dogs too and they can’t be out with the donkeys. We love them all! We just have to keep them separate.

It really depends what type of grass. There is too much sugar in many grasses for them, so they need a mix or low sugar option. I also give mine California trace minerals and they also get treats. We give them stable mix in the winter, but just a little since it is alfalfa in it. Thanks for for watching! -Cady

@@MayfieldRanch thanks so much!

It would be good enough for me:) the fences don’t stand a chance though. They would chew through wood fences quickly. Maybe find a local farm to pet some. That is the best of both worlds. Pet them and cuddle them and don’t have to pay for the feed. 🤣

I don’t have experience with the mini donkeys, but I understand they are similar. I’d recommend trying to find a local farrier that is familiar with donkeys and a local vet. Just to be sure you are all set up before you get them. They might even be able to recommend some that they know are looking for a new home. Donkeys really benefit from having at least 2 so they can play together. Donkeys have specific play behavior that is best suited for another donkey.

@@MayfieldRanch Thank you so much for the thoughtful and informative response 🙂 I will definitely be continuing my research for quite a while before I commit. I will want to provide an excellent home, and ensure that they will be taken care of if something were to happen to me. Have a wonderful rest of your evening 😀

Thanks for watching

Thank you!!!

Thanks for watching

That makes sense. Gary really wants to get a horse. Maybe we will one day.

Thanks for checking out our channel! -Cady

They are fantastic!!! If she has any questions I’m happy to help. We love having our donkeys.

Yes!!! The donkeys need more people feeding them crackers:)

Aww I sure love them. Maybe you can find some local ones to pet. That’s the best!!! You get to love on them and don’t have to pay for the feed.

Yes they do. How old is the baby she currently has with her?

3 months I was told@@MayfieldRanch

They said 3 months. Sorry, I thought I answered you last night. @@MayfieldRanch

You have plenty of time to get some donkeys. I wanted donkeys for as long as I can remember and I finally have them. ♥️ thanks for watching:)

It is always better to have 2 donkeys if you can. They will be so much happier to have a donkey friend. I would recommend .5- 1 acre. Ideally you would have it crossed fenced so you can keep them on a dry lot when needed and let them out in to the pasture to graze and play. You could probably have 2-3 on one acre. A general rule of thumb is one horse or cow size animal per acre, so since mini donkeys are smaller you can have a few per acre. Mini donkeys are so cute!!! ♥️

@@MayfieldRanch Thank you so much for your reply. I have .25 acre fenced yard in the city so no pasture. I just adore their antics and have always wanted to welcome one into my family. I have parrots so I know all about vacationless living with animals that live a very long time. I may have to buy more property at some point 💕

No I would for sure not do that. The mini is so small it could be a problem. Generally around 6 months, but we were extremely cautious and separated ours earlier and had him Gelded once he was ready at 6 months of age. We wanted to prevent breeding for ours.

Good idea! Or maybe 4 ❤️