Lesson Three
Ethics of Buying or Selling Miniature Donkeys
Printed with the permission of National Miniature Donkey Association
Updated 12-08-08
Before you buy or sell a Mediterranean Miniature Donkey, please consider many things for the welfare of the jennet, jack, gelding, or foal as
well as for yourself, the future owner and care provider. Here are some guidelines to stick to:

  • Animals should  be in good physical condition whether to be sold as a pet or as breeding stock.

  • Buyer should be provided health and breeding history with full disclosure of any pertinent information the owner should be aware of.

  • Buyer should be forthright with the seller as to the future of the donkey purchased, either show, breeding, or pet.

  • Animals to be behaviorally sound, living within the herd and not weaned earlier than 4 months of age.

  • Registration certificate, signed transfer, and pedigree records current with the registry of choice.

  • Any sales guarantees should be spelled out and signed.

  • Breeding stock that represent the guidelines outlined in the NMDA's Miniature Mediterranean Donkey Breed Standard.

  • Information about the Breed including care, diet and other necessary information.

  • The newly purchased donkey to be current on vaccinations, worming and hoof trimming. This information should be in writing with
    dates and types of vaccines.

  • A properly fitted halter and lead provided.

  • Buyers should seek out breeders who adhere to the above principles and thereby demonstrate their responsibilities to both the buyer
    and the Mediterranean Miniature Donkey Breed.

  • There are at least 11 Mediterranean Miniature Donkey breeders in Florida with websites plus several others without.  This should
    create plenty of neighborly competition so the buyer can get everything she/he wants in a miniature donkey.  Here is what the buyer
    should look for:

  • reputable breeder who knows and loves the breed
  • quality conformation (not as important to those who want a pet and will not be breeding)
  • good pedigree (important to those who will be breeding)
  • good disposition
  • affectionate, trusting foal (this comes from imprinting at birth and spending time with the foal)
  • information
  • fair price
  • service after the sale (answers for questions which always arise after the donkey goes to her new home. Contact your seller if
    you have a question, even a little one.)

We believe that responsible miniature donkey breeders who follow the guidelines above will create good reputations, serve as role models for
others who want to become breeders, contribute to the integrity of the Miniature Donkey Breed and create a happy and knowledgeable
customer. A breeder's love for the miniature donkey breed will quite naturally assist with all of these. If you have any questions, please call us
at 352-333-3819.  We love to talk donkeys!
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BEST FRIENDS FARM  M I N I A T U R E   DONKEYS
Farming for the fun of it!
Jim and Frankie Lee
13903 Millhopper Road, Gainesville, FL
352-339-3908   or   352-333-3819