Updated 1-21-21
Before we allow a jennet to conceive on our farm, we consider many things for the welfare of the jennet and the little foal. Conscientious breeders should always
have the jennet and foal's future and welfare in mind before breeding. The state of our economy should be considered. Here is the process we have adopted
over time:

  • Identify positive traits by observing the jennet's conformation and personality.

  • Evaluate and research the jennet's and jack's pedigrees to select the positive traits from each and avoid possible in-breeding.

  • Select the sire that will best improve upon the jennet's traits (using the guidelines outlined in NMDA's Miniature Mediterranean Donkey Breed
    Standard. Choose a jack to enhance and complement the selected jennet's qualities. Click here to see Breed Standards Index of NMDA.

  • Breed no jennet under 29", avoiding trends relating only to small size and complications or death during delivery. (The National Miniature Donkey
    Association Breed Standard states "under 30 inches"). Our jack, KneeHi is under 30" which does not contribute to delivery complications.

  • Breed for conformation, avoiding trends/fads relating to color. Color is the icing on the cake but should not be the sole and primary breeding
    objective. If you are looking at breeding from a marketing approach, remember the market is fickle. If you breed for all blacks and the market
    supports traditional greys, sales may decline leaving your foals unplaced.

  • Observe the jennet's health and breed only healthy animals. The health of the foal directly correlates to the mother's health at the time of
    conception and throughout the one-year pregnancy.

  • Breed only after the age of three. Many jennets may not be good mothers if bred too young and may abort near term. They are "teenagers" until
    three years of age. We have waited until four years for several of our jennets.

  • Breed only if there is likely placement for the foal. Consider the economy. Then consider the economy again. Breeding fewer is always better than
    more. Keeping the supply down consistently places animals in good homes and keeps the market demand up. Too many breeders breeding too
    many donkeys can cause a statewide marketing problem. While this may create opportunities for the buyer, some animals may be left without
    placement. Sale prices will decrease when the supply is above demand.

  • Sell only if there is placement in a good home with another donkey. Consider a two-for one price. Some breeders will give a second donkey to a
    customer who can afford only one to ensure a pair of donkeys in a good, caring home.

  • Geld jack foals, unless they are of superior quality and selected to be a herd sire. Make the decision by six months, the appropriate gelding age.

We truly believe that responsible Mediterranean Miniature Donkey breeders who plan their breedings with the welfare of the donkey and the state of the economy
in mind, build solid reputations, create satisfied customers, serve as role models for future breeders, and most importantly, contribute to the integrity of the
Miniature Donkey Breed.  A breeder's love for the Mediterranean Miniature Donkey Breed will quite naturally assist with the list above.
Planned Breeding Gets Improved Results!
White Lightning Anniversary
We were very blessed to witness his amazing birth, 45 minutes from start to stand!
One of the blessings of selective, planned conception is knowing when to expect the miraculous birth!
Born:  June 11, 2005             Birth Height:  24"            Color:  Snow white
Sire:  Lawzyday's Farm's Sancho Panza, 32"    Dam:  SS Queenie, 33" (proven producer of white foals)
Extended pedigree:  The Fireman, Cochese, Black Hawk, Blackberry, Valentino 49
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If you would like to see something about miniature donkeys added, please click here. We value your input.
Lesson Two
Breeding Plan for Best Friends Farm  Miniature  Donkeys, Florida
Miniature donkey care is important and easy when you know what to expect. Buy your mini donkey from a trusted breeder. BFF Miniature Donkeys since 1998.
We follow the NMDA recommendations listed below. (permission to print, NMDA, 2008)
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BEST FRIENDS FARM  MINIATURE   DONKEYS
Farming for the fun of it since 1998!

352/ 339 3908  or  352/ 333 3819                Jim and Frankie Lee, 13903 Millhopper Road, Gainesville, FL                bestfriendsfarm@yahoo.com