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QUALITY LIVESTOCK
There are many reasons for purchasing miniature
donkeys. For many of us our first mini is just a pet. What I
have found as a mini owner is that once you have one you tend to
want more. Our pets then become our breeding stock. Before you
purchase a donkey or begin breeding donkeys it is important to
know how to identify quality animals from those that should
remain strictly pets. If you are interested in breeding or
showing then this information may be of some help. By attending
our annual conference you will receive hands on experience
in selecting donkeys and being able to preview all suggested
materials, websites etc.
REPRODUCTION
All donkeys are different as to how long they carry their foal
and what signs to look for. There are many steps that you can
take, however, to ensure that your donkey has a healthy
pregnancy and delivery. If you live in areas where fescue is
prominent then there are precautions you will want to take.
Also, the weight and conformation of your donkey is important if
you want to get them bred. If you are breeding your own then
their are steps you must take to ensure your animals will be
registered in a timely manor. Should you have your breeding
stock genetically tested? Why should I microchip? What if one
of my donkeys does not have a pedigree can the foal be
registered? Now that the foal is here what should I do? These
are some of the questions that will be answered during this
session.
TRAINING
Donkeys are not horses and react
differently. Positive reinforcement is the key. Know that
there are adverse effects when using force to get what you
want. They do not move from pressure as easily as a horse and
can actually lock up if pressured too much. The more positive
attention they have the easier they will train. Contrary to
what you may think you can not over imprint a donkey foal. To
many the donkey is just a pet, but for their safety they need to
know how to walk, trot, and back at your command. If you are
interested in showing the minimum your donkey will be asked to
do is walk, trot, show his/her teeth, and stand patiently. This
is expected for all halter classes. Judges for performance
classes look for a great deal more which mean additional
training hours for you and your donkey. From experience it is
well worth the time. These animals will absolutely amaze you
with what they know and are able to do. You will learn how to
prepare your donkey to perform in the most common NMDA classes
and become familiar with some of the classes offered.
PREPARING TO SHOW
There is much to consider as you
prepare to show your animals. Some things can not be done at
the last minute. You will need to plan ahead and make sure that
your paper work for your donkeys is current and that you have
their pedigrees in hand. Also, you will need to make sure that
you have a current coggins, and health papers for traveling
(intrastate or interstate depending on the location). You will
need to know the rules for NMDA classes and have the proper
attire for both you and your animal. There are items that you
will need to take along with you that will make the experience
go more smoothly for both you and your animal. You will learn
the secrets to all of this and more.
CLIPPING AND BEAUTY PRODUCTS
This can be the most frustrating
part of preparing your donkey to show. Many choose not to show
because of this. The answer to successfully grooming your
donkey for the show is in the equipment that you use. No matter
what, be prepared to learn what it means to be patient. You
will learn lots of tricks to making your donkey look and feel
the best. The workshop will provide hands on training in this
as well as a live demonstration. Whether you attend the
training or not just remember one thing. If you make this a
pleasant experience for your donkey they will return the favor
the next time they need their hair clipped.
MAINTAINING GOOD HEALTH
Whether you show or not it is
important to help your donkey maintain a healthy life. To do
this you must take care of their hooves, teeth, and diet. Some
donkeys struggle to keep weight on while some owners fight to
keep the weight off of them. Proper diet and a few tricks can
help put your mind to ease in controlling weight. Hooves should
be done regularly, but remember that they need to be trimmed
differently. Finally a healthy digestive systems depends on
their teeth and the ability to grind their food properly. Find
out what you can do to ensure that their teeth are in the best
shape possible and signs that something may be wrong.
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