Fun Facts
About Donkeys

 Donkeys

• A male donkey is called a Stallion or a Jack.

• A female donkey is called a Mare or a Jenny.

• A baby donkey is called a Foal - A boy baby is called a Colt - A girl baby is called a Filly.

• Gestation period is approximately 13 months.

• The most notable characteristic of a donkey is how large its ears are.

• The dark cross over the shoulders and down the spine is characteristic of a true donkey.

• Donkeys are strong and sure-footed, making them excellent pack animals.

• Donkeys are smart, extremely cautious, brave, and always alert and watching for trouble. They are excellent herd protectors.

• A donkey is stronger than a horse of the same size.

• Donkeys can be very clever and stubborn.

• Donkeys require no more than hay or grass for survival. (Though we feed our donkeys a little grain too.) Donkeys have incredibly efficient digestive systems, utilizing about 95% of what they eat.

• Donkeys are highly resistant to disease and can work well into old age.

• Different breeds of donkeys can vary in size from 26” to 68” in height.

• Donkeys do not like being in the rain for prolonged periods of time as their fur is not waterproof.

• Donkeys can breed with horses, but the offspring will be infertile. If the father is a donkey and the mother is a horse the offspring is called a Mule. If the father is a horse and the mother is a donkey the offspring is called a Hinny. Mules are more common than Hinnies.