{"id":7291,"date":"2022-07-08T07:32:00","date_gmt":"2022-07-08T07:32:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/farmandanimals.com\/?p=7291"},"modified":"2022-07-08T08:05:26","modified_gmt":"2022-07-08T08:05:26","slug":"how-much-does-a-donkey-cost","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/farmandanimals.com\/how-much-does-a-donkey-cost\/","title":{"rendered":"How Much Does A Donkey Cost?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

If you’ve been thinking about getting a donkey<\/a>, you may be wondering how much it will cost to acquire your new pet and how much it will cost to keep him or her. So how much does a donkey cost?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As with most equines, the cost of purchase varies widely, ranging from free to many thousands of dollars. The amount that you end up paying will depend a great deal on what you want.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you just want a pet, companion animal or pasture ornament, you may do very well taking on a “free to good home”<\/em> donkey or rescuing a donkey from the kill pen at your local auction yard. If you choose the latter option, you will pay the going, per pound meat price for the animal you choose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you’re looking for a well-trained donkey that you can trail ride, show, work, etc., You’ll pay a price commensurate with the amount of training the animal has had, it’s size, breeding, gender and a number of other factors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Prices start at around $300<\/a> for one donkey and can go up to $2,000-3,000, and even higher.<\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

Just as with horses, a well bred, well-trained, large, rideable\/drivable donkey can cost several thousand dollars. Likewise, specialty donkeys, such as miniatures may come with lengthy and complex pedigrees that will cost you a pretty penny.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You may be able to find a nice miniature through your local Humane Society or animal control.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

After You\u2019ve Bought Your Donkey, More Expenses Follow!<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"donkey<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Keep in mind that once you’ve located a donkey that you want, you’ll need to get him from point A to point B. This means you’ll either need to have a truck and trailer of your own or you’ll need to hire one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Be advised that donkeys are very social animals, so if you get one, you’ll need another one. You may purchase a very costly, well-trained, pedigreed donkey as your personal riding animal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He or she will be perfectly happy with a less spendy companion found through free ads, local auction yard or the SPCA.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Just remember that animals with iffy backgrounds may end up costing you a great deal in veterinary fees. Additionally, your ongoing upkeep for your companion animal will be just about as much is that for your trained and pedigreed animal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Begin With Housing And Fencing<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Before you ever look at a donkey, you’ll need to be sure that you have a place to keep one. Ideally, you should have a good, sturdy barn. If you live in a climate that doesn’t get too cold and doesn’t have a lot of inclement weather, a three sided shed will do.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Donkeys do best when their food consists mostly of grass and hay, so you’ll need to have good pasture with a nice, sturdy, safe fence. Use ranch panels or horse fencing to put together your fence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Avoid barbed wire as it can be quite dangerous. Be advised that donkeys are notorious for escaping electric fences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Budget For At Least Annual Vet Visits<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Donkeys need all of the veterinary care that a horse would need. Your vet should come out at least once a year to conduct a thorough exam and administer all necessary vaccinations for your area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your veterinarian will also take care of dental needs, and your donkeys\u2019 teeth should be floated at least once every two years to maintain a good chewing surface.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Locate A Good Hay Supplier<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Look for a good, local source of hay. It’s a good idea to purchase local hay because it will cost you less to have it delivered or even to pick it up yourself if it is conveniently nearby.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Additionally, it’s a good idea to find a hay supplier who grows a mixed, unfertilized pasture hay. This is preferable to highly fertilized, very rich mono crop hay when it comes to donkeys.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Donkeys do best with an abundant amount of highly fibrous, moderately rich natural hay, and this type of hay is usually less expensive. Typically, they do not need grain; however, you should talk with your vet about planning your donkeys\u2019 specific diet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Donkeys Need Stuff!<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"donkeys<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

In addition to hay, your donkey will need equipment such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n