Welcome to Rancho Galleano
Rancho Galleano offers for sale Miniature Donkeys. We specialize
in Miniature Donkeys only. We strive to breed color with a real emphasis on
good dispositions.
There
is nothing more precious than the sight of a little Miniature Donkey baby.
With their long ears, little nose and squeaky honk, they are undoubtedly one
of the most treasured pets on the farm. The Miniature Donkey comes in a variety
of sizes and colors. The Miniature Donkey will mature at 36" or less.
The most common color is the original gray-dun, with more exotic colors through
selective breeding, such as: chocolate, black, white, sorrel, and spotted;
all have the distinguishable cross at the withers.
The
first and foremost attraction to Miniature Donkeys are their loving personalities.
They demand attention. They form close attachments to their owners and to
other donkeys. Miniature Donkeys are herd animals and one lone donkey is a
very lonely donkey. Because of their easy-going personalities, Miniature Donkeys
make wonderful pets for children, the handicapped and the elderly. Their small
size and gentle nature make them more easy to manage than larger farm animals.
Miniature Donkeys are instant grandchildren magnets!
If you are just wanting a pet, the Miniature Donkey only requires
a backyard, and if you are wanting to go into a breeding program,
only one to two acres. The Miniature Donkey can be housed in a remarkably
small area. They need a shelter to get in from the weather. This can be as
simple as a three-sided shed. Fencing can be very simple. Home is security
to them, therefore they do not try to leave as other equine do! The Miniature
Donkey feed program is very simple. If they do not have good pasture, they
will need sweet feed (10%), a good quality grass hay, and always fresh water
daily. The non-routine care of the miniature donkey involves periodic feet
trimming, minerals and yearly vaccinations. Miniature donkeys are very forgiving
of our mistakes in their care.
About the Miniature Donkey. Miniature donkeys are native to the Mediterranean islands of Sicily and Sardinia, and have been in the U. S. since the 1920's. They are by nature people loving, affectionate, and intelligent with an I.Q. only SLIGHTLY lower than their owners! The average life span is 30 years. The males are called jacks, the females are jennies or jennets, and the babies are referred to as foals. Height cannot exceed 36". Most weigh between 200 and 350 lbs. at maturity. Their small size and carefree nature make them easy to handle for both children and adults. Legend says that the shadow on the Cross of Jesus fell across the donkey's back while at the Crucifixion which explains the characteristic "cross" you see on the back and shoulders of the donkey.
The
investment potential in Miniature Donkeys is very attractive, assuming
you can part with them. The gestation period is 11.5 to 13 months, insuring
a prospective breeder a more stable market due to limited numbers. The female
donkey is ready to breed at two to three years of age, depending on her size,
condition and development. Babies can be weaned at 4-6 months. The males can
become fertile as early as 1 year of age, and most mature by two to three
years as well.
The demand for Miniature Donkeys has been overwhelming. If you are looking for something that is easy to raise, extremely affectionate and gentle, requires little care, and has a steady market which is only going up, then the miniature donkey is for you. Breeders as well as the private sector have made room on their farms as well as in their hearts for these lucrative and wonderfully affectionate little animals.
Rancho Galleano offers for sale a few mature adults, yearlings and weanlings. We strive to breed color (darks, spotted and sorrels) with a real emphasis on good dispositions. Our donkeys are loved and handled daily. Check out our Sale Barn, look at our herd sires and brood jennets, or take a tour of our website. We welcome inquiries and are here to help you learn more about these wonderful animals.
We specialize in Miniature Donkeys only. All animals sold will be current on all vaccines, trimmings, and health care. We can help with some transportation if the destination is close to our ranch. Or we can ship to any U. S. location, and can recommend a list of potential equine shippers for you to select from. Give us a call.
Jackie and Cary
