Expert: Lisa Kalp - 10/10/2009

Question
We have 3 mini donkeys and yesterday brought home another 5 month old mini. the baby seems to be adjusting fine but one of our males, which is a slightly larger than a mini doesnt seem to like the baby. he charges her and tries to kick. we were just wondering if you had any advice. could it be that they are playing and trying to get to know each other and just b/c he is so much bigger it looks worse? everyone says that in time they will get used to each other, but we are nervous. thanks

Answer
Hi Anne,
            You need to get the baby out of there as your other donkey is trying to kill or injure it. You do not mention if the other donkey is a jack or not. Jacks will kill other animals as that is their instinct. A jack is also territorial..  If the donkey is a gelded one, then I would slowly introduce them. Put the baby in a pen and allow them to touch noses for a few weeks. When they seem to be getting along, put them together with supervision.  If there are any signs of aggession then pull the baby out right away and start over. If the donkeys are jacks, then don't try it as you are risking the foals life.Good luck with your new donkey.

Lisa