At Nickeltop Farms we love miniature "mediterranean" donkeys.
Over the last few years, I have grown my herd to 10 donkeys. We have had 2 beautiful foals born in the last 18 months and have one on the way. I would like to begin selling a few to a loving home.
Here is some history on this breed of donkey:
Miniature Mediterranean Donkeys are a separate breed of donkey originating from the islands of Sardinia and Sicily.... (read more) Because they were so small they were employed to turn grinding stones for grain inside the peasants houses. There are 18th century wood block pictures showing these small donkeys, blindfolded, attached to the grain mill and walking in endless circles. They were also used to carry water from village wells and supplies into the mountains for shepherds.
Now almost extinct in their native land, these diminutive little animals are a popular pet in the USA, especially in the southern states. Approximately 700 have been imported into the UK from North America and are fast becoming very popular here in Great Britain. The most common color is grey dun with chocolate highlights. Other colors include brown, black, slate grey, sorrel, spotted, piebald, skewbald and cream.
Miniatures usually have at least three recorded generations of ancestry. Many have up to 400 recorded ancestors dating back to 1929 when the first imports from Sardinia arrived in the USA and were imported by Mr. Robert Green, a stockbroker of New York and sent to his stud farm in New Jersey.
Mr. Green is quoted as saying, "Miniature Donkeys possess the affectionate nature of a Newfoundland, the resignation of a cow, the durability of a mule, the courage of a tiger, and the intellectual capability only slightly inferior to man's."
Almost all Miniature Mediterranean Donkeys in North America originate from those and other early imports.
All of our mini's are registered or are eligible to be registered.
Donkeys are desert animals and thus with our wet temperate climate and lush pastures are in a somewhat alien environment. This single factor determines the basis of their care and particularly feeding and how it significantly differs from horses and ponies.
Donkeys are herd animals and a single Miniature Mediterranean Donkey is a very lonely donkey and is unlikely to thrive. They should always have at least one companion. Goats, sheep and ponies are not suitable as companions.