Mediterranean Miniature Donkeys

MINIATURE MEDITERRANEAN DONKEYS

Guaranteed to make you smile

A real favourite on the farm.  We get so excited when a baby donkey is due to be born, even after 20 years. They all have their own personality. Our donkeys are registered with the MMDA. We've been lucky to welcome 5 new arrivals in 2023.

HISTORY

The miniature donkey is an entirely separate breed. Originating from the Mediterranean area of Northern Africa and latterly from the islands of Sicily and Sardinia, these adorable animals are now kept as companion animals around the globe. Their popularity is increasing as more people fall under their spell.  
"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." 
Robert Green (stockbroker who first imported miniature donkeys to the USA in 1929)
mini donks - christopher columbus

MINIATURE DONKEYS IN THE UK

It wasn't until 1980 when the first mediterranean miniature donkeys arrived in the UK, imported by Lord and Lady Fischer. Many of the mini donks here in the UK today can trace their ancestors back to these first imports and even back to foundation herds in the USA.
Numbers of donkeys in Sardinia and other parts of Italy have dropped drastically and export of these beautiful animals is no longer possible, but miniature donkeys have now spread around the globe as word of their affectionate, companionable nature grows.
True miniature donkeys must be under 36", with the majority of them being 
between 31" and 34". The first little donks were dun (grey) in colour. Careful breeding in the USA with small standard donkeys produced the range of colours we see today, but affected the purity of the breed. We now have very strict standards for breeding miniatures in this country if they wish to be placed in the Registry.
miniature donkeys

MINIATURE DONKEYS FOR SALE

Sadly, we can't keep them all.  We currently have only boys for sale, but this may change as we welcome  our baby donkeys of 2025.  2 boys ready for new homes in December, 3 in the New Year.

Be warned, miniature donkeys are highly addictive and although not life threatening, there is no cure.

Just a few of the little ones born in 2022:

Alan the miniature donkey

ALAN BORN SEPTEMBER 22

Peeking Miniature Donkey

MABEL BORN JUNE 22

Thomas the little jack donkey

MILDRED BORN AUGUST 22

shy little donkey

MABEL

ADDRESS
Heathylee House Farm
Hollinsclough
Nr Buxton
Peak District
SK17 0RD

 

CONTACT:

Email:  karen@heathylee.co.uk

Phone: 01298 83659

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