09/27/2024
A lot of people ask 'How much for a baby donkey" and when I tell them, they are taken back. My donkeys are purposely kept next to our house. I watch them while I drink my morning coffee. I installed wireless in the barn so I can monitor them during foaling, freezing cold snaps, and check up on anyone who may not be feeling well.
When I travel, they are the thing I worry about the most.
I quiz my new donkey owners. I provide support and am always available to answer questions.
My donkeys are not a throw away animal.
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HOW MUCH FOR A FOAL?
Let me say a few words to you, yes you, the person who sends a text to just ask for the price. The person who calls and hears the price and says “I can buy a cheaper foal somewhere else”. I'll talk to you too; the person who doesn't care about papers because I want “just a pet or a happy hacker”.
No foal is “just a pet and a happy hacker”.
Behind every foal is a BREEDER. A serious breeder does not breed foals without documents that protect the integrity of the breed.
Registration papers are records of ancestry documenting the bloodline. They also assure the age when you are purchasing an older donkey.
If you choose to buy a foal from a reputable and quality breeder, this breeder is responsible for every foal’s health. This breeder will skip holidays, and family gatherings, miss sleep for weeks on end, and most of their personal time is dedicated to their horses and their well being. The truly passionate breeder, who loves what they breed, puts all of their time into it. Not only for foals that are sold, but also for every customer who owns a piece of their heart and is now a member of their large family. Breeders worry about their babies after leaving and want the best outcome for purchaser and foal.
A breeder will get his hands dirty, often covered in everything that comes with birth. Because that's what life is all about... in the midst of birth and death is life. For every foal that is sold there are ones that don’t make it and a little bit of the breeders heart breaks along with the foal. A breeder conducts ultrasounds, analytics, emergency vet calls, vaccinations, registrations, deworming, hoof trims and constantly assesses the nutritional needs of the breeders making changes when necessary.
Last but not least, a breeder CHOOSES the family who is lucky enough to have one of their foals. Yes, you read correctly.
A real breeder chooses who they sell to.
There really is no compensation that can offset the investment a breeder has made.
A good breeder has other criteria for those who want to continue their bloodline, why? Because breeding isn't a responsibility to take lightly, it's a lifestyle choice reserved ONLY for the few devoted people willing to sacrifice.
Since a foal is never “just a pet” he/she is the legacy of the breeder, a low level eventer, an amateur show jumper, a career broodmare, the pony that wins for your son or daughter, a member of the family, someone's whole world!
Partially written by: Sr. Eduardo Loredo Muller
Translated into English by: Angel Sophia Nogga
Modified
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A lifestyle and commitment many cannot understand.
7 days a week, 365 days a year
