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Before you buy a donkey from either the breeder's ranch or over the internet make sure you have asked all the appropriate questions about the donkey you are considering purchasing. A responsible breeder should never deceptively represent a donkey. If you purchase a donkey over the internet you should ask to see pictures of the breeder's facility. It does not have to be a fancy operation but it should demonstrate conditions that are favorable to the health of the donkey. Beware: While most donkeys represented on the internet are from reputable breeders there are those isolated cases in which the internet site does not represent the real picture. If you cannot visit the breeder personally, don't be afraid to ask for references from the breeder.
The ADMS has developed a questionnaire titled "The Equine Buyers Checklist" from which the following questions have originated. I have also added a few questions I think are necessary when purchasing a donkey. Don't be afraid to ask for references from the breeder.
| Name of Donkey | |
| Date of Birth | |
| Color | |
| Jack, Jennet or Gelding | |
| Height of Animal | |
| Height Verified? | |
| Measuring Stick Used? | |
| Registered Donkey | ADMS or IMDR |
| Pedigree limited or extensive? | |
| Price of Donkey | |
| Price Range of Other Stock on the Farm | |
| Conformation Suitable for Pet, Breeding and/or Performance? | |
| If Pet Quality Donkey reason for classification? | Conformation/Health/Age/Breedability/Size/Temperament/Bite Defect? |
| Temperament or Personality of Donkey? | |
| Does Donkey meet the description offered by the Seller? | |
| Bite of Teeth Even? | 1/4" Over or Underbite is Maximum allowed for Breeding Stock |
| Jack 2 years or older with both Testicles descended? | Do not purchase jack over 20 mos as breeding stock that does not have testicles present. |
| Is Jack proven? | |
| Any guarantees offered pertaining to breeding viability? | |
| Jennet offered for sale In-Foal? | |
| Pregnancy Verified? | |
| Foaling Date? | |
| Method used to verify pregnancy? | |
| Pasture bred or hand bred? | |
| Breeder will provide Breeding Certificate? | |
| Live foal guarantee? | |
| Future breedings negotiable? | |
| Breeding age Jennet offered for sale as open or not pregnant? | |
| Pregnancy History or Fertility Problems? | |
| Guaranteed to Conceive if sold open? | |
| Seller has Standard Written Sales Contract? | |
| Seller has Standard Written Bill of Sale? | |
| Seller will provide valid Transfer Form for donkey? | |
| Average age of weaned animals offered for sale? | |
| If purchasing foal still nursing, age to be weaned? | |
| Donkey Health History documented? | |
| Worming History | |
| Vaccination History | |
| Is Donkey in good overall condition? | |
| Eyes | |
| Ears | |
| Nostrils | |
| Coat | |
| Hooves | |
| Body Condition - Thin/Fat/Adequate | |
| Current Coggins Available? | |
| Health Papers provided prior to shipping? | |
| Delivery or Pick-up arrangements? | |
DO NOT PURCHASE animals
that have serious conformational faults for breeding.
Do not purchase females bred
under the age of 2 years old, or purchase from breeders who allow uncontrolled
inbreeding to occur.
DO NOT PURCHASE animals that have been weaned prior to 4 months of age
unless there is a valid reason.
only purchase a jack if you are
experienced at handling livestock.
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