THE ABC OF BUYING A MINIATURE MEDITERRANEAN DONKEY
**PLEASE READ THIS INFORMATION IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE BREED STANDARD AND ADVICE ON REGISTRATION**
Purchasing a donkey is not a decision to be taken lightly or rushed. If you are fully prepared, have the right facilities and have carried out all the necessary checks, you will be rewarded with years of wonderful companionship and endless fun.
A: ASSOCIATION
We are here to advise you if you are in any doubt. Please contact us with any questions you have about your potential purchase.
Consider joining the MMDA.
There are many benefits to membership and the Association provides a handbook giving details of Breed standard and requirements for registration in the Stud Book.
MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS
*Information on how to care for your miniature donkey
*Handbook on the donkey
*First aid information
*Badge
*Ability to advertise on the MMDA website at a cost of £25.00 per advert for each 4 month period
* Reduced fees for donkey registration
*Welfare and showing advice freely available
*Annual MMDA Supreme Championship Show
Championship Cups and Rosettes + additional prizes
*A great opportunity to meet fellow minded miniature donkey enthusiasts
B: BUYER NEEDS
Are you buying a donkey as a pet? Do you want to show? Are you planning on breeding?
Make sure you are looking at the right donkey for you:
*An entire jack does not make a good pet!
*A breeding donkey will be more expensive than a pet gelding.
Also consider your donkey's needs:
*Donkeys should always be kept with others - ideally a miniature needs the company of another miniature.
*Do you have the required stabling?
*Do you have sufficient land? - Is it nearby?
*Do you have sufficient time to commit throughout the year?
Please read through the very valuable knowledge and advice published by the Donkey Sanctuary:
Click here for the Donkey Sanctuary website
C: CHECKS
Check that the donkey conforms to the breed standard and will suit your needs.
Check for a valid Passport. This will be issued by a Passport Issuing Organisation (such as the Donkey Breed Society) and it is a legal requirement for all equines.
Check the MMDA certificate. If the donkey you are purchasing is a registered Miniature Mediterranean Donkey it will have a certificate issued by the MMDA. If in doubt, please contact us and we will confirm registration status.
Check microchip and passport are the same on all paperwork.
**If breeding age, ask if donkey has been veterinary inspected.**
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All potential breeding stock should be veterinary inspected on or after their third birthday.
**Check pedigree for the last 3 generations to check for inbreeding.**
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If no pedigree certificate is available, please contact the MMDA and we can check details for you before you purchase.
Ensure transfer form is available on purchase of your donkey.
Check vaccination history, i.e. tetanus and flu.
DO
Do go and see for yourself.
Do take your time and consider all options.
Do visit and talk to several breeders.
Do visit local donkey sanctuaries.
Do ensure you have a 'donkey' friendly vet available.
Do check your farrier will deal with donkeys.
Do consult the literature, e.g. Donkey Handbook from Donkey Sanctuary.
Do check you have the paperwork:
*Passport
*MMDA Certificate
*Microchip transfer form
*MMDA membership transfer form
DON'T
Don't buy from a photo.
Don't believe everything you see on websites and online.
Don't rush! 'Act in haste - repent at leisure'.
And finally, do refer to the MMDA for any further help. The MMDA offer a matching service for members. The purpose of the matching service is to put potential purchasers and sellers in touch with each other to conduct their own further enquiries with regards to a potential purchase or sale.
Members wishing to use this service should contact mmdaenquiries@gmail.com