Gigger is such a jack-ass!

Sometimes one does things for no real reason other than because one can. And that's how we came to purchase a miniature donkey. Why? WTF? Why not?

Enter Zeke, an 8-month-old black male who has been renamed "Gigger." Gigger is Tom's mom's childhood nickname. Getting the donkey was originally her idea, so why not give her the naming honors?
Trinket, our three-legged Newfoundland is completely smitten with Gigger. I'm not sure if she thinks he is a very homely dog, a giant animatronic plush toy, or a small buffalo. But she just loves him and probably would move in with him if he asked. So far, he hasn't.

Here's a fun fact: a male donkey is called a "jack." Another word for donkey is "ass." Thus, a jackass is a male donkey. It is also an alternative name for Tom's soon-to-be-ex-brother-in-law. Believe it or not, there is actually a national miniature donkey association, and naturally, they have a web site. They can give you more information that you'd ever wanty about these little guys. Here's a sample:

Donkeys require a small amount of grain, good quality hay, a mineral salt block, and fresh, clean water. Access to pasture for grazing and exercise is preferable and should be a consideration. They should always have shelter from rain, snow, wind, hot sun, and flies! It should be dry and draft-free. Fencing need only be four feet high, woven wire is considered a safe and popular choice. Donkeys can withstand cold temperatures as long as they have shelter and are fed properly. Miniature donkeys are "herd" animals. To avoid undue stress and loneliness, it is strongly recommended they not be kept singly but with another Miniature Donkey or other animal as a life-long friend.

Facts & Figures
Life Span: 25 - 35+ years

Weight: 200 - 350 pounds at maturity

Height: Average 32" - 34" at the withers, maximum 36"

Gestation: 11-1/2 - 13 months

Birth: Single baby, averages 20-30 pounds at birth. Foals are up and nursing within 30 minutes and are weaned between 5-6 months of age.

Reproduction: Male donkeys are referred to as "jacks," female donkeys are "jennets," and baby donkeys are called "foals".
Jennets should not be bred until they are physically mature at approximately 3 years of age. They have heat cycles every 18-21 days throughout most of the year.

Health:
Miniature Donkeys are remarkably hardy and healthy. They do require preventative vaccinations, should be wormed regularly, and have their hooves trimmed every 2-3 months.

Color:
Miniature Donkeys are predominantly grey-dun with the characteristic "cross." They also come in darker shades of grey, brown, black, sorrel, white and spotted. Usually they have light tan markings around their muzzle and eyes, known as "points". However, some have dark points.

Gigger definitely looks tiny when compared to our Friesian mare, Salvana, who so far has chosen not to even acknowledge the little guy.
We're letting him wander around the barn and surrounding barnyard more or less at will. Aside from the tendency to poop indiscriminately, he seems pretty well behaved. He spends most of his time eating hay one piece at a time or trying to get into Sam's stall to roll in the sawdust. It's a simple life, but he seems to be up for it. You just can't help but smile when you look at him.