Donkey people - I need help!

[tasteofchristmaschaos]

The place I volunteer at rescued 2 donkeys in Jan this year, one from a local sanctuary and one from Romania. The Romanian donkey later turned out to be pregnant and gave bith to a gorgeous foal in April.
The little boy is now 5 months old and is starting to get 'frisky'. He has been seen recently mounting his mother.
So, my questions are two fold ...
1. I know horses and ponies CAN become fertile from the age of 6 months. Is this the same for donkeys? We don't want any donkey babies, particually inbred ones, so...
2. At what age can donkeys (generally) be gelded? I looked it up, and there is such a difference of opinion. I had a quick look at his balls the other day, and I think they are beginning to drop, they are visible if you look but are not obvious yet.
Any help would be much appreciated.
Thanks

 

[AmyMay]

Has the vet had a 'feel' of his balls? And are you sure you're not mistaking general 'child' behaviour for mounting?????

 

[Donkeymad]

Answer one - yes he could be fertile already - but not necessarily
Two - they can gelded from four months old.

 

[Hollycat]

As Donklet says! Please also phone the donkey sanctuary if you need any donkey related advice. They have fab donkey care packs - just ask for one! It is very good reading if yiu like donks. They also have donkey experts who will happily visit you and your donks and give any advice you need. Even many charities do not realise how different donks are to horses and how they should be kept and managed differently.

Would love to see pics of the foal!!!

 

[KittyH]

You can geld donkey foals from 10 days. We normally do them at 2 -3 weeks as shortly after this they can 'retract' and not decsend again until after they are fertile. You need to get the vet to have a feel and either have him done straight away or think about weaning him, although obviously it would be better to wait till 6-7 months depending on his and his mums condition. Donkey gelding is normally done slightly differently to horses, as they are more likely to haemerage (sp?). If your vet hasn't done many donkeys ask them to speak to the donkey sanctuary in Sidmouth, who offer excellent, free advice. Good luck