The Donkeys: McCoy and Mackenzie
We spent over five years planning, raising money, constructing, and waiting to be able to bring donkeys to Deen City Farm. In July 2019 the Donkey Sanctuary matched us with with two Mediterranean Miniature Donkeys McCoy (brown and white) and Mackenzie (grey and white).
They were born in April 2012 and are half brothers only being born about 2 weeks apart. They settled into City Farm life really well as they had previously been pets.
You will often find these two grazing in their field on a nice day or playing with their toys in their stables on rainy days, they love tyres and old wellies. If you are local you can sometimes catch them on a morning stroll on Mondays around Merton Abbey Mills and even Mordon Hall Park.
Mediterranean Miniature Donkeys: Equus asinus
Miniature donkeys originated from the Mediterranean Islands of Sicily and Sardinia, due to the small size of them they were employed to turn grinding stones for grains and also used to carry water from village wells and supplies into the mountains for shepherds. Domesticated for their milk, strength, and companionship however they are now sadly almost extinct in their native country. America, Canada, and the UK have a high population of donkeys as pets and for shows.
Unlike many other miniature breeds, their small size is natural. Miniature donkeys are no more than 36 inches tall and usually weigh around 91-204KG whereas standard donkeys range from 36-48 inches and 181-227KG. Domestic donkey average life span is around 33 years old and a wild donkey is 25-30years old.
Apart from their size, their other attraction is their docile personalities, they will form bonds with other donkeys, owners, and even other livestock animals such as horses, sheep and goats. Donkeys are herd and highly sociable animals and not to cope well being alone or separated, this can cause stress which can lead to serious health conditions. They have a reputation for being stubborn however donkeys are observant and cautious animals so will refuse to do anything that may appear to be threating.
Frequently asked questions:
Can We Feed The Donkeys?
Donkeys require a very high in fibre and low sugar diet, which is why our donkeys’ primary source of food is straw. Eating too much high energy food causes weight gain and can lead to many health issues which is why they are unable to eat the grass nuts you can buy at the front gate however the sheep, goats, alpaca, and cows love it when you feed them!
Why Are The Donkeys Wearing Masks?
You may see our donkeys wearing blue and red face masks, these are fly masks. Both the donkeys and some horses wear them to protect their faces from flies and biting insects. The parts covering the eyes and ears are mesh so they can still see and hear. You may also see them in their coats which just keeps them warm in winter and keeps the rain off them.