Mammoth Donkey: Pictures, Care Guide, Temperament & Traits

The Mammoth donkey, or the American Mammoth Jackstock, has been integral to America’s agricultural heritage for decades. Although a relatively new breed, the Mammoth donkey has quickly become a popular choice among farmers, animal enthusiasts, and other buyers due to its many unique characteristics.

Are you eyeing an American Mammoth Jackstock to add to your barn or to include in your petting zoo? This guide will provide a comprehensive overview of everything you need to know about this marvelous beast.

Mammoth Donkeys (American Mammoth Jackstock) — Before You Bring One Home…

The Mammoth donkey is a sturdy breed, usually weighing over 1,000 pounds. It’s a large animal, making it ideal for plowing and other heavy agricultural work, which is why these donkeys have often been used in farming and similar ventures.

Farming aside, Mammoth donkeys also make wonderful pets due to their calm temperament and gentle nature. While they are quite large, they are generally docile creatures and are perfect for petting zoos and other recreational areas.

The Mammoth donkey comes in a variety of colors, including white, gray, chestnut, and deep black. Most breeders prefer the black, chestnut, and roan varieties. Mammoth donkeys with dark gray coats are often looked down upon by breeders.

Most varieties have a dark stripe that stretches from the mane to the tail. They also have distinctive, large ears measuring about 33 inches from tip to tip and a mane that’s either straight or curly.

These donkeys are often quite tall, with males reaching up to 5 feet 8 inches in height at the withers and females reaching 5 feet 6 inches high. However, finding donkeys taller than the said heights is not impossible.

3 Little-Known Facts About the Mammoth Donkey

1. It’s closely tied with one of America’s founding fathers, George Washington

While serving as president, George Washington worked tirelessly to ensure America got strong draft animals for farming and other agricultural work. And when he discovered the Mammoth donkey, a breed native to Europe at the time, he acquired the first Mammoth donkeys in America and imported more from abroad, helping to rapidly accelerate their domestication.

2. Today’s Mammoth donkey derives from 5 different breeds

Those breeds include the Andalusian from Spain, the finer-boned Catalonian donkey from Spain, the Majorcan from Spain, the Maltese from Malta, and the French Poitou from France.

3. They are perfect for petting zoos

Farming aside, Mammoth donkeys also make wonderful pets due to their calm temperament and gentle nature. While they are quite large, they are generally docile creatures and are perfect for petting zoos and other recreational areas.

Temperament & Intelligence of the Mammoth Donkeys

Mammoth donkeys are generally docile animals with a gentle temperament and a strong work ethic. These sturdy creatures don’t tire easily but can also graze for 16 hours straight when hungry.

They generally take a longer time to mature compared to other donkeys. It’s recommended that you should only subject this breed to strenuous work after they’re five years or older. Overworking them while young could lead to problems with their bone development and other health issues.

Are These Donkeys Good for Families?

Overall, Mammoth donkeys are hard-working, friendly animals that make excellent additions to the farm and family. With good care and a balanced diet, these animals can thrive in any setting and are sure to provide years of service to their owners.

Does the Mammoth Donkey Get Along With Other Animals?

Mammoth donkeys are typically very friendly and get along well with other farm animals, including horses, sheep, cattle, and pigs. They’re also great around pets such as dogs and cats. However, it’s important to slowly introduce Mammoth donkeys to your existing animals and make sure that they all get along before leaving them on their own.

Things to Know When Owning a Mammoth Donkey

Food & Diet Requirements

Mammoth donkeys typically do well on a pasture-based diet as long as they have plenty of hay and access to fresh water. However, these donkeys also require some grain in their diet.

A good rule of thumb is to feed them about 2 pounds of high-quality grain per month for every 100 pounds the donkey weighs. Always consult with a veterinarian before making any major changes to your Mammoth donkey’s diet.

Avoid feeding your donkey any food scraps or byproducts, as they are prone to developing various health problems from eating such foods. However, you could always supplement your animal’s diet with fruits and vegetables to ensure they get their required dose of vitamins and other essential minerals.

Exercise

With their large size and strong work ethic, Mammoth donkeys require a good amount of care. You’ll need to make sure that they get plenty of food, water, and rest.

This also means ensuring that you’re incorporating enough breaks in between strenuous tasks. Mammoth donkeys may also need to be shod from time to time, so you’ll want to hire a professional farrier who specializes in Mammoth donkey hooves.

In terms of shelter, these animals are fairly sturdy and can typically be housed in simple, open barns. However, you may want to invest in extra protection from the elements as they might get chilly due to their large size.

Training

If you’re thinking about investing in Mammoth donkeys, be sure to do plenty of research beforehand and work with experienced breeders who can help answer your questions and provide support along the way.

However, getting a Mammoth donkey may not be such a good idea if you’re inexperienced with caring for large farm animals. These animals require plenty of care and attention, and they may be prone to various health problems that can be costly and time-consuming to treat.

If you’re up for the challenge, though, investing in a Mammoth donkey could be a great way to experience all the benefits that these large animals have to offer. With their gentle temperaments and hard-working nature, Mammoth donkeys are a great addition to any farm or homestead.

Grooming

Donkeys will grow a thicker coat during the winter months to keep them warm. It is not available to brush your donkey when it is cold, but rather wait until the springtime when the weather is warmer. Also, it is not necessary to bathe your donkey frequently as this can remove natural oils from its coat. Once or twice a year is enough.

It is also important to examine your donkeys’ hooves for any infections and trim them every 6 to 8 weeks.

Health and Conditions

Mammoth donkeys are generally quite healthy, but they may be prone to various health issues depending on their genetics and lifestyle.

It’s important to closely monitor your Mammoth donkey’s health and bring them to the vet at the first sign of any health problems. Be sure to provide your donkey with a nutritious diet, give them plenty of rest, and regularly deworm and vaccinate them as recommended by your vet.

If you’re interested in breeding them, it’s important to be aware of the different conditions that can affect their pregnancies. For instance, pregnant donkeys are prone to gestational chorioptic mange and endometritis, both of which need to be treated promptly by a veterinarian.

In terms of general care, Mammoth donkeys require vaccinations and regular deworming treatments throughout their lives to keep them in optimal health. Foals will also need to be castrated when they’re around six months old.

Additionally, Mammoth donkeys can also experience some difficulties during delivery due to their large size. It’s, therefore, crucial to work with an experienced vet and farrier who is used to handling Mammoth donkey births. Attempting any home deliveries on your own is never a good idea.

Male vs Female

There are no major differences between male and female Mammoth donkeys except their size. Jennies are a bit shorter and tend to weigh less.

Conclusion

Whether you’re an experienced animal owner or just starting out, Mammoth donkeys can make excellent companions and work animals. With their large size, friendly dispositions, and hard-working nature, Mammoth donkeys are a popular choice for many farmers and homesteaders. However, it’s important to be aware of the potential health issues to maintain a healthy animal.

Featured Image Credit: Tracy Kerestesh, Shutterstock