For pleasure purposes, geldings (castrated male donkeys) or mares (female donkeys) are generally considered better choices than intact male donkeys (jacks).
When deciding between a male and female donkey, the primary factor often depends on your intended purpose and whether the male is intact or castrated.
Gelding vs. Mare vs. Jack for Pleasure
According to general advice for donkey ownership, if your goal is to keep donkeys for pleasure or companionship, the recommended choices are geldings or mares. The provided reference states:
As a general rule, if you are going to keep donkeys for pleasure, it is advisable to choose geldings or mares and if you do buy young colts, they should be castrated as soon as possible.
This guideline highlights the potential differences in temperament and management between intact males and other types.
| Donkey Type | Sex | Status | General Temperament (for Pleasure) | Suitability for Beginners/Pleasure |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mare | Female | Intact | Generally calm, can be maternal. | Good |
| Gelding | Male | Castrated | Often calm, steady, and reliable. | Excellent |
| Jack | Male | Intact | Can be more territorial, vocal, and harder to manage, especially when mature. | Less Advisable (for pleasure) |
Why Geldings and Mares are Preferred for Pleasure
- Temperament: Geldings are typically known for their calm, consistent, and easy-going nature once castrated. Mares are generally good-natured, though their behavior can sometimes be influenced by their heat cycles.
- Manageability: Intact male donkeys, or jacks, especially mature ones, can exhibit behaviors driven by hormones, such as strong herding instincts, territoriality, protectiveness, and increased vocalization. These behaviors, while natural, can make them more challenging for casual owners or those new to donkeys.
- Compatibility: Geldings and mares tend to integrate more easily into mixed-sex groups or pastures compared to jacks, which may need to be housed separately.
Practical Considerations
- If you acquire a young male donkey (colt) and do not intend to use him for breeding, it is highly recommended to have him castrated by a veterinarian as early as appropriate. This aligns with the advice to manage colts by castration.
- Always consider the individual donkey's personality and training, as these factors also play a significant role in their suitability as a companion.
In summary, while both male and female donkeys can make wonderful companions, the consensus for non-breeding, pleasure ownership leans towards geldings and mares due to their typically more predictable and manageable temperaments compared to intact jacks.
