Discover adorable fluffy Micro & Mini cows, fluffy Micro & Mini donkeys, and Reg. Mini Juliana pigs at Sunset Ridge Minis.
Information for each Breed
Juliana Mini Pigs
Highland Mini Cows
Highland Mini Cows
Juliana Mini Pigs
The Juliana Pig is a small, colorful pig thought to originate in Europe through selective breeding of various kinds of pigs. Its temperament is of the utmost importance since the Juliana has been specifically bred to work with humans, much like the friendly nature found in fluffy mini cows and fluffy mini donkeys.
General Appearance
The Juliana is a small, colorfully spotted pig, resembling a mini version of a large hog or feral pig rather than a Pot Belly pig. It should be lean, longer than it is tall, and athletic in appearance, similar to how mini cows and mini Juliana pigs are perceived. The Juliana should never be pudgy, heavily wrinkled, or sluggish in appearance.
Head
The most prominent feature of the head is a long straight snout that is neither turned up nor snubbed. Eyes are almond-shaped, clearly visible, and can be blue to almost black. Ears are small and erect. Heavy jowls and a stubbed nose are to be discouraged, just as one would prefer a well-formed head on a Highland cow.
Body
Lean and muscular, the Juliana pig should never look round or flabby. The top line should be straight and of good length, maintaining the athletic build found in mini Juliana pigs.
Color
Always spotted—the base color can be silver, white, red, rust, black, or cream. Spots are generally black but can also be red or white. Spotting should be profuse and random, not in a piebald pattern. Spotting may fade or blend in as the hair coat gets longer, but pigmentation on the skin must be visible when washed or shaved. The hair coat is coarse, thick, and may be quite long in the winter, similar to the fur found on Highland cows.
Size
On average, the Juliana pig stands at 15 to 19 inches in height, making it a perfect companion among other mini animals.
Sunset Ridge is the only breeder in the state of Kentucky recognized by, and a member of, the JPAR (Juliana Pig Association and Registry).
Highland Mini Cows
Highland Mini Cows
Highland Mini Cows
Mini Highland cattle, often referred to as fluffy mini cows, are perfect for small acreages. These miniature cows can be anywhere from 1/2 to even 1/3 the size of standard cattle, meaning they require less feed and land. We recommend one miniature cow per ½ to 1-acre of grass, along with good quality hay during the winter months.
Mini Scottish Highlands are a hardy breed capable of withstanding harsh winter temperatures as well as hot summer conditions, provided they have adequate shade and water.
Size-wise, mini Highland cows typically stand 36–48 inches tall at the hip and weigh up to 800 pounds, making them manageable for smaller farms.
In terms of temperament, fluffy mini cows are known for their docile and calm nature, enjoying the company of people and other animals.
Care for mini Highland cows is less demanding than for standard cattle. They can thrive on a pasture as small as half an acre and get along well with various livestock, including goats, sheep, chickens, and even fluffy mini donkeys.
Health-wise, mini Highland cows can be susceptible to issues like bloating and grass tetany, which is due to low magnesium levels in the blood.
Breeding these mini Highland cows is done through selective breeding, focusing on pairing cows with the bovine chondrodysplasia gene (chondro positive) with those without the gene (chondro negative).
Finally, the cost of mini Highland cows varies based on factors such as sex, color, and mature size, similar to mini Juliana pigs.
Micro & Mini Donkeys
Micro & Mini Donkeys
Micro & Mini Donkeys
Mini Donkeys and Fluffy Mini Donkeys are both charming additions to any farm. Mini Donkeys, also known as Micro Donkeys, are typically under 30 inches tall. In contrast, Miniature donkeys usually stand around 33–34 inches at the withers and weigh between 200–450 pounds. They are classified as miniature if they are 36 inches tall or less, making them a perfect companion alongside fluffy mini cows or mini Juliana pigs.
Temperament
Miniature donkeys are known for their gentle, intelligent, and sociable nature. They are also observant and cautious, making them great companions for both humans and other animals.
Communication
These adorable Mini Donkeys communicate with one another using vocalizations often referred to as hee-haws or yodels.
Adaptations
Miniature donkeys possess small, cupped hooves that allow them to navigate steep slopes and rocky terrains with ease. Remarkably, they can also go long periods without drinking water, making them resilient animals.
Diet
In their natural habitat, Miniature donkeys feed on grasses, shrubs, and desert plants. When kept in captivity, they thrive on hay and mineral supplements, ensuring they remain healthy alongside fluffy mini cows or other livestock.
Lifespan
In the wild, Miniature donkeys typically live between 25–30 years, while those in captivity can enjoy a lifespan of 30–35 years.
Social Needs
Miniature donkeys are social creatures that need companionship; without a friend, they can become clinically depressed. They can be paired with another Miniature donkey, a miniature or regular-sized horse, or even goats if raised together.
What are Mini Donkeys good for?
These delightful creatures are not only adorable but also practical! They help keep predators like coyotes away; full-size donkeys can even kill coyotes, while Mini Donkeys will bite, kick, and generally deter them. Furthermore, they assist in managing weeds and their manure can be used to create excellent compost for gardens, benefiting the growth of crops alongside other farm animals like fluffy mini cows.
HighPark Cows
Micro & Mini Donkeys
Micro & Mini Donkeys
HighPark Breed Standard
To be classified as a HighPark, the breed must consist of 50% or more Scottish Highland genetics. These charming fluffy mini cows typically feature a primarily white body complemented by black, red, or dark-colored points or tips. Individuals can be either polled or horned, with horned varieties being the most common and preferred for this breed.
For size classifications, we have:
- “Micro HighPark” for those measuring under 36 inches tall at the top of the back (at the base of the tailbone).
- “Miniature HighPark,” which includes individuals measuring between 36.25 to 42 inches at the same height, and they must be at least 3 years old.
- “Mid-size HighPark,” applicable to heights of 42.25 to 48 inches, also at age 3 or older.
- “Full Size HighPark,” for those exceeding 48 inches tall at age 3 or older.
Sunset Ridge Farm specializes in these delightful breeds, including the Micro, Mini, and Mid-Size HighPark, along with other adorable farm animals like fluffy mini donkeys and mini Juliana pigs.
Announcement
Welcome! Sunset Ridge Minis is still under construction as we have lots of pictures to add in our Meet our animals tab, but go ahead and check out who we have so far.