What makes donkey

Close bonds between two donkeys are called pair bonds, and there is also research to prove their legitimacy. This is why for those interested in owning a donkey, it's commonly advised to bring home two, or at least place your donkey with potential friends such as a horse.

Donkeys are naturally aggressive toward canid animals. As a result, they are sometimes used as "guardians" for livestock — they can defend against a dog, coyote, fox, or even bobcat that's bothering a herd of sheep or goats.

The livestock will begin to see the donkeys as protectors and gravitate toward them when they feel they are in danger. Donkeys are known for being obstinate, planting their feet and staying put regardless of how hard a handler pulls. But just because they have a tendency to resist doesn't mean they're dumb, as commonly assumed.

Quite the opposite. Donkeys have a keen sense of self-preservation. If they feel they're in danger, rather than running away, they'll stand their ground and refuse to move, giving them time to make their own decision about whether or not it's safe to keep going forward. It's a distinct difference from horses which, when frightened, usually flee immediately. Miniature donkeys are impressively small. Native to Sicily and Sardinia, they stand no taller than three feet high at the shoulder.

It's important to note that unlike many other miniature animal breeds, the miniature donkey is not a bred-down version of the "normal" animal — its size is natural. Published September 11, Kimura, Birgitta, et al. Moehlman, P. Murray, Leigh M. Actively scan device characteristics for identification. Use precise geolocation data. Select personalised content. Create a personalised content profile. Measure ad performance.

Select basic ads. Create a personalised ads profile. Select personalised ads. A slight widening of the eyes might be misread as an increased curiosity, when it could actually mean fear or stress.

A lack of movement away from a fearful object can easily be misread as confidence rather than the donkeys reduced flight response. The better you get to know your donkey and what is usual for them, the easier it will be to spot these subtle changes.

If you are keen to find out more about donkey behaviour, our fact sheet on understanding donkey behaviour may help you to learn more about these complex animals.

Donkeys can develop a number of behaviour problems for various reasons, but a medical condition should always be forefront in your mind. Donkeys are not aware of our perceptions of good or bad behaviour, they only understand what is effective for them, and so if they learn that a problematic behaviour can be effective in getting what they want then they will repeat it. It is difficult to know whether behaviours are passed on through the genes or if certain behaviour is learnt from parents during the juvenile stage.

Therefore, it is important that all mares in foal are well-handled so that they develop the correct behaviours towards humans, and that foals should be consistently handled correctly as they are growing up. Donkeys have evolved to travel long distances in search of sparse vegetation. This search for food, and the environment in which the donkeys lived, kept them mentally stimulated, fit and lean. The domesticated donkey lives in a restricted environment.

As a result of these restrictions, domestication can cause donkeys many problems ranging from overfeeding, boredom and poor social interaction. One of the most important elements provided by the environment is mental stimulation.

Without this stimulation, problem behaviours develop; these behaviours are often designed to relieve the boredom of domestication. If you own a donkey or are looking to purchase one and are unsure on the conditions you should be keeping them in, follow the link to our fact sheets to find out more information.

Some useful measurements for your stable and keeping donkeys on small pastures should help you to make sure your donkey is as comfortable as possible. In all cases of behavioural problems, it is advisable to consult your vet first to eliminate pain as a possible cause of behaviour change.

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