What do donkeys do

The bray is one of six sounds made by a donkey. The other sounds are a growl, grunt, squeal, whuffle and snort. The bray is the loudest and can travel over several kilometres and is individual to each donkey. The flehmen response helps transfer smells to an organ just above the roof of the mouth that processes new smells.

The legend of the cross. Most donkeys display a cross of dark coloured fur on their backs. Some believers see the cross-shaped marking as a symbol of the animal bearing Jesus into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday. Donkeys help children to learn. In places like Ethiopia, Zimbabwe and Colombia donkeys bring education and spread the joy of reading to children by pulling makeshift mobile libraries , when otherwise books might not be accessible.

In times of war. Donkeys have worked on the frontline carrying wounded soldiers and supplies. Their presence can mean the difference between life and death.

John found a stray donkey on the beaches, which helped to carry casualties from the front line. Eco donkeys. 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.

If you are interested in donkey behaviour or are looking to train your donkey, follow the link to find out more and attend one of our behaviour courses , taking place in different sanctuaries across the country. If you are seeking advice on donkey behaviour, please contact us. Understanding donkey behaviour Exploring the factors that influence their actions.

Bonding Donkeys naturally enjoy the company of their own kind and when other donkeys are not present they may bond with horses, mules or other small stock. Territorial Domesticated donkeys may exhibit more territorial behaviour than horses. Tips for training: Every time you interact with your donkey they will learn something.

Donkeys easily learn things that are closest to their natural behaviours. Activities that are unnatural to donkeys can take longer to learn because they are so far removed from their natural behaviour.

These can include: Being driven or ridden, holding their feet up for the farrier, travelling in a trailer. Behaviour problems Donkeys can develop a number of behaviour problems for various reasons, but a medical condition should always be forefront in your mind. And do not forget — Habitat for Horses has the perfect donkey for you! In many countries of the world, and in many situations, they are used as the preferred mode of transport.

Donkeys are much more of an all terrain animal than horses. Donkeys are in fact a highly intelligent animal despite popular misconception. Donkeys have an incredible memory — they can recognise areas and other donkeys they were with up to 25 years ago. Donkeys are not easily startled unlike horses and have a keen sense of curiosity.

Donkeys have a reputation for stubbornness but this is due to their highly developed sense of self preservation. It is difficult to force or frighten a donkey into doing something it sees as contrary to its own best interest or safety. Donkeys are more independent in their thinking than horses and will reason, then make decisions based on their safety. Training a donkey relies upon showing him or her, by words and action, that they can trust you to protect them from harm. They learn what it is we want them to do if we take time to show them.

Donkeys originate from desert areas of the earth. In the desert environment a donkey is able to hear the call of another donkey 60 miles away, they have far larger ears than horses. Their large ears also help keep them cool.