Howdy,
Donkeys NEED a strong playmate to grab ahold of the neck, play tug with a food bowl and chase after. Donkeys are not horses they are donkeys and they play different from the horse. If you have a herd of cows and a donkey chasing after them I would say your donkey is bored and more than likely young and has no donkey to play with he/she is bored to death.
Never leave a donkey with baby sheep, goats or baby cows as the donkey can get bored and pick up the youngster by the neck “donkeys play really rough and can kill the animal not big enough to defend itself.” Donkeys are not being crazy or mean they are just doing what donkeys do playing, they need a play mate that can play the way Donkeys play. Check out my youtbue video “Size Does Not Matter“ to see how donkeys play.
Ideas To Stop This Behavior – Remember Donkeys Are Thinkers and They Get Bored Easy
1. Make sure your donkey has toys, black feed bowl or orange traffic cone – Donkeys like to play with their mouths all the time
2. If your donkey is a Jack turn him into a John
3. Please remember Donkeys go in two’s, get your donkey another donkey to play with and chase. Never ever leave your donkey with an animal too small as donkeys are just being donkeys they play really rough with their mouths and grab the neck of the playmate. This is why donkeys have such thick necks compared to the horse as donkeys grab the neck of another donkey. My donkeys would never attempt to grab my horses neck. Why? She is a strong big horse not a donkey! Smile.
Please share information and enjoy your donkeys as donkeys are most happiest with another donkey and remember Donkeys are indeed precious gifts from GOD.
GOD bless you and your family two and four-legged!
Melody
http://www.donkeywhisperer.com
Donkey Whisperer Farm
February 20, 2012 at 3:52 am
Thank you for your comment. Yes I study Parelli natural and try very hard to help others understand donkeys can do everything the horse can
kellysw
April 11, 2012 at 7:21 pm
Dear Donkey Whisperer,
This is a wonderful post! Being a donkey care-giver, I can tell you the most important aspect of donkey health is having a playmate and for many donkeys that means at least one donkey friend; any size will do! Donkeys are species specific and tend to go towards their own kind. They will love your horse or mule in time, but when you get a donkey do try to have at least two! You will see a big difference in their psychological well-being and in their attitude towards you and life in general. When we place donkeys in new homes they go in twos! Toys are great………try a sturdy piece of wood that is safe and won’t splinter………….oh, it is heaven on Earth!
Love to you and all your insights into donkeydom!
Donkey Whisperer Farm
April 12, 2012 at 1:25 pm
Thank you for taking the time to comment. I agree