Why do donkeys lay their heads on one another? All of our boys do this often, and we get asked this question a lot. In fact, Nancy in NC asked just the other day, so I figure now’s the perfect time to offer an answer.
The Donkey Companion provides a great explanation for this typical behavior found in donkeys:
Assurance
Donkeys are physical animals who treasure each other through body contact. A jenny comforts her foal by holding him gently between her chin and her chest. Older youngsters and adults drape their heads across another’s back or rump to reassure or show affection; they rest their heads on a favorite human’s shoulder for the same reason.
There’s nothing at all like having one of the boys rest his head on my back or shoulder. It feels just like getting a big bear hug. ♥
Congratulations to the winner of our 150th post contest; Colleen, who left comment #21 and whose name was chosen using Random.org. She’ll be seeing a Morning Bray Farm t-shirt in her mailbox soon.
We’re so looking forward to celebrating 200 with you all!
July 1, 2010 at 4:34 am
Congratulations, Colleen!
So…Bernard wrapping himself around you like a boa constrictor is the only way he can show you his affection if you’re standing up. It really is a hug.
That’s just sweet.
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July 1, 2010 at 6:57 am
June,
Yup, boa constrictor, octopus, take your pick. 😀 Bernard is amazingly affectionate.
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July 1, 2010 at 5:57 am
Why do donkeys lay their heads on each other? Ummm…because their ears are soo heavy?
🙂
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July 1, 2010 at 6:56 am
C,
I’ve been meaning to tell you… I love your website!
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July 1, 2010 at 11:27 am
Thanks. That’s how I support my horsie habits.
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July 1, 2010 at 6:34 am
C in WI, you crack me up.
It’s good to see that Bernard’s height disadvantage is working for him in this instance.
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July 1, 2010 at 6:58 am
Carson,
Thank goodness being short is a good thing sometimes. 🙂
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July 1, 2010 at 6:53 am
That’s me!!! YAY!!!! Woo hoo!!! THANKS! I love how affectionate they all are – it melts my heart to watch them nuzzle each other and you & your hubby.
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July 1, 2010 at 6:59 am
Colleen,
Yay!!! You’re welcome! Did you get the email I sent you?
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July 1, 2010 at 7:33 am
Congrats Colleen – wear it proudly! Thanks Justina for answering my question – I had pretty much figured out that it was a show of affection. I’d love to have one of the boys give me a donkey hug! I keep going back to that post w/Don & Ellsworth. I’m so happy for Ells…
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July 1, 2010 at 7:57 am
Nancy,
You’re welcome. Hope “your baby” is doing well. 🙂 I have no doubt that donkey hugs would be forthcoming if you came to visit us. 😀
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July 1, 2010 at 8:48 am
My little man is growing like a weed! He’s over 8 lbs now. He does not look like a preemie. He had an appt w/the physical therapist yesterday and it looks like he’s not going to need any! He’s gaining weight, getting stronger and we’re feeling really blessed. Thanks for asking.
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July 1, 2010 at 8:23 am
Congratulations Colleen!
And thank you for the intersting post. I was wondering why Ellsworth rested his chin on Don’s head. Don is just part of the herd.
Lovely photo, as always.
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July 1, 2010 at 12:20 pm
Cathy,
Yes, he is. I just hope Don doesn’t start waking me up in the mornings by braying. 😉
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July 1, 2010 at 8:37 am
It’s akin to when humans lay a hand of comfort on another person’s shoulder I would suppose. Or why a lover lays their head on their spouse’s shoulder. Just because they can and it feels good.
Di
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July 1, 2010 at 12:21 pm
Di,
How perfectly put. Hope you and yours are doing well. Please give our daily hug to Missy. xxoo
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July 1, 2010 at 9:02 am
Our poodles do the same thing to each other! Burro hugs look so sweet.
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July 1, 2010 at 12:21 pm
georgie,
They really are. 🙂
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July 1, 2010 at 2:28 pm
I love that photo. I hope I get a burro hug one day soon. *grin*
xoxo
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July 1, 2010 at 6:00 pm
Carolynn,
I’m thinkin’ you just might. 🙂 xoxo
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July 1, 2010 at 11:11 pm
Love that photo! Congratulations to Colleen.
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July 1, 2010 at 11:12 pm
Shirley,
We knew you would because Nigel’s in it. 😉
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July 2, 2010 at 11:43 am
Congrats to Colleen! I love the Donkey Companion, and that explanation is just so doggone sweet 🙂 Ruby also shows her affection to barn cat Maynard by grooming him. Now if I would be lucky enough to get that on video… I’ll work on it. These donkeys (and all creatures) continue to wow and amaze me daily. Have a wonderful 4th! -Tammy
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July 2, 2010 at 3:36 pm
Tammy,
How cool is that (about Ruby grooming Maynard)? I’d absolutely love to see that video. You have a wonderful 4th as well!
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July 4, 2010 at 5:08 pm
Hugs….thats what I thought!
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October 30, 2014 at 5:35 pm
Love this perfect!
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