December 14, 2010
Deep in thought
Posted by Morning Bray under Burros, Donkeys | Tags: Bernard, donkey affection, donkey behavior, Fergus |[27] Comments
October 14, 2010
The daily lineup
Posted by Morning Bray under Burros, Donkeys | Tags: donkey behavior |[36] Comments
Just like clockwork, the boys line up next to the barn for a stand up siesta every afternoon. Oddly enough, most of the time they’re in the same order and same direction. Ellsworth on the left facing north. Bernard to Ellsworth’s south, facing south. Fergus to Bernard’s south, facing north. Nigel to Fergus’s south, facing north.
Remember to click on the photo to embiggen if you’d like to see more detail. Thank you, Vicki in Michigan for the fabulous word embiggen. ♥
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July 23, 2010
A party in Ellsworth’s mouth?
Posted by Morning Bray under Donkeys | Tags: behavior, donkey behavior, Ellsworth |[43] Comments
We’re not quite sure what to make of this behavior from Ellsworth. As we mentioned a couple of weeks ago, the flies are bad here this year, and we’re doing everything we can to fight them.
Over the last week or so though, we’ve been finding Ellsworth standing around with his mouth hanging open. Odd.
Aside from this strange behavior, it’s business as usual. There have been absolutely no other changes in his routine or behavior. He’s eating fine and plays like he always does.
Any ideas out there? We’re thinking it’s not the flehmen response. Is he just letting the flies have a party in his mouth?
Be sure to check out the For the love of donkeys page today. You’re going to love it. ♥
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July 1, 2010
Why do donkeys lay their heads on one another?
Posted by Morning Bray under Burros, Donkeys | Tags: burros, donkey behavior, donkeys |[26] Comments
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!
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March 17, 2010
Scratch please
Posted by Morning Bray under Donkeys | Tags: Bernard, donkey behavior, donkeys, Ellsworth, scratch, The Donkey Sanctuary |[8] Comments
…patting a donkey is not really viewed as a positive experience by the donkey. Donkeys do not pat each other, and therefore find it difficult to understand what patting means. Patting is very similar to swatting a fly or smacking the animal, therefore it is always best to scratch the animal as a reward for good behaviour.
-The Donkey Sanctuary. “Understanding Donkey Behaviour,” 2006
Ain’t that the truth. The boys love to be scratched.
Bernard, Ellsworth gets a turn too.
We know how much you enjoy a good scratch…
…however, Ellsworth really does deserve a turn.
Obviously, you think otherwise.
Morning Bray Farm 