Short summary of a document provided by Amy McLean academic ethologist, professor at the University of California Davis
INTRODUCTION
The donkey, the first equine domesticated more than 5,000 years ago, owes its domestication to its docile nature, despite its natural tendency to fight rather than flee, unlike horses and other equines. Mules (male donkey crossed with a mare) and hinnies (stallion crossed with a female donkey) inherit the behavioral characteristics of both species. Some owners prefer mules, others prefer hinny, depending on the job and environment, but there is no evidence to show that one hybrid is better suited for the job than the other. The historical importance of mules and donkeys raises questions, especially for mules: "How can a pack animal be so difficult for so many people, while being such a crucial part of society?"
KEY POINTS
Donkeys and mules exhibit distinct behavior from horses, requiring more patience in their training and handling. Their high pain tolerance makes it difficult to diagnose diseases by usual equine standards. Their dietary, social and reproductive behavior is specific. Mules can exhibit unique behaviors, such as difficulty being caught or sensitive ears, often requiring years to overcome, or never changing. Establishing trust with these animals can take time. Their unique behavior raises awareness of the demand for specialized knowledge in veterinary care. It is crucial to recognize that donkeys and mules behave differently from horses, thus avoiding generalization errors. Working with them can teach patience and the importance of recognizing even the slightest behavioral variations as signs of potential health problems. New owners and practitioners benefit from being aware of these differences and learning to manage them rather than fight them.
NORMAL BEHAVIOR: DONKEY, MULE, BARDOT
Mules and donkeys are animals of habit and react poorly to changes in their daily routine. A change in feeding schedule or the presence of unfamiliar staff can disrupt their behavior. These animals develop bonds with their caregivers once trust is established. Treats, a calm voice and tactile contact can be used as positive reinforcement.
In general, donkeys are easier to work with than mules, even if they have not been handled from a young age. Women and children in many developing countries often work with donkeys, exploiting their gentle nature but sometimes compromising their well-being. Mules are generally more difficult to handle but are often subjected to harsher treatment.
Human interactions with mules vary from very good to very poor. Those who understand the behavior of mules often prefer them to horses. Mules handled correctly from a young age are more tolerant of unfamiliar personnel. Owner preferences for mules and donkeys vary depending on their use, beliefs, and experiences. Differentiating normal from abnormal behavior is essential to providing professional care to these animals, as their stoic nature can mask pain. Mules and donkeys can suffer from colic and lameness, although this is sometimes misunderstood. Rolling is a normal behavior for them, but its frequency and duration may indicate behavioral or health problems.
HOW TO APPROACH MULES AND DONKEYS
Behavioral assessments reveal that mules, in particular, trust a familiar person more than an unfamiliar person. To successfully approach a mule for the first time, it is recommended to approach from the front towards its front rather than from the side. Donkeys are generally more tolerant of strangers and easier to approach than mules or horses. Approaching the donkey first from the front, then from the side once it has accepted the person, seems to be an effective strategy. A healthy donkey or mule will spend most of its time grazing, grooming, and possibly dust bathing. Any changes in these usual behaviors, such as lying in bed longer than usual, stopping eating, or isolating yourself from others, will be closely monitored.
- Interpreting body language, i.e. the presentation of the head, eyes, nostrils, neck and body, as well as observing the tail and the shift of weight on the hind limbs, is essential
- Mules have a higher reasoning capacity than horses
- They prefer open spaces to confined spaces
- Owners have observed that their mules have varied acceptances regarding the size of their stall unlike horses which tolerate small volumes
- Certain mule behaviors, such as dodging ears or refusing to be caught, may call for negotiation rather than correction
SOCIAL BEHAVIOR
Donkeys and mules are social animals that enjoy the company of others. They develop strong attachment bonds. Some mules can even become excessively attached to their companion, making their separation unmanageable.
Mules tend to group together in a homogeneous herd, but if necessary they can also form one with horses. In California, a few wild mules are observed, an interesting phenomenon because they are rare, donkeys and horses generally occupy separate areas.
Play and socialization are important to domestic donkeys and mules because they establish a social hierarchy through the development of dominance strategies such as learning to fight by biting key areas like the throat and knees. In mules, it is not uncommon for play to exceed its limits and lead to fighting behavior; Sometimes, some breeds can become too aggressive towards other animals and it is then necessary to castrate them.
It is commonly accepted that mules need to be handled from a young age to facilitate their training. Donkeys are naturally more attracted to female donkeys than to mares, but the latter's receptivity to heat increases with the duration and regularity of exposure to donkeys. Some mares may refuse mating and require sedation and physical restraint.
Mules in heat can behave like their mare counterparts and some owners choose to have them ovariectomized to avoid this, especially in those used in competition. Mules are usually neutered to reduce their aggressive behavior.
Source :
McLean, A. K., Navas González, F. J., & Canisso, I. F. (2019). Donkey and Mule Behavior. Veterinary Clinics of North America - Equine Practice, 35(3), 575-588. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cveq.2019.08.010
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