Donkeys are known to form strong attachments to other donkeys. When this happens, they are often referred to as a bonded pair. Separating a pair of bonded donkeys can cause extreme stress to both individuals.
Bonded pairs are frequently referenced among donkey owners, and have been scientifically validated based on a study of domestic donkeys published in 2012.
Blue (right) and Moon (left)
Case Study: Blue & Moon – History
I did a lot of research before adopting Blue and Moon, two BLM burros from Arizona.
While they were gathered from the same HMA (herd management area), they were gathered on different dates, so it is unlikely they had interacted in the wild. Both came to a Colorado-based donkey rescue and adoption facility in the fall of 2021, where we selected them.
From early pictures, Blue and Moon were often positioned right next to each other. They came to live with us in February 2022, where they would be the only donkeys.
Blue and Moon would move in sync with each other.
Even when turned out in a larger pasture, they were usually within 20 feet of each other at all times. I once tried separating them after Blue injured Moon playing rough so Moon would have some time to heal. Blue then scraped up his face trying to escape to get back to Moon.
“Exceptionally Difficult”
Blue and Moon have been extra difficult to train. While I am new to donkeys, I quickly recognized I was in over my head and asked for help.
I’ve had multiple donkey professionals weigh in on their training and behaviors. I’ve also taken lessons on how to train my donkeys, read books, and taken online courses to better understand and read their body language.
Blue and Moon at sunset
Moon, while slow to train, behaved like a normal donkey. His body language makes sense, and he acts in a predictable way. We have been able to make slow progress over the last year and a half.
Blue, on the other hand, has been very difficult to read.
He’s reactive and, at times, explosive.
It was hard for me to relax around him, as I was constantly nervous about getting kicked.
After a year and a half of trying to train these two, I hit my breaking point.
I had put Blue in a squeeze pen to try and get some fly spray on him and he tried to kick me, through the fence panel. I was terrified he would get his leg stuck in the metal fencing and break it.
It became crystal clear in that instant that it was time to make a change.
Changing it Up
I reached out to a local donkey sanctuary, ReDONKulous Ranch, for help. Amber and Brad had come out a few months earlier to help me on the farm and were familiar with my situation. They were quick to help me formulate a plan.
Trailer desensitization
I was very concerned about separating Blue and Moon.
They were clearly a bonded pair, and I was sure separating them would cause a lot of stress. I requested that Amber and Brad bring me two donkeys–one to stay with Moon, and the other to ride in the trailer with Blue so he wouldn’t be by himself.
Einstein, the donkey I rent for pack burro racing, came to live with Moon. Einstein is an absolute saint–he’s quiet and chill, and had come to stay with us earlier in the year so I could log some training miles with him.
Amber and Brad brought Burrito, another calm, well-trained donkey to make the trip with Blue.
We unloaded Einstein, leaving Burrito on the trailer, before herding Blue and Moon onto the trailer. This was their first time getting on a trailer in a year and a half, and it only took a few minutes! I was shocked at how easy it was to load them.
Then, we were able to halter Moon on the trailer and lead him back off. Blue stayed in the trailer with Burrito.
I was sure there would be braying, kicking, and signs that the donkeys were stressed. But they had no reaction.
Everyone was fine.
Honestly? I was more stressed out than any of the donkeys!
While it seemed like Blue and Moon were a bonded pair, I’m guessing their time spent in the wild (6-7 years each) makes them more “fluid” when it comes to changing up the herd.
If I were to separate them without providing another donkey companion, I’m sure it would have been a stressful event. As long as they have a friend, it’s business-as-usual.
Einstein “ponying” Moon
Individual Progress
The decision to separate Blue and Mon was a difficult one. However, it’s proved to be one of the best thing I could have done.
In one month, Moon has progressed more than in a year and a half. He haltered easily, lead, loads on/off the trailer, and allowed me to pick out his left feet for the first time. He allowed me on his right side, and tolerated me applying Swat ointment for fly control.
Moon went to another farm for almost a week to hang out with some new donkeys while Einstein races the Pack Burro Racing Triple Crown. He did great, and it strengthened our bond even more. I am incredibly proud of this donkey!
Source: Bottomless Backpacks
Blue is also making progress. He moved in with an older group of donkeys that helped better balance out his energy. Blue is able to be haltered, led, and fly sprayed. He’s got handlers working with him that are confident and aren’t intimidated by his behaviors. I got weekly updates on him and look forward to seeing his continued progress!
Conclusion
Yes, donkeys can form bonded pairs.
In the case of Blue and Moon, both formerly wild burros, disrupting this bond did not cause stress like it may have with a pair of domestic donkeys.
Providing another donkey companion was not only sufficient, but a calming presence that has allowed both individuals to make significant training progress in a short period of time.
P.S. Enjoy this article? Trot on over to:
- Do Senior Donkeys Need Joint Supplements?
- Barn Management Best Practices for Burros
- Owning Donkeys for Beginners (Pros, Cons, What to Expect)
- Safety First: How Much Can a Donkey Carry?
- 13 Best Treats and Toys for Busy-Minded Donkeys
- Donkey vs. horse nutrition: What’s the difference?
Sources:
Pair-bonding and companion recognition in domestic donkeys, Equus asinus
