11/08/2026
A dull donkey is a sick donkey 🫏
Donkeys are masters at masking pain — not because they don’t feel it, but because, as prey animals, showing weakness is dangerous. Remaining quiet and outwardly “normal” is a survival strategy. Unfortunately, this means that illness and pain in donkeys are often recognised late.
In donkeys, the slightest change in behaviour can signal compromised health. Learning to read the donkey is one of the most valuable skills an owner can develop. Subtle cues in ear position, eye expression, nostrils, head and neck carriage, body tension, and tail movement can be far more informative than dramatic signs. A donkey that looks flat, withdrawn, or simply different from their usual self deserves close attention.
Time spent lying down is particularly important. Donkeys normally rest in short bouts, so a donkey lying down for prolonged periods, especially when combined with reduced food intake, should raise concern. Superficial skin lesions or scuff marks from thrashing while recumbent can also indicate discomfort or pain, even if the donkey is quiet when you approach.
Colic can be especially difficult to recognise in donkeys. They may not roll or paw like horses. Instead, pain may show up as a facial grimace — changes in ear position, head and neck posture, and a tense or altered facial expression. These signs are easy to miss unless you’re actively looking for them.
Similarly, donkeys and mules often show minimal response to hoof testers, even with significant foot pain. This is why lameness and laminitis can be underestimated, and why diagnostic tools such as radiography and ultrasound are often needed to fully assess the problem.
Physiologic differences also matter. Donkey heart rates are generally higher than horses, and resting values in donkeys and mules often sit in the mid-40s beats per minute. Interpreting vital signs without recognising these species differences can lead to false reassurance.
The key takeaway is simple but critical: a dull donkey is never normal. If your donkey is quieter, less interactive, eating differently, or just “not quite right,” early veterinary assessment can be lifesaving. With donkeys, waiting for obvious signs often means waiting too long.
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