Why Would Donkeys Dig in the Soil?
Donkeys are a form of equine but are a hardier animal than a horse. Donkeys have tougher feet, are more cautious, will eat and drink no matter what, and have many survival skills. Donkeys can be ridden, used as pack animals and are also used to guard sheep. When danger is near by they will bray and even charge. They also dig in the soil for a variety of reasons.
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Bug Repellent
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Donkeys will dig in the soil to loosen up the dirt on the ground to prepare it for them to lay or roll in. Donkeys like to roll in loose dirt to scratch their backs and to cover their bodies with a layer of dirt. This layer of dirt protects them from the biting bugs that they will encounter during warm weather.
Nutrition
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Donkeys are very self reliant and when they need something, like most animals they will improvise. Many times, donkeys are not fed the right nutrition because they are taken care of like horses. Although they are very similar animals, they do have different dietary needs. If a donkey is not getting the vitamins or minerals he requires, a donkey will dig in the dirt and eat the dirt. Doing this, the donkey is satisfying his nutritional needs.
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Heat Relief
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When it is hot outside, donkeys will look for cool spots in the soil and even places that could have water. If there are any signs of an old puddle, the donkey can dig there, make the area muddier perhaps and then lie down. It is a great relief to them on a hot day. If they do make mud, they can then roll in the mud and make a thicker dirt cover for their skin.
Behavior
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Sometimes a behavior called pawing can resemble digging. Pawing is when an animal digs in frustration with one foot. Things that frustrate animals to paw are bugs, waiting to be fed or even a nervous habit. It is a very hard habit to break and can be very annoying.
Sign of Pain
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Although donkeys are known for being stoic about their health, some will show signs of pain. Pawing and digging can be signs of a donkey being in pain. Generally the type of pain that causes pawing or digging is colic, which is when their stomachs hurt. They dig to lay down and roll in desperation that it will help ease the pain.
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References
- Photo Credit donkey image by Lovrencg from Fotolia.com
