I have been receiving lots of inquiries asking me what to do when fly’s are eating donkeys’ faces and legs. I really have had a difficult time understanding why this is happening until I saw the photo below showing a donkey rescued and needing immediate medical attention.
Remember, you chose the equine. They did not choose you.
“You are the smart human who took the equine in. It is your job to care for the animal and give him/her a great life.” Shame on people who throw any animal out in a pasture and never check on them to ensure they are safe and healthy.
Allergies:
Did you know animals get allergies? YES!
You must seek medical attention if your equine (donkey, mule, or horse) is not getting well. Donkeys can have an auto-immune health issue, which can cause them to be allergic to almost anything. Zertech, Bendadryl, and Apoquel may work for your donkey. Make sure to check for Cushing’s with a blood work check, as the immune system is often compromised due to Cushing’s. Please work with your vet.
How do I prevent Flies?
1. We pick up the poop out of the paddock, shelter, and track (hot wire) twice a day and compost it away from the equine. Cover the compost pile with a plastic tarp.
2. We have been using Fly Predators since 2007 as they work.
3. I check my equines twice a day for wounds, medicate them immediately, and pick their hooves.
4. Use a fly mask if needed and medicate when they have sores immediately. Please have empathy; think how you would like to be stuck in a place hot with flies and poop everywhere. It is horrible.
5. Fans in the shelter placed up high help.
5. Create a track using hot wire, this way you are controlling the diet and have an easy way to pick up the poop each day.
A massive bonus to picking up the poop is parasite control. Picking up the poop and composting stops worms dead in their tracks too 🙂 We take fecal samples in the spring and fall to the vet and do not worm them unless the vet says wormer is needed. We give the donkeys and horses the wormer the veterinarian recommends to prevent drug-resistant parasites. Equines with resistant parasites can, in many cases, never be wholly wormed as no wormer works, making this equine a host to infect the herd.
Select What diseases do flies carry?
How do I take care of ticks and lice? I use Ultra Boss on the poll of the donkeys because their thick fur powders do not work. Give the donkeys a bath with warm water and anti-fungus shampoo and conditioner. Do not spray the face with the hose; hand wash the face. Note: Donkeys do not like baths until they know for sure it feels good. Eventually, your donkey will learn to enjoy it. Tie the donkeys up together and give them a bath together.
GOD bless you and your family, two and four-legged!
Melody Johnson
Donkey Racing and Play in Paradise Paddock Track
Donkeys evolved from the desert; donkeys gain weight quickly without a strict diet. All equines need to run, play, and move to stay physically, emotionally, and mentally healthy. Most people have a dry lot for the easy keeper. We have learned this does not work, as the equines stand staring at the house, waiting for the next meal. We have four tracks on the Donkey Whisperer Farm ®, making it easy to rotate our six donkeys and two horses. The middle of the track is used for grazing for a limited time.
Learn how to keep the desert equine the donkey healthy while living in the green part of the world. Watch our donkeys racing and playing on one of our four Paradise Paddock Track. Read our blog post, Donkey Diet Consider A Donkey Track. Order adjustable donkey halters with matching leads, E-Training, and more in our store at Donkey Whisperer Farm ®.
I’ve only had my donkey & mini-mule for 3 months but here in NC it has been so humid that the flies are plentiful. The donkey has more flies than the mini-mule but I’ve had GREAT success using: 1 part Avon skin so soft, 1 part white vinegar, & 1 part water. I put it in a spray bottle and use mainly on the donk’s ankles. Hope this helps.
In my most humble opinion most important part is to remove the poop, compost away from the equine. Use fly predators as they work 🙂 No flys, no problems. I use marigold spray for mosquitos on my horse and donkeys as it is non-toxic and works great. Thank you for reading my blog and thank you for taking a moment to make a comment I really appreciate all of our readers. Would love to see your donkeys if you would like to share a photo it is fun to share. Melody
We have terrible biting flies, huge horseflies, flies, mosquitoes, etc and my Dad swears by diesel, which we have used for years on our horses without any ill effects. We have found that all other commerical fly sprays have bothered our horse’s skin and aren’t as effective. They are kept out to pasture with the cows all summer and usually only need one application every three or four days.
I’m sorry I would never put anything toxic on my equine. 🙁 The first defense is removing the flys food poop being pro-active is number one. Thank you for your comment.