Donkey Care:
Donkeys evolved from the desert; donkeys are not horses with long ears. Healthy young donkeys can usually handle mild winter. Donkey fur is Not waterproof. Please remember extreme wind chill and cold can kill many animals if shelter and preventive care are not provided. Donkeys are stoic, meaning they hide pain. I do not blanket a donkey because I am cold, but I blanket a donkey due to health needs. A blanket is like a fire extinguisher. We have it ready in case of an emergency. Once you blanket any equine, you must check the blanket daily for dampness and rubs, etc.; always quickly replace a wet blanket with a dry blanket. Remove the winter blanket when the weather is back to rain. I do not blanket my donkeys in the rain as they have shelter.
Every donkey owner’s action plan should include preventative action to prevent colic and hypothermia. Think about the part of the world you live in. Do you get into the teens and lower with the wind chill? If you said yes, you need to be prepared for the weather.
Where can I find a blanket to fit my donkey? Order a miniature donkey blanket from my store, Donkey Whisperer Farm ®. Order Horse, Mammoth, and Mule blankets by requesting support; e-mail melody@donkeywhisperer.com. Burro and Standard size blankets: I use Saxon. Ensure you have leg straps, as donkeys can pull the blanket off without them.
How do I keep my donkeys healthy during winter?
Provide shelter to get out of the rain, snow, and wind. Use a slow feeder for three meals daily during extreme cold and wind. Provide clean, warm water and lose granular-free salt with minerals. Add selenium if your hay does not have it, and remove it if it has it. Ensure your donkey has his/her teeth checked by a veterinarian at least once a year. Provide a worming schedule using fecal samples, fecal samples do not show tape worms so always give ivermectrin after the first frost. Overworming creates resistance parasites. I give fecal samples to my vet in the spring and fall.
When does a donkey need a warm, dry blanket?
The donkey is shivering, shaking, and blowing diarrhea, stands still frozen, tail tucked, and the ears are very cold. Frostbite is a significant concern for donkeys as they are more prone to it than horses. Senior donkeys, donkeys with health illnesses such as Cushing’s and endocrine and metabolic disorders, and obese donkeys need a blanket that fits and is ready to go. Donkeys with cushings and endocrine and metabolic disorders need a blanket before the weather drops into the 40s and lower, as these donkeys cannot regulate their body temperature. Obese donkeys can start shivering and shaking from the cold.
How difficult is it to find a blanket to fit a donkey?
It’s tough as most companies sell horse blankets, not donkey blankets. Ensure you measure your donkey correctly to avoid returning the blanket for a new size.
How do I measure my donkey for a blanket?
Thank you for investing in your donkey,
Melody Johnson
