Donkeys In The Winter, Learn the truth not the myth about donkeys!
A blanket is like a fire extinguisher we must be prepared in case of an emergency. A donkey who is shaking or blowing diarrhea needs a dry warm blanket. Remove and change the blanket with a dry blanket as needed. Blankets must be checked daily for dampness and rubbing. No blanket is 100% waterproof. When you wash a blanket you must add the waterproof back into the blanket.
Donkeys tolerate cold weather much worse than horses, and older donkeys are even more sensitive to weather shifts. Donkeys die from freezing to death. A shelter is a must to keep the donkey’s ears warm and body. Provide clean warm water daily, salt, and tested low sugar/protein hay for your desert equine. Frostbite is also more common in donkeys and mules as they have long ears. Foals born in subzero temperatures or windy, cold and wet conditions may have problems with frozen ears, and occasionally frozen feet or tail.
Keep two blankets for each donkey:
Change blankets as soon as they become wet, and never put a damp blanket on a donkey. Brush the fur before placing the blanket on the donkey. Try to give your donkey at least half-hour without the blanket on a few times a week. Remove ice from walkways.
Please use common sense if your donkey is shivering, not moving, and shaking get your donkey comfortable as soon as possible.
Remember to train your donkey to wear a blanket when the weather is nice. Why? It’s no fun to try and get a blanket of donkeys in fear of a blanket during freezing weather or an emergency. Go to our store to order Donkey 101 & 102 Video On Demand and Donkey Adjustable soft yacht rope halter with matching lead lines.
GOD bless you and your family two and four-legged!
Melody Johnson, Trainer/Owner