Blanketing Donkeys:
Owning a donkey is challenging, as most halters and tack accessories are made to fit a horse, not a donkey. I make custom adjustable premium soft yacht rope halters with matching lead lines to fit Miniature, Standard, or Burro donkeys aged six months to full-grown. Baby donkeys, mammoth donkeys, mules, and horses can choose to build a halter/lead line. I teach you how to measure the head for a perfect custom fit.
A blanket is like a fire extinguisher; we have it ready for emergencies. Please remember that two blankets for each donkey are essential, as no blanket is 100% waterproof for the entire winter season. Leaving a wet blanket on any equine can cause hypothermia and trigger laminitis, which can contribute to colic and death. Please understand that donkeys are stoic and will never show any sign of sickness or pain until, in most cases, it is too late. Remember, all blankets for donkeys need leg straps, as donkeys are masters at taking the blanket off. Donkeys cannot handle freezing weather (teens and 0 and below), as well as horses. Donkeys need a slow feeder to keep warm, warm, clean water, shelter, and a blanket during extreme cold weather.
There are signs that a donkey needs a blanket: Shivering and shaking, blowing diarrhea with no food changes, and standing still frozen with a stare off into space. Hurry and get this donkey warm as soon as possible. If you do not have a blanket, bring the donkey into your home.
How Do I Measure A Donkey For A Blanket?
Did you know blankets are made for horses, ponies, and foals? Yes! Due to the donkey having a small chest, not having any withers, and a round belly, it can be a challenge to get a good-fitting blanket that is quality for a donkey. Again, we must measure and find quality blankets before the emergency hits. I attach the leg straps as donkeys love to grab the blanket in play. The straps keep the blanket on. I am excited to share that Kensington Protective Products has promised to make custom donkey blankets to fit a donkey, not a horse, soon.
Blanketing Donkeys In The Rain:
No blanket is 100% waterproof in the rain. I do not blanket in the rain unless I have a sick donkey, cushings or obese can not regulate body temperature. Please check the blanket daily and change to a dry blanket as needed. I provide shelter for my donkeys in all seasons. Place hay, water, and salt into the shelter so the donkeys are not afraid of the shelter. Watch for a donkey bully kicking the donkeys out. You may need more than one shelter depending on the size of the shelter, herd size, and donkey bully.
Taming the donkey to accept the cloth measurement tape and the blanket can be challenging for some donkeys. I always take my donkeys out with the halter/lead line on and tie them up. I let the donkey smell the cloth tape or anything new. If they fear the measurement tape, I show the donkey it is safe. I put the tape over my shoulders, wrapping it around my body. Then, I do pressure and release exercises, letting the donkey smell the tape and blanket before putting it on.
I am a dealer for Kensington Protective Products. I can sell any blanket, size, or product they have cheaper than the MSRP. Why do I like Kensington? They sell quality products, offer a lifetime warranty, and will send another blanket if the current one does not fit.
I am selling miniature horse blankets for miniature donkeys. Order a miniature donkey blanket with Velcro on the chest and under the belly. I prefer the velcro during freezing weather over fumbling with metal clasps.
Standard and burro donkey blanket order Saxon. Mammoth donkeys ask me to find a blanket from Kensington.
If you need help finding a blanket, just ask. I will try to find the best-fitting blanket available for miniature, standard/burro, mammoth donkeys, mules, and horses.
Read my blog post How To Wash A Donkey Blanket
Melody Johnson
Donkey Whisperer Farm ®
