The Complete Guide to Blanketing Donkeys: When, Why, and How to Do It Right

The Complete Guide to Blanketing Donkeys: When, Why, and How to Do It Right

November 2024 - Article 2

Donkeys are resilient animals, adapted to arid climates and capable of withstanding harsh conditions. However, when it comes to cold, wet, or windy weather, donkeys—especially those in regions where winter brings significant challenges—may benefit from extra protection in the form of a blanket. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of blanketing donkeys, addressing when it is necessary, how to measure for the right size, how to choose the correct blanket weight, and practical tips for ensuring a proper fit.

How Donkeys Naturally Stay Warm

Before blanketing, it’s important to understand how donkeys stay warm naturally. Donkeys are remarkably resourceful animals, equipped with physical and behavioral adaptations that help them stay warm in cold weather. Understanding these natural mechanisms can help you decide when to blanket and when to let nature take its course.

1. Coat Characteristics

Donkeys grow a winter coat that provides some insulation against the cold. However, their coats differ significantly from those of horses:

  • Hair Texture: Donkey hair is dense and coarse but lacks the oily undercoat found in horses, which means it does not repel water as effectively.
  • Fluffing Mechanism: In dry, cold conditions, donkeys can fluff up their hair to trap a layer of insulating air close to their bodies. This natural "air pocket" helps to retain body heat.

2. Body Fat

Healthy donkeys typically maintain a layer of body fat that provides additional insulation. This fat acts as a barrier against the cold, particularly when combined with a dry winter coat. However, underweight or older donkeys may lack this natural protection.

3. Eating 

The process of digesting feed, especially forage such as hay, creates body warmth.  Donkeys will usually need more hay in the winter to help keep themselves warm.

4. Behavior and Posture

Donkeys instinctively adjust their behavior to conserve heat and minimize exposure to cold:

  • Huddling: Donkeys often huddle together with companions to share body heat, especially during cold nights.
  • Seeking Shelter: In the wild and in domesticated settings, donkeys seek out natural or man-made shelters to protect themselves from wind and rain.
  • Standing Posture: Donkeys may stand in a way that reduces exposure to cold winds, turning their backs to the wind and lowering their heads to conserve heat.

Note: If you see the following behaviour or posture, it’s time to blanket your donkey:

  • Hunched Posture: Donkeys that appear uncomfortable with their tails tucked and a slightly hunched up posture are probably cold and should be monitored for shivering or blanketed.
  • Shivering: A donkey that is visibly shivering should be blanketed.

Unlike horses, donkeys are less tolerant of wet conditions but more capable of handling dry cold. Their coats are designed to shed light rain but become less effective in prolonged wet weather. Understanding these unique characteristics will help you make informed decisions about when and how to blanket your donkey.

When to Blanket a Donkey

The decision to blanket a donkey depends on several factors, including its health, age, coat condition, and the local climate. While donkeys are naturally hardy, their thin winter coats and lack of undercoat make them more susceptible to cold weather than horses.

It’s also important to understand that once you start blanketing a donkey for the season, you may have to continue blanketing.  Before blanketing try alternate management practices to keep your donkeys warmer, such as:

  • A fully enclosed shelter to protect them from wind and rain.
  • Extra bedding, maybe a nice layer of straw over a thick layer of shavings
  • Providing warm water (heated water buckets are great with integrated water heaters vs. the float type which can pose hazards)
  • Adding extra hay so their internal heat mechanisms can work better
  • Donkey friends so they can share body heat

When to Blanket

  1. Cold, Wet Weather: Donkeys are vulnerable to prolonged wet and windy conditions because their coats are not waterproof. Blanketing may be necessary when temperatures drop below 40°F (4°C) and rain or wind is present.
  2. Senior Donkeys: Older donkeys often have difficulty regulating their body temperature, making them more susceptible to cold.
  3. Underweight or Sick Donkeys: Donkeys recovering from illness, injury, or those in poor body condition may struggle to stay warm and need additional protection.
  4. Clipped Donkeys: If a donkey has had its coat clipped for medical reasons or shows, it will lack the natural insulation of a full coat and require blanketing.
  5. Extreme Cold: If temperatures consistently drop below 20°F (-6°C), most donkeys, especially those without access to a dry, wind-free shelter, will benefit from a blanket.

If your donkey is shivering, they need a blanket.  It’s also important to dry the donkey off (if they are wet) before blanketing them.

When Not to Blanket

  1. Mild Conditions: Donkeys are naturally adapted to temperatures between 50°F–70°F (10°C–21°C). Blanketing in mild weather can cause overheating.
  2. Dry and Sunny Weather: Donkeys in good health and with access to dry, sunny areas usually do not need blankets, even in cooler temperatures.
  3. Proper Shelter Available: If a donkey has access to a warm, dry, windproof shelter and is in good health, it likely does not need a blanket.
  4. Unsupervised Use: Donkeys should not wear blankets if you cannot check them regularly. A blanket that shifts, gets wet, or rubs can cause more harm than good.

How to Measure for a Donkey Blanket

Proper sizing is crucial to ensure the blanket fits securely and comfortably. A poorly fitted blanket can cause chafing, restrict movement, or fail to provide adequate warmth.

  1. Use a Soft Measuring Tape: Measure from the center of the chest, across the side of the donkey’s body, and to the point of the buttock (where the tail begins). This measurement in inches will correspond to the blanket size.
  2. Account for Body Shape: Donkeys tend to have different body shapes than horses, with wider barrels and shorter backs. Look for blankets specifically designed for donkeys, as these will offer a better fit, but are hard to find.  You will typically be looking for “Pony” sizes.  Small standards may start around 48”, regular standards will be around 52-56”, and larger standards will be in the 58-64” category.  Mammoths generally will be around 66-70. 
  3. Double-Check Fit: Once you have the blanket, try it on to ensure it fits snugly but not tightly. The edges should not dig into the shoulders, withers, or hips.

How to Select Blanket Weight

Blanket weight refers to the amount of insulation in the blanket, measured in grams of fill. The weight needed depends on the weather conditions and the donkey’s health.

Blanket Weight Categories

  1. Lightweight (0–100g): Provides a layer of protection in cool, wet, or windy weather.
  2. Medium Weight (150–250g): Suitable for colder temperatures (30°F–50°F or -1°C–10°C).
  3. Heavyweight (300g+): Designed for extreme cold (below 30°F or -1°C), particularly when combined with wet or windy conditions.

Choosing the Right Weight

  • Assess your local climate and average winter temperatures.
  • Consider layering options; a lightweight sheet can be combined with a medium blanket for added flexibility.
  • Avoid over-blanketing, which can cause overheating and sweating, leaving the donkey vulnerable to chills when the sweat cools.
  • When you blanket a donkey, you are removing one of their natural heating sources - the ability to fluff their fur and trap heat under it - so consider that in your decision.

Fitting the Blanket: Straps, Adjustments, and Safety

Properly adjusting straps is critical for the blanket to stay secure and comfortable.

Steps for Fitting

  1. Secure the Chest Straps: Start by fastening the chest straps. They should be snug but not tight, allowing enough room to slide one hand between the strap and the donkey’s chest.
  2. Adjust Belly Straps: Belly straps should be adjusted so that they are snug but allow about a fist’s width between the strap and the donkey’s body. This prevents the straps from hanging loose, which could cause the donkey to get its leg caught.
  3. Fasten Leg Straps (if applicable): In the horse world, leg straps are crossed between the hind legs. While this works for donkeys, geldings may not appreciate the straps rubbing on their underside.  We will often run the straps around the thigh instead. The straps should be loose enough to allow free movement but tight enough to prevent the blanket from slipping sideways.
  4. Check for Rub Marks: Observe areas like the shoulders, withers, and hips for signs of rubbing. Use fleece padding or adjust the blanket if rubbing occurs.

Safety Tips

  • Always check the blanket daily for signs of shifting, wetness, or damage.
  • Remove the blanket regularly to inspect the donkey’s coat and skin.
  • Avoid leaving leg straps too loose or too tight; both can pose risks.

When to Remove the Blanket

Blankets should be removed under the following circumstances:

  1. When the weather warms up or becomes dry and sunny.
  2. If the blanket becomes wet or soiled.
  3. To allow the donkey’s coat to breathe and be inspected for skin issues.

Regularly removing the blanket and allowing the donkey to move and roll naturally is essential for their physical and mental well-being.  Also, helping the donkey to “re-fluff” their hair is usually appreciated.  You can do this by running your fingers or a brush through their hair to give it back some of its natural lift.

Additional Tips and Tricks

  1. Introduce Blankets Gradually: Donkeys new to blankets may need time to adjust. Allow them to inspect the blanket before putting it on.
  2. Choose High-Quality Materials: Look for blankets made of durable, waterproof materials like ripstop nylon with breathable linings to prevent moisture buildup.
  3. Keep Spare Blankets: Have at least one spare blanket available in case of damage or prolonged wet conditions.
  4. Clean and Maintain Blankets: Regularly clean blankets to remove dirt, mud, and sweat. Follow the manufacturer’s washing instructions and re-waterproof as needed.
  5. Avoid Over-Blanketing: Overheating can cause discomfort and health issues. If in doubt, use a lighter blanket or provide access to a windproof shelter.
  6. Order in the Spring or Summer: Finding donkey sizes can be challenging. The best time to do this is when the demand is low (after winter). You may also find great sales on blankets during the late spring and early summer. 

Conclusion

Blanketing donkeys is not a one-size-fits-all process. Factors like weather, health, age, and individual needs play critical roles in deciding whether a donkey should wear a blanket. By understanding when to blanket, how to measure and choose the right blanket, and ensuring proper fit and maintenance, you can provide your donkey with the protection it needs during harsh weather conditions. Always monitor your donkey’s comfort and health to adjust your approach as needed, ensuring they remain happy and healthy throughout the winter months.