When should you put blankets on Donkeys?

[@urhiredhr421]

I've never owned nor will own a donkey in my life. However, I enjoy learning new things and your videos are really well done. Fascinating some of the things I learn here! Russ - Florida

[@nancypowers3700]

Your donkeys are beautiful good looking well taken care of donkeys👍

[@jejosi]

I like to see your 'rain blankets' please. And PLEASE make a video when the foals are born! My experience with blankets is that they do not last long, lol. Bite your friend in the neck and hold on tight while he pulls back, (it's team work) even the toughest material will rip. When the rain or wind is bad they do go into the shelter themselves most times. Thank for sharing by making those video's of your beautiful donkeys.

[@cindywhyte6480]

Great video! I agree with all you had to say. Would like to add that if a person is able to feel with their bare hand inside the flank of the equine it's pretty obvious when they are in need of another layer of protection from the cold. What seems very important as well is to get that blanket off them before they overheat in the morning or as the temps come back up. Thanks for braving the masses in an attempt to help the donkeys ;)

[@71wjoe]

Eric , you're absolutely right . Stay safe .

[@ArielZevon]

We are in the Northeastern most corner of Vermont (VERY COLD!!), and I have never put a blanket on my girls. Just like you said, they go under cover and away from wind and do just fine.

[@ihus9950]

Thanks for sharing, and yes I think your rite, the key thing for a Donkey is a 3 or 4 sided shelter or run in. So they can get out of the rain and snow. We haven't had any problems here in Wisconsin 👍

[@bettyweir3075]

Agreed! The happiest Equines we had were free to roam in pastureland with a 3 sided run-in shelter available for the rare weather occasions when they chose to go inside. They'd happily come running up for feed or petting on a varied twice a day schedule. The orneriest horses we saw were usually those kept stabled inside stalls with feedings that were expected like clockwork. (

[@betsytrujillo6350]

Nice video. I agree about the blanket. God bless.

[@carmendeliagutierrezvera4252]

Thank you for the info ✨I call you Blessed from Waco, Texas 🕊️Jesus is Lord 🕊️

[@jerrykroon6609]

Owned my donkey 3 years - she's the first equine I've owned. I've come to the conclusion much the same that donkeys generally don't need a blanket. Thanks for sharing this video! I was super worried about her that first winter as we're in Minnesota and get real winters here. I blanked her many times that first winter, but have found since then that she just doesn't need it most times... I've only had her shiver once in all these years. I'll blanket if it's going to be -10F or colder with wind, or -25F or colder without wind and it's worked out well. I put up a windbreak, and she also has free choice to walk into the unheated barn and will use it as necessary. Wind is the enemy.

[@bethhoffer8092]

This was a very good explanation of why and why not to blanket. I don’t blanket either of my two mules but they do have a run-in that protects them from the north wind and when the weather is really miserable I feed them and give them heated water in the run-in. I think it’s a good idea to have a blanket on hand just in case one of them would be sick and need the warmth. Both of my mules are out of Belgian’s so they get nice thick coats.

[@surewhynot6040]

Well done my friend

[@GoldieJoRv]

That’s true with horses also.

[@dangowen5367]

Consider a geothermal barn with swinging door entry to keep cold and wind out, and so animals are free to enter and exit whenever they want?

[@corinnecairns1589]

Have a donkey vet says probably age 30+. My farrier gave him to me 8 years ago for company for my Morab mare after I lost her companion mare. Live in Wisconsin. He has never worn a blanket, doubt he'd even tolerate one. They have a large walk-in with an open stall well protected from wind and wet. He has arthritis and poor teeth. Drops cuds even with his hay chopped. Feed a high fiber, no grain no pellets, complete feed as a warm mash. If its below zero, I keep hay in front of them thru the night and give him an extra mash feeding in the wee hours of the night. Last night, -10 was first time I have ever found him shivering. Tonight predicted -18. Any suggestions please?? Let me also add, his haircoat is full and his weight is slightly on the high side of normal.

[@allanlavallee7171]

Have owned horses on the Canadian prairies for fifty years. I only blanket if I happen to haul a sweaty horse in cold weather. The rest of the time they are better off wihout as a blanket inhibits their ability to fluff their coat. So long as they have a windbreak they will be fine. Temps here get to minus 40.

[@princebuster93]

Love your donkeys, you look after them so well, what are their names ? Looking forward to seeing the foals, very exciting. 🐴🐴🐴🐴💕🐾🐾😊

[@rolandrozen]

In Greece we met an easel tightened to a pole. At night we went cycling an took big tomatoes. As soon as he saw us he started wellcomming us very loud and enthousiastly. My dearest memories with him or her.

[@1mtstewart]

How much is a donkey to buy as a guardian animal? Great video, thank you for sharing.

[@WheepingWillow2]

I AGREE. QUESTION: IF IT WERE NECESSARY FOR REALLY COLD, COULDN'T YOU MAKE SOME SORT OF WOOL BLANKET THAT WOULD HARNESS OVER THEIR BACK END TO COVER THE AREA BENEATH THEM, CUTTING OUR OF COURSE AND AREA WHERE THEY'D NEED TO URINATE, ESPECIALLY FOR THE YOUNG ONES, THAT ARE BORN THE WRONG TIME TO GET A GOOD COAT? JUST A THOUGHT. THANKS

[@rosamond3572]

I just want you know that I enjoy your videos. I have few friends that ride mules and have tried to talk me into one. Right now my main riding companion is a tenn walking mate. She is 21 yrs old now and I have had her since she was 9 months old. I have taken her down to Tennessee with my friends camping and riding the trails. She does very good but I would be interested in a riding donkey. Due to her age, I have stepped back on that kind of riding. I would be interested in some advice on where to go looking for a good riding donkey. Thank you for your time. Traci

[@mistysanders2727]

I have a question. First off love your video. I have a 27 year old donkey that has been in the family since it was 6 months old I guess. This past winter, in Tx, was brutal for us all. I have an old, 60 year old barn, has a few leaks, but that is where I put our donkey at. As we have no other shelter for him. He has never really had shelter. He has always roamed with the cows and took shelter under the trees, like they do. But this winter he had ice form on his back and he was shivering badly. He lost lots of weight due to his age and the bad winter. I thought I was going to loose him. He is gaining weight and looking alot better for a 27 year old donkey. I am worried about this winter. They are saying it will be like last year. I don't think my donkey can do another harsh winter. I bought a Shelterlogic 12x15 ft and I am setting it up in the pasture for him soon. Along with fencing it off so the cows don't destroy it. I also bought a blanket for him. He has never worn a blanket. I am slowly working with him to accept the blanket. After watching this video, My question is do you think he should have a blanket, as it is a little heavy but it is waterproof also? When the temps get really bad I will pen him in the small enclosure I am making just for him.

[@mountainridgegear8172]

If equines have health issues, haven’t had a chance to acclimate to the climate, or they are getting up in age, a blanket is probably not a bad idea.

[@johnguillermo7610]

I have a donkey trailer and we live in Marion Texas where up until this northern blast came in, we were in the 70s and 80s and now the temperature is 14° and feels like 1°. When the snow started I ran out there and he had snow on his back and there is still a lot of snow and wind coming through the breezeway at the top of the roof, the snow is blowing in every direction right now so the barn is completely covered in snow so I blanketed him. Do you think that was a good move? After this week we will be back into the 70s and 80s again.

[@carrie9453]

Here in North Florida, close to Georgia, it can go to the low 20s at night in winter. My guess is they don’t need a blanket except maybe our future foal. Correct?

[@JanetOrt]

Excellent video, thank you! I won't call you names lol. I have never blanketed my 25 yo Arab gelding but this year he's lost weight because of the loss of his pasture mate (he now has a mini-burro as company) and later had a predator while he was alone and he ran off his weight for about 3 days. It dipped down to 48 deg a few weeks ago when we were used to 85 at night and he started shivering for 2 nights. NowI'm wondering if I should blanket him this winter. Time will tell. I'm trying to bulk him up before winter to give him the best possible chance to go without a blanket. We don't get that cold though, usually in the 20s and 30s at night and 50s during the day. I'm in northwestern AZ.

[@mountainridgegear8172]

Janet O If an equine’s health is diminished that’s call for extra care and a blanket might be smart. Thanks for not calling me names! 😄

[@JanetOrt]

@@mountainridgegear8172 Yes that's what I'm thinking but I've started a supplement of healthy fat and a pre and probiotic for digestion of the fat. Our winter doesn't typically start until late November/December. Do you have experience and knowledge of a mini-burro? I've only had him since April. I don't know if he'll put extra hair on since he came from southern Nevada. Do you have a recommendation for where to purchase a mini-blanket?

[@maritarenteria6855]

What are you feeding feeding your donkeys in the winter? We're dry and cold in NM. Thank you.

[@itsybutter6836]

I also would like to know what you're feeding them

[@mountainridgegear8172]

They get good quality grass hay. Mostly brome hay that I bale myself. If I am concerned my hay has a low protein content, I will also occasionally feed Purina Strategy, Health Edge mixed with dry COB (corn, oats & barley)

[@meycoe]

your animals look super clean and well groomed compared to many that i've seen on the web....are you brushing them often?

[@mountainridgegear8172]

Lots of TLC. 😄

[@brianflower5490]

Donkeys may not need blankets but the definitely need protection from the rain ,otherwise they will get rain scalds !

[@bonnybjarnason559]

I have a blanket for my donkey but I only use it when her physical condition and environment actually require it.

[@maureen8930]

Do you keep them in stable or shelter area or do you keep them out all year round 👍💕 Ohio

[@katalackatt76]

Hi. Thank you for a great video I leaned alot. Also you said good protein diet, there's these 2 little donkeys in the snow out here with no grass and they're digging in the snow. I really am sad for them. I dont think the people that are caring for them are doing much about it honestly. What can I do to help them. Oh and they don't even have a shelter. They stand by these 2 little trees all night and it is so very cold here in Washington state. Thank you.

[@mountainridgegear8172]

1st, they need hay. The hay will create heat and keep their core temps up. 2nd, They REALLY need shelter.

[@jbbbjj]

1st time donkey owner here and her coat is so thick and fluffy now (December) that she looks like a stuffed animal.

[@itsybutter6836]

What if its 30 below wind chill cold and there is no shelter and not the forage that a donkey should get

[@mountainridgegear8172]

If those were the conditions, I’d use a blanket.

[@TKEnduroo]

Do you feed your donkeys hay only?

[@mountainridgegear8172]

Kimmi I feed Purina Stratgy Healthy Edge along with hay from Jan to about now. www.purinamills.com/horse-feed/products/detail/purina-strategy-healthy-edge-horse-feed

[@TKEnduroo]

@@mountainridgegear8172 Everywhere I have read it says feed donks only hay. I don't know how I feel about that. Lol like I said this is my first Donk and he happens to be a stallion. 🙈😂

[@mountainridgegear8172]

There is no universal way to feed donkeys. There are tons of FB nutritional experts. Beware. Some donkeys gain weight very easily, some need extra feed. I’ve found that supplementing a low starch, high fiber feed helps maintain a healthy coat, higher energy levels and muscle through the cold winter months. Also, if you have an intact jack I recommend gelding him.

[@TKEnduroo]

@@mountainridgegear8172 I am using him as a breeder to have a mule or two or I would geld him. 🤣

[@rachelzurkowski7715]

In winter, do you give your donkeys access to hay 24/7? Or do you limit them? My donkeys have full access to pasture with no weight issues but wanted to know if hay is the same.

[@corbettknowles9942]

I take rescue donkey i dont use blankets on them but have stable that has wind break with enty of steaw for bedding then also have 4 atall horse barn they can go into

[@rolandrozen]

When i was young we had a pony that always stood outside. After a couple of days with heavy frrost and snowmy parents decided to bring him in. The follow morning he was dead in the shed.

[@tommurphree5630]

I don't understand the concept of building up a tolerance to cold . If I go outside without enough clothes on to keep warm , unless I put on more clothes to trap heat I won't get warm . No matter how much I try to build a tolerance . I can't imagine building a tolerance out of nothing .

[@terressasmith9011]

You find no difference in the age of the animal? The health condition? What if the animal cannot acclimate and continues to shiver?

[@mountainridgegear8172]

Yes, those are factors. I picked up a donkey in late August from AZ that didn't acclimate the first winter so I blanketed her. She didn't grow a thick enough winter coat. That was 10 years ago. She does just fine now.

[@allenwalker307]

👍🫏😉

[@steveadams99708]

Serious audio problem!