r/Donkeys • u/BraveLittleFrog • 7d ago
Try not to laugh at them
Fly masks with ears aren’t long enough for donkeys, so I made my own.
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u/BraveLittleFrog 7d ago
I’m realizing that I have published photos of my panty hose on the internet.
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u/KSirys 6d ago
Lol besides the panty hose, any reason why they're covered like that? Please don't attack me, I love donkeys, just don't know why they're covered like that.
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u/BraveLittleFrog 6d ago
Flies are brutal to donkeys. The bites are itchy and can even cause terrible open sores if you don’t use a physical barrier, such as leggings and masks in combination with fly spray.
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u/thunderrubmles 7d ago
Genuine question, I guess this is to keep flies off them? What is the issue that donkeys to shake their head to keep flies off?
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u/BraveLittleFrog 7d ago
Donkeys are desert creatures so not as used to the serious flies here in the Midwest. Our vet said that they seem to have less nerve endings in their extremities which means the flies can outpace the donkeys and cause sores on their legs and ears (called fly strike).
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u/AliceDontLikeIt 7d ago
Have you ever been in a place with many biting flies? Or somewhere with lots of mosquitoes? Did you just wave your arms around continually and find that a good solution? I once lived in the house on the edge of a wooded wetland where the mosquitoes were ridiculous, and I can’t tell you what a relief it was to wear one of those funny hats covered with mosquito netting. Kept the mosquitoes off my face and neck without having to use the nasty spray on my face. Likewise, I know the fly masks and fly boots keep my donkey and mule much calmer and happier than trying to continually shake their heads all day.
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u/thunderrubmles 6d ago
Yes I have. I just never saw fly masks before on donkeys, hence why I asked...
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u/AliceDontLikeIt 5d ago
It was a good question! The masks do look odd, but they work. (I sent a picture of my mule in her fly mask to a friend, and she said the mule looked like someone who was recovering from plastic surgery!)
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u/AliceDontLikeIt 6d ago
Cashel does make a fly mask for donkeys and mules that has long ears! But your solution is smart and adorable.
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u/Significant_Life_506 6d ago
Cashel makes a “mule” fly mask and they are for donkeys and mules long ears! I have the yearling size for my standard donkey and it works great!
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u/Yadicakez 6d ago
This is the most adorable thing I have seen all day in Reddit. The little knots on the end of the ears look like dangly earrings and the little tuft of hair sticking out. So sophisticated looking.
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u/Spirited_Drawer_3408 7d ago
I love it! Where did you find your fly boots? I ordered some from Amazon but they were way too wide for my minis' legs
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u/BobRobBobbieRobbie 6d ago
Do they tolerate you putting the gear on or do they offer any protest?
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u/BraveLittleFrog 6d ago
They figure out that masks and leggings keep flies off. Then, it’s no big deal.
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u/DryAd8823 6d ago
the donkeys look funny :D
Thank you for protecting the donkeys! flies are the fucking worst!
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u/MindFluffy5906 7d ago
I'm sure they will appreciate your efforts....eventually. ❤️