The Donkeys Get Summer Haircuts
As spring transitions to summer and days get more hot and humid, it’s important that all the animals on my farm are kept as comfortable as possible.
Last week, Helen and Dolma from my stable crew gave all the Sicilian donkeys a good summer clipping to remove all the extra coat left over from this past winter. Not only will this help keep them cooler during the coming season, but it will also prevent their coarse fur from matting.
Enjoy these photos.
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- It’s haircut day for my five sweet donkeys Billie, Jude “JJ” Junior”, Truman “TJ” Junior, Rufus, and Clive. They get clipped in late spring so they’re more comfortable during the warm, humid months of summer. On this day, the girls are first.
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- Helen uses smaller clippers to get into tighter spots, such as near the mane and neck. She is very careful in areas with looser skin. The donkeys are very accustomed to getting their coats clipped, so they remain quite calm during the entire process.
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- Helen clips in short strokes to make sure the coat is nice and even. And always take the clippers against the direction of the natural lie of the hair. Whenever the lie of the hair changes, adjust the direction of the clippers.
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- Dolma uses a larger professional grooming tool. It is good for removing large sections of coat, such as on the back and sides.
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- Before clipping a section of coat, Helen and Dolma take time to assess the skin health and to feel the coat for any small abrasions or lumps that could get caught by the blade. If there are any clumps of matted hair, they need to be cut with scissors first. Here, it is easy to see how thick the coat is, and how much needs to be removed.
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- In this photo, one can see the fur as it is taken off. A medium blade is used on the clippers for all the donkeys. It’s also important to stop every few minutes to brush any loose hair from the clipper head and vent. This will help to prevent the clippers and blades from getting too hot.
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- Dolma is also very slow to clip any sensitive spots such as along the belly.
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- Helen and Dolma are both wearing overalls by Dovetail – an exclusive women’s workwear company based in Portland, Oregon. Dovetail’s all-season utility apparel is great for the stable. Helen and Dolma wear Dovetail overalls all-year long. Both Billie and Jude “JJ” Junior enjoy having full sight of each other during their spa treatments.
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- What a big difference! Billie and “JJ” look much cooler already. These girls have such shiny coats too – this is always a sign of good health and proper nutrition. After their haircuts, they are placed back in their stall while the boys get done.
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- Clive, Rufus, and Truman “TJ” Junior are next. Here’s Clive ready for his “spa” treatment. The natural coat of a donkey helps regulate body temperature and protects them from inclement weather and flies, but because my donkeys grow such thick, heavy coats in winter, we clip them yearly to keep them comfortable.
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- Donkeys are herd animals, so they don’t like being separated from other members of their pack. We always keep my donkeys together, so as each one is clipped the others stand nearby.
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- Helen works on Rufus’ neck.
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- “TJ” is so calm waiting for his haircut – I wonder if he might even enjoy these sessions.
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- We like to keep the legs and head as-is to give the donkeys more protection from biting insects.
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- Here’s Helen with Clive. These Dovetail overalls are designed to fit and move easily while bending, shearing, walking, reaching, etc. There are also ample pockets for holding tools and other necessities while working.
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- Dolma works on “TJ” – clipping his back and sides.
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- I think the donkeys are hoping they get some good treats after they are clipped. If clipping an equine for the first time, be sure to familiarize them with the sounds and feel of the clippers before doing any actual grooming. It is always important to carefully introduce new things and activities to them.
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- Here, one can see the clippers smoothly removing a section of fur.
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- What a good boy you are, “TJ” – almost done.
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- And look at all the fur that came off. And there is still more to cut.
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- Here’s “TJ” after his haircut – what a handsome donkey.
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- Once they are all clipped, Dolma and Helen give them a quick brushing to remove any loose hairs.
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- And then Dolma wipes them all down with a damp towel.
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- And here they are all finished. All the donkeys wear fly masks to protect their faces from the biting insects. They don’t mind them at all. These three look much cooler and much happier already!
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- Here’s Dolma with the girls. The donkeys are all off to their paddock for a bit of play time before lunch! Thankfully, the next few days will be a bit cooler here in the Northeast – temperatures are only expected in the low 70s. Thanks Dolma and Helen!
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