Rancher Explains Cute Reason Why Newborn Donkeys Have Tiny 'Cinderella Slippers'
They are more commonly known as 'fairy slippers.'
Here's your nature is so cool fun fact of the day! Hoofed animals are born with what is called eponychium, and it's the soft capsule that protects the mother’s uterus and birth canal from the sharp edges of the animal's hooves during pregnancy and birth. It's also referred to as fairy fingers, golden slippers, or horse feathers, and it wears down when the baby animal takes its first steps.
Watch @Cowboymax introduce you to an adorable baby donkey and explain why hoofed animals have this.
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That's so cool and something we never knew about! We aren't the only ones unfamiliar with this, and @Lisamiller comments, "And they say TikTok is bad for us! I learn something new on here every day!" LOL, us too, girl, us too. @J-dubs replies, "Facts. I needed to learn about fairy slippers today. Now my day is complete." @Vallierellis adds, "I've also heard them called fairy fingers." @MichelleW agrees and says, "Max didn't mean to say Cinderella slippers. He was temporarily confused. They are usually fairy slippers or fingers, and they are sometimes called angel slippers." @Smiled also commented, "Gosh that is so interesting! I never knew about this! Thank you."
These little protective hoof coverings start to dry out the minute they hit the air, and less than 24 hours later there is no sign of them. It makes sense that animals like horses and donkeys have them, because we can't imagine how uncomfortable that would be for the mama if they didn't.
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