Frequently Asked Questions

What are the rescue’s most needed donation items?

Hay, Hay, and more HAY! That's our biggest expense. Funds for veterinary and farrier bills as well. We are always on the lookout for livestock panels and livestock three-sided shelters. The rescue desperately needs a flatbed trailer for moving hay and supplies. In the summer, fly spray is always a big expense.

Please visit our Donation Page to see how you can help out our asses!

Are donkeys horse companions?

While donkeys have oftentimes been seen as low cost alternatives to owning a second horse, donkeys are a different species with unique dietary and social requirements that are best met by living with other donkeys and being on a “donkey diet”. We do not adopt out donkeys as horse companions. When we have appropriate mules, we do adopt them as horse companions due to the fact that they are raised by a horse dam and therefore feel comfortable with horses. Because they are half donkey, mules do, however, need their diet and weight managed more than most horses and adopters must be ready and willing to do so with guidance from the rescue. 

Can I adopt a single donkey?

Only if you have an appropriately managed/cared for donkey or donkeys already as companions for the single donkey. 

Do you adopt out “guardian donkeys” for livestock?

No, no and NO! Donkeys not only have a vastly different diet than other livestock species, but they also need other donkeys as bonded companions. Donkeys are known to also harm other livestock species, especially smaller and newly born animals.

Are your donkeys used to dogs?

We do not test out donkeys with dogs, as this oftentimes leads to tragic outcomes and expensive vet bills. Donkeys often consider dogs to be predators that need to be eliminated, and dogs can chase donkeys and cause serious injury as well. We never suggest having dogs and donkeys together in a pen where they can interact. Donkeys oftentimes also chase cats and other small animals, although they rarely catch them, and cats learn quickly to stay away from mischievous donkey hooves.

Can I put donkeys on a lush pasture?

No! Donkey's are desert animals and do best in a desert-like environment. There are very few pasture situations in CO that will support a donkey’s needs nutritionally without overfeeding them and causing serious medical issues. We require there to be a dry lot (a paddock free of grass or will be free of grass in a day or two eaten down) of an appropriately large size that the donkeys can get up to a gallop easily. Pasture is generally safe midwinter after a good, hard freeze when it is long and straw-like. Donkeys may still need to be observed closely for weight gain even then. 

Do donkeys cost as much as horses to keep?

Yes and no. They eat much less than a horse of similar size, and need stemmier hay (usually), but they have exactly the same needs in farrier work, vet work, and can contract/develop any of the diseases horses get. 

My donkey lost his friend, can I borrow a donkey short term?

If we have an appropriate donkey to fit with yours that isn't quite adoptable yet, yes. You would be considered a foster home. Potential fosters need to read over our foster requirements and see if they meet them. 

Can I come visit the rescue just to meet donkeys?

Unfortunately our rescue is small and on a private property, so for the privacy and peace of the residents we do not offer tours at this time. Potential adopters who have been approved to visit specific animals can make appointments to visit those animals. 

If we adopt animals from the rescue can we sell them later?

The rescue requires all animals adopted to either return to the rescue in the case that the adopter can no longer keep them, or the adopter can act like a foster through the rescue and help find an approved home for the donkey(s). This ensures all of the animals who come through the rescue always have the safety net of the rescue to rely on as a backup home. We also never allow the separation of bonded pairs of donkeys. 

Do you adopt out of state?

Occasionally if the home proves to be a perfect fit for the animal(s)!

Do you take volunteers?

At the moment, we do not, except for training volunteers who have extensive experience working with feral/unhandled donkeys, who can join weekly training sessions. We occasionally put out a call for help with moving hay or other barn projects, but because of where the rescue is located, on a small private property, we do not have volunteers coming and going when there are no staff present. While we appreciate everyone who wants to volunteer, the location of the rescue is not ideal for volunteers to be coming and going.