What is Forever Branded and how do you play into it?
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Forever Branded is a wonderful program that approves qualified trainers to pick up, gentle, and match adopters with BLM mustangs and burros. They also are heavily community involved, hosting and supporting shows, community, competitions, and the versatility of BLM animals. Through their efforts, mustangs and burros get more opportunities to leave holding pens and get an education, then a loving home. They have high standards for their trainers and the program itself to help safeguard these animals after they've been adopted. I am an approved trainer with them, meaning my facility and myself have been screened, looked over, and approved by the highly knowledgeable members of Forever Branded, as well as personal and veterinary references. I come with years of experience and several successful gentling and adoption cases.
When can I adopt and take my burro home?
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Every burro I pick up MUST be with me no less than 30 days. We typically take 45-60 days to gentle them as we don't rush and also have other jobs/commitments. I will post and advertise the burros as I receive them, but please keep this in mind. Applications can be submitted once the animal completes the training and it can be performed by someone other than me. This is a program rule that I agree with, and cannot change.
Can I adopt only one burro/do burros and donkeys do well alone?
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No! They do not do well alone at all, and most times, not even a horse is sufficient company for them. They much prefer and thrive with at least 1 other burro/donkey. Some exceptions can be made, but rarely. I typically will not adopt a single burro to be in a single burro home. It isn't fair to the animal.
How much space does a burro need?
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A lot. They can do fine living in stalls if you provide a lot of turnout time, but ideally, the more room the better. They do not like to be stuck in small spaces/living areas. They are used to traveling many miles a day in the wild.
What's the difference between a burro and a donkey?
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None, really. Burro refers to a donkey who is feral and lives in the wild. They came from domesticated donkeys and aside from their neck brand and having lived in the wild, they are the same.
What does a burro eat?
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Grass hay. Generally, you do not feed them alfalfa, grain, etc. unless specifically told to do so by a veterinarian. Burros are highly efficient at digesting and utilizing their food, so they can eat lower quality forage than a horse.
Do your burros come ready to ride, kid safe, etc.?
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No. The program I work with offers them a solid start to domestic life. While we do teach them to be caught, be led, tie, load, pick up feet and allow grooming, please remember most were untouched within 60 days of adoption. These skills are all new, fresh, and must be practiced and maintained to retain the training. Having humans touch and handle them is still new as well. We can only accomplish so much in 30-60 days, fairly, with these animals. For the adoption fee of $125, it's an incredible deal for them to come with the skills we teach in the program. Average training costs range from $800-$1,300/month!
Is the adoption fee negotiable? Do I HAVE to do an application?
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No, and yes. The fee goes to the BLM (Bureau of Land Management) and has nothing to do with us trainers. The application is federally mandatory to adopt a BLM burro or mustang. Us trainers cannot alter or change these policies. We are happy to walk you through how to fill out the easy, fast, online application.
Can a burro be a good livestock guardian, and get along with dogs?
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Usually, no. Donkeys do NOT make good livestock guardians contrary to popular belief. While tough, they ARE prey animals and many will be taken down my mountain lions or canines. Many BLM burros will actually stomp, attack, and chase other livestock animals - and especially dogs.
Can you deliver?​
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That depends. We have a family and other jobs, so our time is limited; however, we can usually deliver locally.
Where's the "pretty" burros?
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First off, a good donkey can't come in a bad color. The Forever Branded program specifically enters more common colored animals into the program to give them a fair shot at getting a wonderful home. Our 2 best burros we personally own are "plain grey" and they take care of my kiddo. Please don't overlook an animal based on color!