The Supply Run: Fueling a Herd of 200+

When people visit Peaceful Pastures, they see a sea of long ears and gentle eyes. But behind those 200+ residents is a logistical operation that rivals a small shipping company. Keeping a herd of this size healthy, fed, and safe requires constant movement and a "supply run" list that never ends.

• The Infinite Hay Loop: With over 200 donkeys, we don’t just buy hay by the bale; we manage it by the ton. A donkey's digestive system is designed for near-constant foraging, and with a herd this large, the "breakfast buffet" is a massive undertaking. Our daily errands often involve coordinating semi-truck deliveries or making local runs for specialized "chaff" and soft-stem hay for our senior rescues who can no longer chew coarse stalks. Seeing the warehouse fill up is the only time we truly breathe a sigh of relief.

• The Science of the Feed Store Run: Not every donkey eats the same thing. Among our 200+ residents, we have "hard keepers" who need extra calories, insulin-resistant donkeys who need low-sugar pellets, and malnourished newcomers who require a delicate re-feeding program. Our supply runs frequently involve loading the truck with bags of mineral-rich supplements, salt blocks to prevent dehydration in the Missouri heat, and bags of "donkey-safe" treats used for training and trust-building.

• Fences, Latches, and 800 Hooves: Physics is a constant challenge at the rescue. With 200 donkeys moving through pastures, the wear and tear on our infrastructure is immense. Donkeys are incredibly intelligent and "mouth-oriented"—if a gate latch is loose, they will find it. If a fence rail is itchy, they will rub against it. A huge part of our daily errands is a "hardware run." We are constantly sourcing heavy-duty gate latches, T-posts, and "no-climb" fencing to ensure that our various herds—separated by age, health needs, or behavioral status—stay exactly where they are supposed to be.

• Medical Inventory at Scale: In a herd this size, we have to be prepared for anything. Our daily rounds often reveal a need for more fly spray, hoof packing, or antiseptic wash. We maintain a "mini-pharmacy" on-site to treat everything from rain rot to minor abrasions. Keeping this inventory stocked means constant trips to ensure we never run out of the essentials that keep our donkeys comfortable.

Running a rescue for 200+ donkeys isn't just a job; it’s a massive commitment to life. Every time we load the truck with feed or haul a new load of bedding, we are reminded of the scale of the need—and the scale of the love we have for these animals. Your support of our $1 Club or direct donations is what keeps the truck moving and the bellies full. We couldn't do this without a community that believes in these 200+ second chances as much as we do.

Donate