The Salt Ranch Adventures
I love to write! I kept a journal my entire life - until we moved to Salt Ranch. I guess the creation of this blog is the outlet that has replaced that habit - I’ve been documenting everything since we moved in!
I’m a mother and wife, business owner, sister and daughter on a daily basis… our cozy compound consists of eight of us including my husband, two children, my parents, brother and Manny (not pictured !) I have a small business in California, so I switch between those roles all day. It’s exhilarating! (and sometimes stressful, and overwhelming, and exhausting, but never mind that!)
Salt Ranch - a.k.a “The compound” - is a frenzy of ongoing activity. We have a lot of animals, a sizable garden, wood shop, metal shop and visitors all the time (we love to entertain.) We are not a Homestead. We don’t strive to live off grid or be self sufficient (although it’s kind of comforting to know that you could if you had to.) Our first goal is to create a magical environment for our family. Our second goal is to have the compound bring in just enough money to support its growing operational cost. To this end we dabble in all sorts of things. We sell eggs, we breed animals, raise food, and make craftsman level products.
This blog is just a by-product of my need to chronicle our adventures, to share the research that I do, and the insistence of our friends that enough of you will be interested to experience it along with us!
Enjoy!!
What you need in your goat birthing (kidding) kit
Breeding goats can be really stressful, but it can also be so awesome if you are properly prepared. Having your kit ready to go is critical in ensuring safe deliveries of all your kids.
Broody Hens Again!
Brooding hens are contagious, so it is important to stop it before it runs rampant. Learn the best way to do that here.
Weekend Gardening and Swale repairs
A few snapshots of our weekend. Fencing, Swale’ing’, Pruning and Goating… so much fun to maintain and create here!
Our Swaleure
Dealing with rainwater run off is a problem that my entire town deals with. Modeling clay soil and heavy rains make it a constant battle in Sunnyvale - here is how we are fairing.
The business of making bunnies in an outdoor run
What to expect when you are breeding rabbits living in a run!
What you should know before coveting a family farm…
Farming is hard work - even on the tiny scale at Salt Ranch. From the outside it sounds bucolic, but it is not for everyone. This is why.
Goat Milk- Pasteurized or Raw (Unpasteurized)?
Pros and Cons of Pasteurized vs. Unpasteurized (RAW) Goats Milk
Fighting Bacteria Post Storm
An unusual amount of rain following a huge storm and Salt Ranch is fighting to keep everyone dry and healthy. Check it out here.
Introducing More Chickens to the Flock!
Every spring we add new chickens to our flock. This spring was unusual because we rescued some chickens from a friend who just couldn’t keep them any longer. See our quick set up here.
Our Raised Beds and Chicken Moat
Preparing a garden to grow in Texas Black Gumbo and Blazing summer sun.
Power Washing our Chicken Coop
Learn why proper sizing and spacing of chicken roosts is important for the health and safety of you and your chickens.
What is The Best Bedding for a Chicken Coop?
We have tested so many different bedding types and here is our winner…
Spring cleaning Fall Leaves on a 74° winter day.
What we can accomplish in an hour around here is impressive - espcially when the weather is right. Don’t rake your leaves in the fall and reap the rewards later.
