Random BS

So this is a satellite image of our property as you can see there is a creek that runs across the front and a small plateau in the back. From what I gather the creek is seasonal but until a well is dug we will be incorporating water storage tanks and collection, for us and the animals. My biggest concern is for my alligator making sure he gets enough heat and light. Running off of solar and propane we will have to rely on the windows for UV light and with a little extra insulation from a straw or hay wrap we should be good. My gators name is cuddles and will be the first critter set up for or little zoo. However there will be no petting him. We are considering several animal for this part of the business but haven't really decided on anything final yet. Likely we will talk to people in the area and get a feel for what they would like to see and get close to.

I have started a couple types of apple trees from seed, the cherry didn't take, and will be putting a small green house on the land where I will grow these trees and some other garden items for consumption including herbs and likely some tuber vegetables.

We will have a couple of chickens and ducks for eggs and eventually meat.

There is a lot to consider and more to do we have started several lists and think of more stuff every day. I am looking forward to the hard work ahead .

Ostrich Egg Art

One product we will be offering once we get up and going is ostrich eggs, both ornamental and for food ( one ostrich egg is equal to twelve chicken eggs, that's some omelet!!) The shells are very thick and make them perfect for carving, and their size make for great detail. We will be perfecting our technique using less expensive chicken and duck eggs. We figure if we can carve a little egg, we can carve a mega egg.

Wild Horses

As i have been checking news articles and such for the area I have found that the BLM is considering thinning the wild horse population by putting them down. When we move; within the first year, after building the necessary structures and fencing. Michael and I will be adopting at least two from the Winnemucca district office, where they take the horses after capture. Anyone reading this with facilities and enough money and time to care for a horse I would encourage to do the same. I know as humans push in wildlife is pushed out but I really hate to see them killed just so someone can have some more land.

Recycling a camper

This will be our home while building is taking place during the first three years. Very small and cozy for two adults but we really love each other and spend time just hanging out in our camper now so it will be OK.

This is a 18 foot camper i got from a junk yard for $400. It was in horrible shape and in need of major work. For the last 8months we have been tearing it apart and putting it back together. We are almost done with it just need a few more solar panels and batteries and some paint.

The counter top my girlfriend picked up at a discount store for $35 dollars; most of the storage is under the bed which is covered with down comforters to keep us warm on desert nights. We will also be wrapping the camper with bails of straw at least up to window level for extra insulation. I spent some time out in deathvalley when i was in the army and beleive me it gets cold.

Introduction to a green ostrich ranch

Well let's see, last year we purchased 20 acres in Nevada's' Pilot Valley and will be making our first trip very soon. On this visit we will be exploring the landscape and planning for our future home.

With everything that's going on in this country and no less the planet we feel it's important to take extreme steps toward green living. Planning on building a self sufficient ostrich ranch and possibly a small petting zoo as well where visitors will be welcome.

Currently I am looking into organic building techniques and want to build in a style known as earthbag. Using composting, solar power and wind generators; we want to stay off grid.

We will be posting as research continues, including photos and new ideas as they come in.

Any advice or comments are welcome. michaeltimestwo@yahoo.com