Sunday, January 28, 2007

Halter Training

We have spent a few days the last couple of weeks getting Nebula used to wearing a halter. First we just layed gloves on her back so she would get used to having something against her body. Then we put her halter on for a couple of minutes another time. Last week MJ put the lead on her and let her get used to it. And, yesterday Carly walked her in a small circle. Nebula is so sweet and gentle. She loves to have her neck and back of her ears rubbed.

We are still modifying the barn plan to be sure to include enough windows and doors in all the right places. I think we decided on painted steel for a building material. It is less expensive than wood and also easier to maintain.

Sunday, January 14, 2007

When can we get a barn?

We met with a renowned pole barn builder yesterday. He is working on a price for a 24'x36' pole barn with an 11'x36' loft storage area. There are overhead doors on north and south side. Two sliding doors under the overhang on the west side. and one slider on the east side. The overhang is 6'x24'. It runs to a small tack room on the end of the building. I'm waiting for the guy to get back to me on cost. He says it is cheeper in the winter because labor is less. (apparently they are all looking for something to do this time of year) Also, the price of lumber is expected to go up this year do to a slow building season last year.
The area where the barn is going to be needs to be grading because it is a little high. The grading guy just left. He will get back to us on prices in a couple of days. With all of the rain coming down the last few days, there won't be any grading this week! I'm very curious about the prices of these things. We may need to adjust the barn size depending on the price.
If it stops raining, the girls and I are going to go over to the barn and start halter training Nebula. I can't wait.

Sunday, January 7, 2007

Soil amendments

After our soil was tested, we found out what we really knew all along. Our pasture is very acidic and not the proper PH for orchard grass. So this morning, bright and early we spread 500 pounds of lime on a mushy ground with a common household lawn spreader. It was hard work but at least we feel like we are making some progress. This winter has been so mild that it seems like fall. The ground hasn't frozen, so it just felt right to go ahead and apply the lime while the opportunity was there. We need to add potasium and phosphorus too, but that will come in the spring when we add another 500 pounds of lime.

Welcome

Welcome to Three Girls Farm blog. It is my pleasure to record and share the daily practices of starting an alpaca farm. So far it has been lots of fun.