Life in Borrego Springs on Riviera Farms

Riviera Farms is a unique place where desert life meets the charm of a working farm. Located in Borrego Springs, CA, this arid and beautiful landscape takes our breath away every single day. Our farm offers a glimpse into how animals and nature coexist in the desert environment. The farm is home to a variety of animals, including many chickens, a pig, two goats, two bunny rabbits, six donkeys, three turtles, two roosters (Tom Selleck and Larry Bird), two German Shepherds, a cat named Scout, and a duck named Keke. Each species plays a role in the farm’s ecosystem, creating a lively and balanced environment despite the harsh desert conditions.

Animals Adapted to Desert Life

The animals at Riviera Farms have adapted well to the desert climate. Chickens, for example, thrive in the dry air and open spaces, scratching the sandy ground for insects and seeds. When the weather gets hot, they have misters to help them stay cool and happy. Their lights come on when the sun rises, and we turn them off when the sun goes down so they get enough rest to lay the happiest eggs in the valley.

The pig (Kevin Bacon) enjoys the shade of sparse trees and cool mud baths that we make for him every morning. This helps regulate Kevin’s body temperature. The goats (Tom Brady and Helen Keller) are especially suited for Borrego Springs because they can browse on tough desert plants that other animals avoid. They run around like little dogs—jumping into trees, climbing walls, doing tricks, and always trying to steal the show.

The bunny rabbits (Bunnie and Clyde) make their home in the immediate backyard where it’s safe, lounging by the pool like the bunny bosses they are. They hop over each other, staying cute and cool all day long, especially during the hottest parts of the day.

The donkeys—wow, the town’s favorite! They were born here in Borrego, so they’re locals. Known for their toughness, they provide companionship and help with light farm “work” like being cute, sweet, and loud. They greet visitors who feed them carrots, celery, apples, and alfalfa hay along Borrego Springs Road by their fence. They have three unique pastures, each providing shade trees, structures, and plenty of space to roam while also helping protect the other animals from coyotes and bobcats.

The three Sonoran Desert tortoises are a new addition (named Who, What, and Where) and add to the farm’s unique appeal and diversity. They live in a newly built outdoor sanctuary (thank you, Julie!) with small water features, an obstacle course, a water trough, and custom-built sleeping quarters where they stay at night and during windy conditions.

Keke is the newest addition (thank's for naming her Diego) a baby duck rescued from Lakeside. She’s tiny but has a big voice and an even bigger personality. She’s already stolen our hearts, and I’m sure she’ll steal yours soon too.

Daily Life on Riviera Farms

Life on Riviera Farms follows a rhythm set by the desert sun. Mornings start very, very early to avoid the midday heat. My wife and I feed all the animals fresh water and food. My wife is the hero, she works tirelessly before heading to her full-time job, then comes home and does it all over again. She bakes fresh dog biscuits from scratch, makes the labels, packages them, prepares salts, collects honey, and waters the greenhouse and garden, all from seeds she planted after rototilling the ground herself.

Honestly, it’s exhausting just to watch her go. It’s why I fell in love with her, she’s a force. We’re a team, and we work amazingly together. I got lucky.

We check on all of the animals’ health daily, and all day long, clean their living areas, scrub the barns, stack the hay, wipe the sweat from our brows, take deep breaths, sigh, and keep going.

Sustainable Practices

The farm also focuses on sustainable practices. Water conservation is critical, so irrigation systems use drip lines to minimize waste from our well. Animal waste is composted and used to enrich the soil, supporting the growth of native plants and crops suited to the desert environment. We shovel, compost food waste, return it to the earth, turn it, plant again, and repeat the process, watching it grow, laughing, crying, and always trying our best.

The Desert’s Influence on Farming

Borrego Springs’ desert setting shapes every aspect of life on Riviera Farms. The dry air and intense sun require careful planning for animal care and crop production. Shade structures and water sources are essential to keep animals comfortable. The farm uses native plants that require less water and provide natural food sources for goats and rabbits.

The farm also offers a peaceful backdrop. The wide-open spaces and clear skies stretching out toward Fonts Point create a calm atmosphere that benefits both animals and people. Visitors to Riviera Farms often remark on the quiet beauty of the desert combined with the lively presence of farm animals, the charm of Borrego Springs, and how peaceful life can be, even when you’re working your hardest.

Thank you Borrego, we're in love with you!