Honeychick Homestead

Homestead, Health, and Happiness


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Chicks arriving soon!

I want chicks, I REALLY, REALLY do! I can’t wait to cuddle those cute, yellow puffballs! What I don’t want is to do is get in over my head!

I’ll get chicks in a few months. I started with bees first, because I want to give them the best chance at survival. Getting a hive started in the spring allows them plenty of time to get established, and store plenty of honey for the winter.

In the meantime, I’ve been researching chicken breeds, and so far, the Orpington is my first choice. From what I’ve read, they are friendly, gentle, hardy and good egg producers. This sounds good to me!

The other breeds I’m considering are Plymouth Rock, and Black or Red Star. Plymouth Rock’s are described as friendly, intelligent, good egg producers and laid back. Black or Red Star’s are also described a friendly and good layers. Apparently, the Red Star’s have different feather colors when they hatch, so it’s easy to make sure you get a female.

I have my coop, it just needs to be assembled, and predator proofed. The hens will be able to roam free in our fenced, orchard area. They’ll have plenty of bugs and grubs to munch on!

 

I’d love to hear your recommendation on breeds, predator proofing, and any other tips for this brand new hen keeper. 

 


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I’m a Newbee!

That’s what the Santa Cruz Beekeepers Guild call first time beekeepers. I’m THRILLED that I’ll be getting my very own bees soon! Having a local beekeepers guild is proving to be a terrific resource for this beginner. I attended their monthly meeting a couple weeks ago, and it gave me the confidence I needed to take the plunge. During the meeting, they explained in detail how to get a package of bees into a new hive. In addition to monthly meetings, the guild has mentors who help those of us just getting started.

Several mentors recently held “bee show and tells” at their homes for the newbees. I was able to see all three types of bees: drones, workers and the queen. I never knew drones were bigger and couldn’t sting! I also got to see various stages of the hive, including one that was dripping honey….YUM! I learned some beekeeping terminology, like brood, and I saw the different stages of brood. I even got to see some new baby bees hatching! I held frames full of bees. I was shocked the mentors and some newbees didn’t wear gloves when working with the hives!  Hopefully, someday I’ll have that confidence too!  In the meantime, I’ll be wearing my jacket, hood, and gloves when I’m checking my hives.

Here’s a couple pictures I took during the show and tell. Continue reading →