June's Farm Friend of the Month

I almost forgot about "Farm Friend of the Month". So as I was thinking, what would our little farm be like without new lambs? The picture above is "Lily's" little ewe lamb. She always casts off a beautiful lamb and she didn't disappoint this year. The "Olde English "Babydoll" Southdown" sheep is a sweet, gentle breed that area a joy to have around. To learn more about them visit this website, the original, http://www.oldeenglishbabydollregistry.com/

The chicks first outing...

 The chicks are growing almost over night! Today we decided to allow them to venture out into the small run that our overflow coop has. There was much trepidation in the beginning. It's a big world out there!

 A few just weren't having it! They looked from above, stood on the ramp and even went back inside...

...but for the few brave it was an adventure! Dirt under the toes, scratching was done for the first time and one even dug into the grown and stretched out her wing in a relaxed and very chicken way!

Bee Inspections-on the State level!!!

Today we had our State Inspections with our State Entomologist, Mark Creighton. I have been sick for the past two days so he rustled me out of bed at 2:00 p.m., yes that's what I said! I had slept for 16 hours almost straight so I was well rested. We actually had an appointment for Wednesday, so I was a bit surprised to see him. I suffered through, with my head feeling like it was going to explode and got it done.

Needless to say we found some interesting things, I learned a lot and gained a great respect for a man with this much knowledge.

The chicks are growing!!!

The chicks are growing so fast!!! They came here to live on Coon Hollow Farm three weeks ago. It seems like we have two roosters and seven hens. They are beginning to roost when they sleep just like big chickens! The two in the back are different breeds from the rest, can't wait to see what they turn out to be!

Early Harvest gifts from the Honeybees!!!

 Our honeybees have done an exceptional job this year! They are busy busy busy! I have already harvested bee pollen. In this picture, the left pollen is lighter and the pollen on the right is more orange in color. The difference in what the bees are collecting as far as available pollen sources.

 I have been able to bottle some and it is available for purchase. Great for allergies among other ailments too!

We have also harvested some honey that is light but very thick and yummy! These girls are doing so well this year. Connecticut has had a perfect Spring which has helped them thrive.

It just takes one!!!

 The last hive inspection we did, netted just, one tiny little varroa mite on a drone. The first time I ever saw one sent me into a freak out frenzy but now that I know what to do I am okay with that! The most organic way to take care of this without chemicals.

The key is to sprinkle confectionery sugar on them the same day for about 5 weeks. This coats their bodies with the powdered sugar so the mite cannot cling on.
We have the State Bee Inspector coming next week to look at the hives so we will get some test done and hopefully learn a few things about our hives.

Spring Spinning!

Spring means a lot of work on the farm! Time for other things is practically none in the Spring. The other day it was raining so I found myself inside and decided to clean the fiber studio...

 I got to cleaning this and that until I came across this bag of kid mohair in the most delighful spring colors of lavender and a light sweet green as well as a hint of blue and yellow. It was as if I suddenly was a terrier and saw a squirrel! I grabbed the bag and made my way to my Country Spinner wheel.

I spun this in a method of core spinning without a core. The trick is extending the core with your left hand and finger and wrapping with the other hand. It is fun and challenging all at once. So maybe we will get back in that room and get some organization on as long as no more "squirrels" pop up!!!

Good bee news!!!

 Yesterday was full on hive inspections! Hive #1 was hopping with lots of bees, capped brood but no queen, no larva which left me knowing I went a bit too far with trying to stop them from swarming. Hive #2 which had part of the swarm added to it. The picture of the frame was a sample of how amazing this hive is doing. They already have the second hive body drawn out so a super was added! Hive #3 netted an amazing amount of pollen that was in their pollen trap! A second hive body was added to that hive.

Little Hive #4 did not make the nuc process sadly. There was lots of burr comb and sorry girls but that is mine! No bad drawn out comb will be permitted! This will be used in my salves!
Lastly, Kisha's hive is queen right and strong, lots of brood, larva and happy bees!!!

Look who came to live with us!

Last week I got a message from a friend that these little chicks needed a home. Apparently they were hatched in a school in NYC as a class program. It was a group effort to get them here, my friend Cheryl Ann knew and arranged everything and Ellen brought them to me. No one is sure of the breeds so we will have to wait to see what they turn out to be, boys or girls too!